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Xander Lees new single titled “legacy act” was released on May 27, 2025. This song is about how some relationships just aren’t meant to be. We are all at a different point in our lives with many responsibilities. Sometimes those who are in our lives may not be in the same place and fail to see the other side’s view. It can become extremely frustrating when those in relationships don’t understand your thought process. But over time it becomes clear that they may just not be for you anymore.   “legacy act” opens up with such explosive and sharp drum beats. I thought this was a great intro to the upbeat sound throughout the song. While this track is about how some relationships fail to find common ground. I thought the feel-good mood was the perfect touch to this song. As it showcases the intense emotions, anyone in this situation can relate too. Pairing with the rhythm of the track was his vocals. There was never a moment where his high energy and passionate voice wasn’t present.   Xander Lee is a singer/songwriter from Menlo Park, California. In 2020 he released his first single titled “Inherit” and has since released regularly. His music is super raw and brings about awareness to issues of mental health and the struggles of young adults. His brand-new release “legacy act” is a pop rock track filled with relatable lyrics. Not to mention how amazing the soundtrack is. Be sure to follow his social medias below and stay tuned for what this talented artist has for us next.   Written By Julissa Garcia FOLLOW Xander Lee: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

In recent years, you may have noticed that country music has been making its way into pop music spaces. Artists like Beyonce, Chappell Roan, and Post Malone have tried their hand at the art and created some truly iconic tunes. We've also seen the emergence of artists like Shaboozey taking over the Billboard Top 100 with, you guessed it, a country hit. So, what's going on here? Why is a genre historically tied to the US South suddenly blowing up all over the world? Well, that's what we're here to discuss. So, strap on your sparkly pink cowboy boots and come along as we explain the rise of country music in mainstream spaces. A History of Country Music It's no secret that country music is a timeless genre in American history. That trademark twang is the product of centuries of Southern and Appalachian cultures. The genre itself dates back all the way to the 1920s, but found widespread traction in the 1940s. Country music's persistence is derived from the sheer drive to play music in any and all economic situations. The parallels to gospel hymns, slave songs, and traditional folk songs are extremely prevalent when you think about the structure and sound of classic country. And remember, the United States is a melting pot. The modern, diverse society we have today ties back to our ancestors from all over the world. Country music holds one of the richest and most fascinating histories of any genre of music, with a winding road lined with ups, downs, twists, turns, and a whole slew of creative artists making something meaningful. Country Music's Inspiration - The 1st Generation Country's influences are boundless. You may recall hearing yodeling when you listen to classic country music. Now, I don't have to tell you that Americans didn't invent the yodel. That credit belongs to the Swiss. However, the actual purpose of yodeling is to communicate and aid in herding livestock across mountainous regions. Of course, American cowboys learned this technique from their Swiss descendants and friends, and eventually, that sing-song sound wound up becoming a vital part of their music. Jimmie Rodgers, who is often considered the 'Father of Country Music' can be heard yodeling in his music from 1928. Country in the Spotlight - The 2nd Generation During the 1930s and 40s, country music's popularity skyrocketed due to radio exposure and the airing of the Grand Ole Opry. This was also the time period when Westerns dominated the Hollywood spotlight. Gene Autry and Hank Williams hit the scene, giving rise to the 'singing cowboy' trope. However, it was Bob Wills who made the most notable contribution to country music in this era. He and his string band brought jazz to the table, creating one of the most beloved types of classic country known as Dixieland Jazz or Western Swing. These small tweaks and different talents brought together made for a vibrant, danceable sound enjoyed at even the remotest of barn dances on the most finicky of radios. The Rise of Bluegrass and Rock and Roll - The 3rd Generation After World War II, country music found its way into poorer communities. While gospel was still a key component to country, Native American and Hispanic influence began making its mark on country sound. It was in the 1950s and 60s that we saw the mainstream emergence of Bluegrass. This genre spawned from the idea of making great music from very little. You can't afford an instrument? That's okay, we've got a washboard. Don't know how to play? That's all right. Sing how they taught you in church. A basic band could consist of a guitar, banjo, drums, and a fiddle. However, any number of household items and combinations were used to make a band and the genre thrived. Bluegrass made its way onto the Grand Ole Opry and the rest was history. However, another genre was making its rounds around this time, and that genre was rock and roll. Electric instruments like guitars and keyboards began to see stages across the US. Rock's influence on country music is undeniable even today, thanks to a little fusion known as rockabilly. Major representatives of the rockabilly sound include Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Rockabilly music would come to be known today as Nashville country and became a billion-dollar industry. Artists like Patsy Cline and Jim Reeves were prominent pioneers of the Nashville scene. Much like today, genre purists from both the rock and roll and country sides would emerge, giving pushback to the rising new fusion. It sounds silly, doesn't it? This sound is obviously country music, right? Of course, the British Invasion of the 1960s influenced rock music in a whole new way, splitting the genre into even more distinctions. Fans of groups like the Beatles shifted to listening to more of that British sound, leaving rockabilly in the dust. Meanwhile, those who believed country music should have stayed traditional and out of the hands of radio producers opposed the Nashville sound as well. However, as you're about to see, music has a way of evolving despite artistic differences. Country Giants - The 4th Generation While 4th generation country isn't quite traditional, it's certainly what most people think of when they think about classic country. This era in the 70s and 80s gave rise to some of country's most legendary artists like Dolly Parton and John Denver. It was the time that introduced the idea of outlaw country and country pop. John Denver's impact on the era included a blend of country, folk, and rock. His song, "Country Roads", is still widely known as West Virginia's anthem across the world. It's recognizable in countless countries, sung in countless languages, as the little thing that sets Appalachia apart, and we think that's really cool. Of course, this was a time when country music was fully commercialized. It wore glitz and glamour as a vehicle for telling its stories. And if you've ever listened to Dolly Parton, you know her glamour discounted absolutely nothing. Her tunes like "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You" struck the hearts of countless listeners. Today, Dolly is still performing, lending her classic voice as a feature to modern artists like her god-daughter Miley Cyrus, Sabrina Carpenter, and even Beyonce. She has even taken part in an EDM record by Cheat Codes in a song titled, "Bets on Us". The Modern Era - The 5th and 6th Generations In the 1990s and 2000s, country music became something of a stadium event. Artists like Brooks and Dunn, Shania Twain, and Garth Brooks became huge. Concerts were selling out like hotcakes, and the line between country, rock, and pop continued to blur. As a matter of fact, some artists began to notice. Shania Twain's 2002 album, Up!, actually had three different versions. The green version leaned more into traditional country, the red disc was more of a rock sound, and the blue version had a rhythmic, international sound reminiscent of Bollywood music. This blending of genres pushed country further and further into the mainstream, opening it up to those who might not otherwise give the genre a chance. After the tragic events of September 11th, 2001 in the US, some country artists took particularly more patriotic turns in their songwriting. It was an impactful event that, for better or worse, unified Americans in a way that nothing had in a long time. Despite country being an age old American tradition, this is around the point in time where patriotism and country music became almost completely synonymous. It paved the way for the connection country has now to American conservatism. Although, not everyone wanted to write about that sort of thing. Country that wasn't patriotic usually consisted of tunes about love, having fun, dancing, or drinking. There were also some stellar girl power artists rising up like The Chicks, Miranda Lambert, and Carrie Underwood, who really gave rise to that 'kill your ex' trope in country music we all know and can't help but sing out when we hear it. It was an interesting time to push the boundaries of being a woman in country music. However, as you'll see, that self-discovery wasn't anywhere close to stopping. Post-Modern Neo-Country - Present Day We've talked about how country music has blended with multiple genres over the course of its now 100-year lifespan, but that doesn't really answer the question of why it's coming back into the mainstream now, in 2025. To answer that question, we have to talk about a few very notable artists. In 2019, A little-known artist named Lil Nas X would release a song called "Old Town Road". You might've heard of it. But why is this important? Well, the massive popularity of "Old Town Road" lent millions of ears to an openly gay, black country AND hip-hop musician, something that Americans were less willing to acknowledge before this release due to unfortunate prejudice and taboo double standards in the country music industry. Lil Nas X undoubtedly started a wave in pop and hip-hop spaces, giving artists the confidence to make the music that they want to make. The newfound freedom that came from this new wave sparked the idea that artists no longer need to be confined to just one genre. Post Malone, a known hip-hop artist, started stepping outside the lines back in 2023 with his country-folk album, AUSTIN . His single, "I Had Some Help" from 2024, rode the top of the Billboard charts for months alongside another influential modern artist. Another 2024 release, "Bar Song", by Shaboozey lit up the Billboard Top 100 upon release with its unique country take on J-Kwon's 2004 hip-hop classic, "Tipsy". This emulation's popularity put yet another black country artist on the map. It brought hip-hop nostalgia from the 2000s and pulled in new listeners with its modern charm. Recently, our resident sapphic icon, Chappell Roan, has released her new country song, "The Giver" to overwhelming praise. Is Chappell becoming a full-time country artist? Absolutely not. As a matter of fact, she did this song just for fun, as music should be, and we respect that. Now, I know y'all didn't think I could talk about the rise of country music without talking about a modern queen, Beyonce. Cowboy Carter continues to be the talk of the internet since its release in March, 2024. Beyonce, a well-known, critically acclaimed, Grammy-winning pop, hip-hop and R&B artist, releasing a country album was certainly a big event, and it's sparked some interesting conversations. While the album explores Queen Bey's Texas roots, some listeners don't consider it 'country enough'. (Think back to the rockabilly discourse of the 1960s.) Of course, Beyonce saw this coming and left no stone unturned. The album includes several vocal endorsements from country legends like Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, and most importantly, Linda Martell. If you aren't familiar with Linda Martell, she was the first commercially successful black female country artist in history. For Beyonce to have her blessing is one of the greatest honors imaginable. Cowboy Carter is more than meets the eye, and its audience knows that all too well. Thank you for sticking with us throughout this essay of an article! It has truly been a labor of love to compile this timeline for you. So, what did you think? Did you learn something new? Maybe you'll see country music in a whole new light. Feel free to tell us your thoughts at any of our socials below. Written By Shelbi Baker Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Rising multifaceted pop artist, Julian Sometimes explores the exhilarating passion that's innately rooted in nascent romantic love. Julian’s debut single, wittily titled as “Buzz,” inspires audiences to reminisce on their own romantic love journeys and highlights the thrilling and iconic love at first sight trope. The vibrant piece captures the transformative and all-consuming force embedded in one’s first encounter with romance. Through its playful lyrics, snazzy sound, and communicative wordplay, the simple word and title “Buzz,” adopts a variety of meanings interlinked with the concept of new and blooming romantic love. The song’s introduction instantly grounds the speaker’s view on romantic connection as an experience embodied by fear and angst: “Bees everywhere / I’ve always been scared / Never been stung before / My friends all say, you gotta open yourself up (open yourself up to love, yeah) / What my friends don’t know is that I caught a little buzz (a buzz).” The keywords “stung” and “buzz” mold the plain vision of a bee stinging the speaker to reveal a pivotal turning point in the speaker’s emotional state. For what seems to be the first time, the song’s speaker has fallen in love. Because of this, the word buzz is defined in a positive light, where intense feelings of excitement and euphoria are bonded with a gentle, subtle, and never-ending reminder of what love feels like.  In a unique way, the singular word, buzz, intentionally shapes a bright and youthful tone to be established. Julian’s rich and smooth sound, both in voice and track, successfully create a lighthearted, fun, and addicting atmosphere enhanced by simple, yet layered storytelling. There are hints of indie pop, smooth jazz, and R&B soul throughout the entire tune, and as a whole the track is surrounded by a strong sense of versatility in both genre and style. This detail strengthens the overall sound of “Buzz,” for its diverse sound leaves audiences in a state of awe and shock. Because Julian’s soft, falsetto, yet equally expressive vocals, is perfectly paired with a warm and stimulating soundscape, its memorable effect on listeners is not surprising but instead appreciated. There is a steady balance at play that instinctively designs romance to be felt and heard via sound. While the song conveys the speaker’s romantic fixation, through lyrics such as, “I saw you smiling / And the whole room disappeared /…/ I heard you laughing / And everything slowed down,” it is directly in the sound where the idea of sunny romance truly shines. The tune is founded by dreamy, echoey, electronic synths that progress and evolve throughout time, and elevate the song’s magical and whimsical ambiance. Its mastered and controlled drum beats, animated chord progression, alongside milky and lustrous vocals, roots “Buzz” to feel spirited and resemble a sensational and engrossing romance. In “Buzz,” first loves aren’t perceived through the typical lens of heartbreak, but are instead embraced for their liberating impact on human emotion. As a listener, you cannot help but to be charmed by this buzzing pop hit. The LA based artist, Julian Drucker, cleverly known as Julian Sometimes, is described as a “pop project” individual that soars in a variety of passion-fueled mediums. Julian’s versatile and ranging history as a film and TV music supervisor, musical theater lover, and now full on musician, has pushed his first single “Buzz,” and upcoming EP projects to defy the restrictive boundaries forced onto rising artists. As a first time listener, I believe Julian’s music thrives because of his mastered and multiskilled expertise within the arts. Julian’s love for music stems from his parents’ musical upbringings and his continuous curiosity for the art as a college student. His musical theater work has been workshopped and executed for audiences in both NYC and LA, and original projects have been explored in short films and dance production companies. Julian’s respect, devotion, and genuine interest for his craft allows audiences to feel his work as a lived, authentic experience. His effortless and buttery vocals, as well as meticulous and electrifying sound production, heightens his title as an artist to feel earned. There is a breathtaking intimacy and rawness to Julian’s sound that is rare, one of a kind. As of now, his first single has gained him a total of 1,208 monthly listeners. I have no doubt that number will swiftly increase. As of 2025, early listeners eagerly await the release of his EP projects. You can officially consider me a buzzing fan. Written By Galileah Sanchez FOLLOW JULIAN SOMETIMES: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Heather Youmans challenges the dynamic of melodic storytelling by embodying the struggles of her triumphant mother, troubled by 2 generations of abandonment trauma. Her mother was destined to “ break the cycle, " despite having “ every reason ” to hate her own maternal upbringing that followed in the footsteps of the even prior generation. Youmans layers a fragile conversation between generations that allows her to empathize with her own mother. Singing in her mother’s shoes, she recognizes “' cause where you came from you were on your own/ and nobody taught you how to be a mom, ” forgiving her grandmother for unintentionally repeating negative family history. She reiterates this as she sings with her mother’s voice to her grandmother, acknowledging “ the same thing happened to you, ” in terms of absent parenting or lack of a maternal figure. Altogether, Youmans’ new release reveals the intricacy of mother-daughter relationships in a way that ponders the merit of generational trauma.  Timid electric strings and ringing vocals represent frail memories and truths within the story of this song. Exuding heavy notes through an unwavering voice, Youmans' cries guide the chord progression of the strings to express cohesiveness after years of uncertainty and inconsistency. She uses a similar tone to emphasize the importance of certain phrases as a ballad-like piano melody cushions her voice. Glossy symbols introduce change of pace and lyricism which adds to the variety, timing, and texture of the track. A relaxed drum pattern offers serenity alongside sharp lyrics that shift with blame and closure. The drums pick up near the end of the track, followed by a flicker of dainty piano to symbolize the delicacy of family, change, and feelings. Singer/songwriter, vocalist, and theatrical performer, Heather Youmans, works from Los Angeles to spread optimism starting with her 2021 project, “Worth It”. Some of her music is featured in Forbes , the LA Times , and the movie “Marley and Me 2”. She sang the national anthem for 20,000 fans at Staples Center on New Year’s Eve, and appeared on FOX’s show “I Can See Your Voice”. She’s most influenced by artists like Sheryl Crow and Kelly Clarkson , but specifically notes that she was inspired by Adele when working on “All The Advice (I Didn’t Ask  For)”. Heather presents with promising potential considering the range of her talent, commitment to honest music, and ability to perform. To learn more about Heather Youmans, visit her socials linked below! Written By Hanna Hathaway FOLLOW HEATHER YOUMANS: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Molly Grace has graced listeners with her new single, “Heaven Sent.” Turning a sexual awakening into a reintroduction into oneself, “Heaven Sent” celebrates love, queer identity, and a rebirth into who one truly is and living that truth. Disco-infused and a flash from the past, this gospel-inspired song has Molly Grace saying that her lover is “Heaven Sent.” Fun, funky, and full of tongue-in-cheek references to all things divine (and even a nod to the hit “Heaven Is A Place On Earth"), Molly asks the question many of us ask when we meet the right person: “how are you real?” With the discovery of “being born again” in her partner’s arms, Molly Grace turns a sexual awakening into a blessed experience. Turning the topic of divine love and rebirthing it into a queer anthem is something that I thoroughly enjoyed when tuning in to “Heaven Sent.” Not only is this song full of clever references in the lyrics, Molly Grace matches the energy with the gospel-backing vocals and preaching on the bridge, rounding out the song well and showing off a smart production and a smart songwriter. Her vocals are consistently powerful throughout her discography, but Molly Grace’s vocals on “Heaven Sent” are a standout, delivering belts throughout the chorus that make it a sacred experience. Standing before her audience “a woman changed,” Molly Grace makes sure that “Heaven Sent” is a delivery of sheer perfection. Molly Grave is a 19-year-old singer-songwriter based out of Nashville. Born in Lexington, Boston, Molly first began to learn guitar at the age of 10, creating a love of songwriting from just four chords. With inspiration from icons such as Lawrence the Band, Renee Rapp, and Remi Wolf, Molly Grace’s discography is full of wit and powerhouse vocals. Audiences may recognize her from her first single of 2025, “F.E.M.M.E,” nearing 2,000,000 listens on Spotify. Hot off the success of her “But I’m a Popstar!” tour and recently announcing her summer tour, “Heaven Sent” is just the start of a Molly Grace summer. You can keep up with Molly Grace’s new singles and tour dates on her social media, linked down below.  Written By Abby Mornhinweg FOLLOW MOLLY GRACE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

philine's newest release, "josie," is an admission of post-break-up clarity. Tending to the pain of heartbreak until it becomes an aid to self-realization is the journey encapsulated in this ballad. Inviting listeners to resonate with feelings of rejection, longing for closure, and contemplation over what went wrong, philine's vulnerability garners trust with her audience. Showing that, sometimes it's only after leaving a dynamic you were stuck in that sheds light on its unique critical failures in fulfilling your needs. In her own words, "the more I healed from it and the older I’ve grown, the more I realize how much of what I had experienced as a rejection from her, was also shaped by my own insecurities." Counting down the opening strums of guitar, philine wastes no time diving into the complications of her past relationship delivering the first line "you could have been a little more kind to me" in her charismatic tone. Switching seamlessly between notes in the first verse, philine lays bare her emotions by putting the focus on her singing and lyrics which are accompanied by minimal instrumental backing. Transitioning into the chorus philine sings a run on the lyric "i'd love to get closure" bringing the sound into an airy vocal space. The chorus brings a fuller sound continuing the guitar, adding percussion, and stacking philine's voice. The various timing of each lyric's length creates a compelling soundscape that satisfies alongside the song's rhythmic instrumentation. Originally from The Netherlands, philine was surrounded by music in her upbringing. Specifically, she was inspired at a young age by her mother's teaching music to young children. Most recently, she opened for Riley Pearce on a short tour leg. Having amassed nearly 200,000 monthly listeners on Spotify alone, her music resonates with a widespread audience. She says that a lot of the songwriting process is mental identifying as a big overthinker. "These songs are the moments when I'm captured inside of my thoughts." Planning her next tour, philine has no intentions of stopping any time soon so get to listening! Written By Azalea Withrow FOLLOW PHILINE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

While loving someone so deeply can bring about so much joy and happiness, for some it can be the complete opposite. There comes a point in many relationships where you simply cannot take the other person anymore. Their actions affect you differently which makes you wonder for months if it’s better to leave or stay and hope for change. But more than often we find that leaving is better. Not because we don’t love or respect the other anymore but because being with them brings sadness. Staying in a relationship that no longer serves you is quite possibly the hardest thing to do. It diminishes your mental and physical health leaving you in the end the only one truly hurt. Ariyel’s latest single “how to be loved” delivers us the message that leaving something that no longer serves you is best.   Beautiful instrumentals open “how to be loved” with an airy guitar and soft beats. Her delicate voice was absolutely amazing in every possible way. There was an intense amount of emotion throughout this entire song. Especially with lyrics like “You don’t know how to be loved / I don’t know how to remind you.” My favorite part about this track was how you could feel the tension building up from the beginning. With a slow rhythm and raw lyrics before the guitar switched to a loud and powerful rhythm ending the track perfectly.   Ariyel is an indie pop singer/songwriter based out of Colorado. In 2021 she released her first single titled “grow together.” Since then, she has released regularly making sure all her songs tell a beautiful story. With her brand-new single “how to be loved” she put so much emotion and heart into the entire track. In hopes that others will relate to it and bring awareness to those in the same situation but cannot remove themselves. I highly recommend listening to this track as well as following the artist below. Written By Julissa Garcia FOLLOW ARIYEL: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | SoundCloud   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

OAKLND's emotional track "we were different" takes listeners through the pain and relief of a breakup. This song shows the complex emotions that come in to play for the person who makes the decision to end a relationship. Setting the scene, the lyrics say "let's find a neutral place outside for this," before delving into the reasons the speaker knows that the romance between themself and their partner must come to a close. With the wisdom that a person should not have to change who they are fundamentally for a romance to thrive, the words "I'm scared to lose what's left of me with you" are a vulnerable reach towards self-care. This somber and delicate song stands in solidarity with listeners going through a break up with its message of closure. Glowing electronic instrumentals meet percussion in the opening of the song before acoustic guitar strumming begins. OAKLND's soft, breathy vocals work slowly through the verse and grow rounded through the chorus. The tune of this song takes on the sound of nostalgia with keyboard, reflective singing, and an increasingly bright sound of layered instrumentals throughout the track. The energy in the song builds upon itself, with the first verse drawing listeners into the intense emotions of the track with a more quiet and deliberate sound. As the chorus picks up and the verses move forward, OAKLND's vocals gain a strength that feel like confidence and honesty fuel the lyrics. OAKLND is an indie pop artist who embraces dreamy synth production in his sound. He draws on influences like The 1975 and Gracie Abrams, infusing his songs with introspective lyricism and dynamic instrumentals. He has supported artists like HYYTS , Folda , and Shears , performing at Edinburgh venues including Cabaret Voltaire , The Mash House , and Sneaky Pete's . In addition to his independent singles, OAKLND has collaborated on songs with artists like Lyncs, Almost July, Lauren Laudermilk, Honestly, and NEWCOAST. His music has been featured by platforms including Earmilk, BBC Introducing, several Spotify editorial playlists like Fresh Finds and New Music Friday UK. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW OAKLND: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook

Love has the power to heal any broken wound. Sometimes all it takes is for someone to reach out their hand, and if you take it, it could be one step closer to fully healing. “THE LOWS” by Caleb Hearn proves that throughout the darkest moments, love can ease the pain the low moments bring. In a period where you feel stuck, it feels like no matter what happens, you’ll never get out. Whether that be escaping a small town, not making career advancements, or not having flourishing relationships; it could all take a toll on your mental health. It’s no joke dealing with the hardships life throws at you, especially when they leave you feeling hopeless and burnt out. Your perception can change and your view of the world around you can warp. Caleb sings about how a new love in his left has helped mend his broken heart. The lyrics from the chorus “When I’m alone/ And freezing cold/ You come home/ And love me through the lows” show that the love this person gives him makes him feel warm. This person is bringing light into his life and supporting him through his most vulnerable moments, which truly is powerful. Produced by Colin Foote, Alex Borel, and Ruslan Odnoralov; “THE LOWS” is a song about how finding one person who sticks with you through your darkest moments is a love worth fighting for. Think of the melody from “Ho Hey” by The Lumineers, the musical structure and foundation for this song is pretty similar. I think the use of the guitar, drums, and other musical elements complement the song very well. The chorus sounds like there’s a choir of people singing with him, which helps add a fuller reverb effect, and I can imagine makes it more fun to sing live. Caleb’s voice is very strong and it’s clear he’s very talented. His voice fits this genre very well, which in my opinion falls under the indie/folk category. Caleb Hearn is a Nashville based singer-songwriter originally from North Carolina. He started posting videos on TikTok which helped grow his fanbase. He now has 1.6 million followers on the platform. He’s a Spotify verified artist and has 3.8 million monthly listeners on the platform. He’s reached an incredible level of success and has songs that have hit streaming numbers in the millions. Caleb signed with Nettwerk Music Group in 2022. His lyrics are open and honest, which is a true testament to his songwriting abilities. He has a way to connect with listeners on a deeper, more intimate level which will only make him more successful. Caleb is extremely talented, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for him in his career. Check out “THE LOWS” and give it a listen! Written By Alexa LaMalfa FOLLOW CALEB HEARN: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

“Like Gelato” explores the actions of being who you are without caring what anyone thinks about you. Bennyvi approaches this track with a lighthearted touch by referencing gelato and being carefree. It’s so hard to be who you are when those around you are constantly bringing you down. When you can’t be yourself there is so much pressure that comes with it because you are always thinking about how you can be different. A million thoughts race through your mind like am I too nice, am I too apologetic, maybe I should change and be more like others. So many things flow into your mind but then you realize changing yourself for others is not the way.   Bennyvi’s voice is so euphoric and strong throughout this track. I simply could not stop listening to it! The drums were so vibrant and made the mood of the song so uplifting and positive. I also enjoyed the upbeat feel to the entire track. The song was super relatable and honest with her lyrics, making it the perfect track for anyone who listens. “Like Gelato” is just one of six songs on her EP titled “Watch Me Now” which all showcase her journey in life so far.   Benedetta, also known as Bennyvi is a singer/songwriter from Switzerland. In 2023 she released her first ever single titled “lo Che Ne So.” Which is sung in a different language and is absolutely outstanding. She is only 22 years old and has already made quite the name for herself in the short time since she’s been releasing. Each and every one of her songs displays a ton of emotions and real-life experiences she has gone through. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend you listen to “Like Gelato” as well as the other five wonderful tracks on her latest EP. Written By Julissa Garcia FOLLOW Bennyvi: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Website  | YouTube

In the modern world, it almost feels like everything is a performance. Everyone has to have the best job, the most money, exciting vacations, and the best group of friends. Furthermore, if you don’t post evidence, it doesn’t exist. Every aspect of our lives are on a stage for others to consume, judge, and comment on. But what if you have something so good you want to keep it to yourself? That is what the song “Safekeeping” by Gillian Krystal is about. This indie pop song depicts the feeling of having a special relationship that you value so much that you don’t want it tainted by the negativity, judgement, and opinions of the outside world. The introduction incorporates an echoey guitar that contributes an almost mysterious feel. As a result, it creates an ethereal atmosphere that helps support the idea of protecting something sacred. The bass guitar that enters soon after assists in driving the song forward and providing energy that does a nice job of complementing the already established feelings within the song. Warm melodies lay on top of the instrumentals and suggest a domestic feeling, supporting the idea of having a comfortable and stable relationship. The vocals show evidence of thorough technicality and fit nicely within the instrumental and create a memorable and high-quality track. Gillian Krystal is an independent singer and songwriter based in Nashville. She was primarily involved with musical theatre before she realized her calling was songwriting. She creates soulful songs with warm melodies and masterful vocals. In 2025, she will release 3 singles as well as perform in shows all over the country. With performances in locations such as Los Angeles and New York, there is no doubt she will be making waves. She will publish news about new releases and upcoming shows on her website. Everyone wants to keep an eye on this rising artist, as she will no-doubt make a legacy for herself. Written By Victoria Fitzgerald FOLLOW GILLIAN KRYSTAL: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

“Let Me Love You” is a refreshingly positive track graced by alluring vocals and a classic story of unconditional love and emotional healing. MATEO sings “ thought my heart would never love again ,” with an unattainable image of love and fresh dose of discouragement. This is contrasted by a remedial love that “ picks up the pieces of a heart that breaks, ” or works to heal MATEO. With a dialogic approach to lyricism, MATEO directly addresses his lover, making the song more personal. The phrase “ we both found love in the darkest place/ and now we’re crawling out, ” was especially influential as it corresponds with the collective growth and repairing qualities of MATEO's relationship. In an auditory space filled with romantic devastation, MATEO offers a hopeful take on love with endearing lyricism. Acoustic guitar with a chanting strum pattern serves as a mediator between MATEO’s rich voice and intimate lyrics. Echoed phrases add a floating effect to the sound, bridged by vocal fluctuations that lead to a passionate exclamation during the chorus. MATEO draws out his voice to convey the pull of emotion, and works with a sweeping drum to create a notable, complete sound that communicates strength. MATEO’s vocal range is commendable with low, quiet vocals that transform into solid, compelling belts during the track. MATEO’s voice is a buttery, reserved, yet powerful advocate for authentic storytelling that encourages listeners to embrace vulnerability and advance with compassion. Altogether, “Let Me Love You” is an invitation to break mental and emotional barriers in order to praise the sensitivity and capability of human relationships.  MATEO is a 21 year-old singer/songwriter from the UK that is quickly making progress as an artist. He started his solo project in 2024 with the single, “Can’t Sleep” and his most frequently streamed song on Spotify is his newest release, “Let Me Love You”. After releasing plenty of songs addressing heartache, MATEO says he's ecstatic to finally write a happy love song. With a sound similar to and inspired by Lewis Capaldi , MATEO’s sound is touching and organic. He started writing poetry when he was just 14 years old to express himself, and now uses songwriting to do the same. MATEO has 30K monthly listeners on Spotify, mostly from Australia and the UK. Keep up with MATEO through his socials, linked below! Written By Hanna Hathaway FOLLOW MATEO: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook