Those anxious thoughts that pollute the mind may just be the saving grace from a relationship that isn't right. "Everything But The Title" by Little Quirks explores the questions and concerns that run rampant through the mind of an overthinker, as well as the need to have a love that is mutually full of all-consuming devotion. Anyone who suffers from anxiety, especially in a social context, can relate to the powerful lyrics of this track: "I've been making myself sick from always thinking all the time." Repeating the words "did I" across questions of self-doubt and rethinking recent conversations, the words take listeners into feelings of uncertainty surrounding a romance. The speaker of this song delves into their own vulnerability with statements like "I want this and I want love" alongside worries about their thought patterns like "I'll always be this way". Shutting down the possibility of a partner who lacks devotion, the speaker boldly asks "do you care if it's not us?" The sound of this song blossoms from timid to proud, just like the message of the track. The tune begins with fast-paced, soft acoustic strumming and shy, sweet vocals with a high vocal fry. Invigorating drums and resonant electric guitar join the mix offering a warm, rounded feeling before high, breathy vocal layers build to the chorus. With a feeling that can only be described as passionate, the vocals project a guttural and enveloping sound as the electric guitar increases in volume and power. With a sonic experience that holds a story, this track takes on a powerful and resolute emotion of overcoming an obstacle. Complete with ambient vocalizing and resonant changes in volume and tune that will have you hanging onto every word, "Everything But The Title" is an emotional journey of sound. Little Quirks is an Australian indie group with a discography packed with vibrant lyricism and genre-blending folk and pop-rock style. The band is made up of five members with Abbey Toole on vocals and guitar, Jaymi Toole on vocals and mandolin, Mia Toole on drums, Alex Toole on bass, and Jordan Rouse on lead guitar. The group has taken the stage at events like River Fest in Rockhampton and BIGSOUND , and is currently touring Australia supporting artists including Cat Empire, Sarah Blasko, and Rob Thomas. Fans of First Aid Kit and Paramore will love the engaging sound an entrancing stage presence of Little Quirks. Check out the links below to keep up to date with their music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW LITTLE QUIRKS: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Coming back with full clarity and a new vulnerable approach to his sound, rising star Dax has released his first song of 2025, "Man I Used To Be". After having a lot of internal battles and struggles with alcohol, Dax made a promise to himself that he wouldn't release a new song until he was six months sober. Spoiler alert, he made it - and the beautiful track "Man I Used To Be" is the result. Opening up about his personal life and his reclaiming faith, Dax steps away from his usual hip-hop style into raw soul. Dax is well known for his rapping and ability to spit bars that hit right in the heart. His powerful lyrics are hard to find in today's hip-hop culture; but one thing I've personally always wanted to hear is something more stripped down, because I don;t know if you've noticed, but Dax can SING . "Man I Used To Be" shows off Dax's raw, stunning vocal timbre, full of pure emotion and soulfulness. Produced by Jimmy Robbins , instrumentation gently carries his voice and his heartfelt words along in a classic RnB/Soul groove of guitar, bass and drums with background vocals to add some punch. Dax is a versatile artist based out of Wichita, Kansas. He debuted in 2017 and has been taking the world by storm with his honest and relatable music ever since. He writes from the heart about his own personal life experiences, which has resonated with people on such a deep level for years, gaining millions of streams across all platforms and over 3.7 million monthly listeners on Spotify. After his soul-searching journey leading to the release of "Man I Used To Be", Dax also plans to go on a headlining tour this October, titled the "Lonely Dirt Road Tour", as well as release even more new music. Make sure to follow Dax below to keep up on his inspiring journey! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW DAX: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube | X

Find solace and peace within Jay Putty’s “If We Go Down”, a freeing and electrifying new pop anthem. Putty’s latest single takes the sensations of taking a thrilling leap, or reaching out to a trusted loved one, and puts it all into one track. “If We Go Down” is an upbeat, undeniably happy testament to someone who’s treasured and knows you best out of the people in your life. Putty describes intense, rushing feelings toward someone who he’d practically do anything for – something a lot of people can relate to and want to throw themselves into. In addition to creating a song that is immersive, the sound behind “If We Go Down” is nothing short of a journey and brilliantly paints a clear picture of young love. “If We Go Down” is a promise to stick by someone’s side, no matter what, as well as a fun & adventurous look into what a true connection can look like. While taking a chance on someone can be intimidating, you won’t get the chance to experience these feelings otherwise, and “If We Go Down” cleverly intertwines an irresistibly catchy tune with a needed reality check. “If We Go Down” may serve as a strong, full-bodied pop anthem about love and commitment, but one of the ways Putty utilizes his songwriting talents is by acknowledging both the bad & good in romantic relationships. Instead of creating an unrealistic, fantasy-type world through his music, Putty is taking the scary & intimidating parts of life and turning them into something to look in the eye and – almost – celebrate. He discusses of giving this person a safe place to “rest their bones” while additionally facing the unknown together, showcasing that he is in-tune with the reality of having a relationship as well as how to write a song that touches the hearts of listeners. Though Putty has a thrilling, purely fun vibe and puts his own spin on pop love stories, this track reminded me of artists such as Jack Johnson, ABBA, and Billy Currington. His sound on “If We Go Down” takes the lightheartedness and laid-back nature of these artists and combines them with a sound that transports you to a view of the ocean shore, the back of a car with the roof down at sunset – anything that reminds you of a paradise-type experience. While phrases such as “jumping off the deep end” and “nights are long and cold” provide clear pictures to transport listeners elsewhere, it doesn’t hurt that Putty provides controlled, smooth vocals alongside endlessly catchy instruments to just emphasize this world of his own. No matter what may come next for Putty, it’s evident that he will provide the ability to draw listeners in with his charm, an open heart, and a purely infectious vibe. Jay Putty is a singer-songwriter and artist from Indiana. Now based in Nashville, Tennessee, Putty has built himself a loyal following and solid relationships with his fans through blending sincerity with a never-ending work ethic. Building his platform on authenticity, Jay has also secured major brand placements with brands such as Busch Gardens, Ralph Lauren, and DraftKings, showcasing his versatility and range as an artist & creative. From originally being a serious athlete in small-town Indiana to picking up a guitar following sports injuries, he has transformed his passions into purpose. No matter if he’s writing a song or catching up on a movie (he’s a huge movie buff!), he’s bringing a genuine, curious energy to anything artistic and channeling that into his music. While he is crafting a song, his overall goal is to be uplifting as well as introspective. Combined with his authentic nature, Putty is taking the music and Nashville scene with his head held high. Written By Madison Spies FOLLOW JAY PUTTY: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Photo Credits: Knowyourbassplayer.com Counting Crows was one of the most ground breaking bands to come out of the 90's. With radio hits like "Mr. Jones," "Round Here," "A Long December," and "Hanginaround" just to name a few, comes a band from humble beginnings and after speaking with Matt, seems like even more humble musicians. Matt was the bassist in the band from 1991 to 2005, which is notably one of the highest points in the band's career. Matt and I talked about projects that he's proud of, yoga and meditation, music that inspired him, his love for aviation as well as the thing that bridges our generational gap - our love for Counting Crows.  Mr. Dog and Early Beginnings:  B: I wanted to talk to you about the band, Mr. Dog. You talk about it being one of the proudest projects you were a part of. What was that experience like and what made it so great?  M: Mr.  Dog  was the band right before Counting Crows.  It  was a band that when the singer broke it up, it really broke my heart. That was the greatest band I ever played in that the world didn't know about. In the same way that Dave Bryson, who partnered with Adam, he partnered with a guy before that named Michael LaBash. Michael was a lot like Peter Gabriel or Brian Ferry. It was the mid to late 80s, so Mr. Dog was very much an 80's band with a synthesizer. After we broke up, for months there, all I felt was a sadness and a loss because the band was so good. They weren't good in the sense that we can play jazz or we can play all these hot licks but they were good in the sense that there was a vision . This guy Michael had a vision of how  music should sound and we were all very happy to help him paint his picture. There's a song that Counting Crows did with Adam called “Love” or “Only Love,” and that was actually a Mr. Dog song. The original version is somewhere to be found on YouTube.  B: What genre was Mr. Dog? Was it rock? M: It was rock music but heavily affected rock music with synthesizers and a gated snare drum, which is the classic 80s sound, with a gated reverb on the snare. The drummer played electronic drums mostly.  B: You've mentioned before that when you were 27, you were planning on moving to Oklahoma to go be an air traffic controller? How did that come about? M: In fact, I was at a crossroads where I literally had to make a decision. I was going to become an air traffic controller because I love airplanes and I've always loved airplanes. I used to build models when I was like 12 to 16. I would build all the World War II fighter planes. There’s a beautiful plane called a Spitfire. It had these elliptical wings and I remember my heart would ache at the beauty of the wings of a Spitfire as I would build a model. I genuinely love airplanes. I’m a lifetime aviation nut and I was going to become an air traffic controller because of the security of that. I was 27, I still hadn't done anything with myself. My parents were getting sad that I'm still in the house. I was happy to go get a career in something and I almost did it. I was at a crossroads because the band was about to sign to a major label and it's a big commitment. It means I'll have to put off being an air traffic controller and then I'll be too old to get hired. You can't get hired at 30 because you need to put in like 20 or 30 years for the career. But a friend of mine, this lady that I do this type of meditation with as I'm spiritual and I go to India, told me about this story. It might be a Christian story. It's about this dude in a house and this flood comes in. You’ve probably heard this, but the flood comes in and then starts going all over his house and it floods his living room. So he ends up on the roof of the house. He's thinking “I'm probably going to die. God, please help me.” And he's waiting for this opportunity to show up. So a boat comes and they say, “Hey, get in the boat we'll help you.” He said, “No, don't worry, God's going to help me.” So then a helicopter shows up and drops the hook and he says, “No, no, I'll wait, God's gonna save me.” So he dies. He goes to heaven and he says, “God, why didn't you help me?” And God said, “Well, I sent a boat and a helicopter.”  Which meant to me that she was saying this band is here and they're signing with a major record label. Just do it, you know? I'm so glad I took her advice. B: Coming from somebody who wants a creative career path, when you start getting closer to 30, it feels like you have to make some decisions. In your case, was it really just that push that you needed to make that decision to go with Counting Crows? Because you had already been with other bands and you had given them a shot. Did it feel the same doing that with Counting Crows? M: Having a record deal is a really big shot but it doesn't mean we made it. It means we get a really nice slow ball and we can hit it out of the ball park - if we're lucky. But right now we're up to bat. That's all a record deal means. But I never had that - none of us ever had that offer in our lives. So I knew that things were different, but I also knew that even though we're going to get signed to a major label, the chances are one in a million where we're gonna have a hit record. I was shocked - all of us were shocked because we didn't make a record for it to be a hit. We obviously didn't sound like Nirvana, which was selling at the time. We made this folky-acoustic album,  August and Everything After  but it became a hit. I remember that when we had that opportunity, it wasn't an easy decision because becoming an air traffic controller meant security. I remember thinking about how I can have a little condominium, a new car and I could eat out at a restaurant ordering what I want. It was that compared to living with my parents or working in a McDonald's or something. I mean, it was just a life raft. I picked the risk over the life raft and thankfully, it worked. But I tell you, 27, you're still a kid. Don't pressure yourself too hard.  Malley pictured with accomplishments with the band. Photo Credits: Ampeg Facebook Page B: I'm sure a lot of people probably ask what you would do differently if you could turn back time but in your case, I would like to think you wouldn't do anything different because it turned out pretty great. Was there any piece of advice that you've learned along the way that would've put your anxieties at ease early on?  M: If there’s something I could tell your generation it would be to go easy on yourself. Don't be hard on yourself because when life happens to you and you inherit the world, which you're about to do, your job is often not your plan. Oftentimes, people fall into careers that they didn't go get their degree for. Things happen by mistake. You just fall into these other things and as long as you have your antenna up and your desire is there to do something with yourself and not just be a vegetable or a drug addict or something, the world is going to present itself to you. Opportunities are gonna come and when you see them, grab them. See what happens but go easy on yourself. I was so hard on myself. I hated myself for living with my parents. Now I look back and one of them is gone. My mom's 97 now and has dementia. I think those were golden times. I had no worries, even when I was in my mid-20s and all my friends were embarrassed for me. I've learned that in India, you live with your parents until you're married, so that uniquely kind of white European-American culture is how you have to move out of the house and make something of yourself like the rest of us. That weighed war on me.  It made me not like myself. If I could do it again, I'd just appreciate that my parents let me stay with them. And I would have picked different friends that wouldn't have given me a hard time over something like that.  B: That’s good advice. It's good to just hear also because I have friends who I met when we were all pursuing these creative things when we were in our early 20s but then they've kind of dropped off of it. For me, I just don't really see a life without being creative. I don't know what I would do as a career option if it wasn't writing or music or comedy in some capacity.  M: Money isn't the answer. Obviously, you don't want to become homeless and you don't want to starve. But chasing after money in your life is no way to live a life. Not to get philosophical or anything, and I think everyone knows that innately. For some reason, we all fall into a trap at some point where we think money is gonna be something that we can be secure with.  B: Is there a moment in your career, it could be Counting Crows or not, that felt very defining or you felt like it was a big moment for you?  M: When you're a musician in high school and you go to a guitar center or a guitar store, I would sit down and plug in a bass and I'd place as fast as I could. I would get an employee or two or other customers say, “You're a monster man” or “How long have you been playing?” I would just be doing these chromatic beginner things and hoping I can impress people. Then when I was 28 or something, when we'd started our first record, our producer, T-Bone Burnett, got a hold of me and said, “Okay, slow down. What is Adam doing with the song?” He made me a bass player to a songwriter. That opened the whole other window. He had me listen to a song by The Beatles called “Baby You're A Rich Man,” He had me listen to Paul's bass on that. It's not technically difficult, but what he's doing is so unique, so "in the pocket" of the drums. Since then, I discovered “Midnight Train to Georgia" by Gladys Knight and every bass player should listen to that because it doesn't do anything boring. It also sits in its own zone. It helps everything else with that song and it's a study. That song, “Midnight Train to Georgia" is a master's degree in songwriter's bass playing to me. When T-Bone got a hold of me on the first recording session, that was a defining moment that made me from a child into a man in terms of a bass player. Zeppelin and Mozart Hippies: B: Counting Crows were a huge part of my upbringing. I remember Sunday mornings being cleaning day, spaghetti sauce and Counting Crows. I know you've mentioned before that Zeppelin and The Beatles being those inspirations for you. Was it musicianship that got you interested in them or was it something else? Was it just because everybody else was listening to it? M: That's a really good question. In the case of  Zeppelin, looking back on their mystique, they have sort of a celtic mysticism that they opened a portal to. It’s more than even the band, it's the players. The players are first class players. All three instrumentalists - Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and John Bonham. They’re just the best in rock and roll. Robert Plant is just such a beautiful singer but Zeppelin led me on a path into folk rock. They led me into the folk of England and Ireland - the UK and Ireland, really. That music is like my religion. The main bands of that genre are Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span and Pentangle. They're very under the radar but those are the bands that inspired Zeppelin. Zeppelin is also confused for being a hard hitting, hard rock and even a heavy metal band but they're not that at all. They're more like a “celtic world” rock band than a hard hitting band. They're more folk music than rock. They went into the roots of England and made their band in that vein. Plus, being a Boomer, they're just like one of the classic top bands. The Beatles are like Mozarts that kept reinventing themselves. I mean, if you hear something like “Eight Days A Week,” they're like a boy band but four years after that, you hear “Dear Prudence” and they're just these Mozart hippies. They changed so much in a seven year window. Nobody's like them. B: I don't know how I found The Beatles but I just remember randomly having a CD when I was in middle school that I just played all the time. It was just something I would have on when I was going to bed and it just really unlocked something. I was like, “Ooh, maybe I want to write a song." Then I would try to write my own songs and stuff in middle school. It's crazy. It's such a cool experience, especially with the same band between you and I. That's so cool. M: Yeah! In fact, that’s a great point you make. It's songwriting - that’s what grabbed me as a child. I remember I was in high school, I think, or maybe right after so I was in my late teens. I have a friend who's sort of a music aficionado. He's a record buyer for one of the big record stores in LA now, but he knows everything about everything. Every jazz artist that played in this band and that band, etc. I remember he would tease me because I had the Greatest Hits of The Association . That's a band from the 60s that had songs like, (singing) “Who's trippin down the streets of the city?” Everyone knows “It's Windy.” I was in love with this song called “Never My Love” by The Association and my friend John teased me saying, “Why do you listen to this horrible song? Why don't you listen to Miles Davis?” It's because the songwriting got me. It wasn't the instrumentalists. If you put on “Hey Jude,” the writing on that is like the top of the mountain. Photo Credits: Rolling Stone; Malley located in top center Counting Crows: B: I'm in a weird cusp between Gen Z and Millennials which is an interesting place to be since they don't like each other. When I talk to millennials, they know “Mr. Jones" but when I talk to Gen Z, they know “Accidentally In Love” because Shrek has just consumed their lives. If you could go into the Counting Crows discography, when you were a part of it and hand pick a song that would be the song the world will know Counting Crows as, what would the song be? M: Well, the world’s going to remember "Mr. Jones" and that shows up on the YouTube numbers. 350 million views that have been tracked. Everything else is like 40 million or much less which, of course, is still great. But I'm proud of that one. There's some super good songs on every record from Adam. In fact, their new release, that I'm not on, I love the song “Under the Aurora.” That's why I love the band. That's why I’m a fan of Adam. Plus the song right before it - "Virginia Through The Rain” - is another good song. That's what a songwriter is. I know I'm going on a tangent, but the song that I pick as one of the greatest is probably “All My Friends” from the album This Desert Life . I was in the band at this time and it reminds me of Burt Bacharach because it's got a timeless, pure, songwriter quality to it. I always felt like the band could have done more justice to Adam's music. I think between the producers that worked with us and just the feeling of sleep deprivation, we're not doing the songs justice on what they could have been. If Adam had brought a song into The Wrecking Crew, who were the guys that played on The Beach Boys records, I feel like a song like “All My Friends” would have gotten a boost that was even more than we could have given it. I'm not saying we let it down or we ruined it, but it just could have been seen for what it was, which was a timeless song and not an “early-2000s-L.A.-Americana” song. There could have been a wider net cast to capture what a song like that wants to do in the world.  B: It's very timeless. It's still very accurate because it's all about emotion and the human experience. To me, it feels like as long as humans are experiencing things, that's going to be a timeless song, you know? M: Exactly. (quoting the song) “Now I'm 33 and it isn't me” Adam sings about getting older and when you're right in that age group where your friends are trying to get married and move on in life. It felt like he was being left behind and it's like you say, it's a human experience. That's my favorite song. B: Before I went to the concert on June 13th, I wanted to go from the beginning and listen to the entirety of the discography. I forgot that there was an August and Everything After Deluxe Album  which is what we had on CD when I was younger. Some of those demos I totally forgot existed. "Shallow Days" is truly one of my favorite songs. I don't know why it never got the justice of being on an album. M: I remember we did a version that was very drone-y and seamy but we tried to get it going. We just couldn't get something that everyone liked - that Adam liked - especially, where everyone was at peace with it. We tried to record "Shallow Days" for August And Everything After . That was during the very first incarnation of Counting Crows. There are four songs, I think, four or five, that was another band that Adam and Dave had before I joined before we became a four piece. It was Lydia from Mr. Dog on keyboards, Dave Bryson from Mr. Dog, Adam, and then a dude named Toby Hawkins on drums. He's a great drummer, too. The bass player at the time was Marty Jones, who Mr. Jones was written for. He played on Shallow Days and the three or four other demo songs. B: The "Omaha" demo was so different before Charlie, that we could do a whole conversation just on him. What an incredible addition to Counting Crows. In my opinion, he really gave you guys such a unique sound. Seeing him live was incredible. He got up on the speakers with his accordion and a spotlight in the beginning of "Omaha." It was epic. I think "Omaha" and "Rain King" were two of my favorite songs live.  M: I remember him doing that. But yeah those demos are more R.E.M. inspired. I listened to them in my car like it was one of my favorite records. I love those demos. "Mr. Jones" was pretty similar to the demo. "Omaha" was electric and T Bone Burnett is the one who stripped us all down and said to add accordion on this song. B:  I wonder how he made that connection. That's incredible. Recovering The Satellites , which was the next record you were on, felt like a huge difference in the comfortability and the confidence in everybody. There are certain things that make it feel like a continuation of August And Everything After  like in "Good Night Elizabeth" where Adam brings back the "Rain King" reference. What do you remember about making this album?  M: Satellites was a fun album because we knew we hit rock band status and here we are going in to make our second record. We were all giddy plus we're all still young. We're in our early 30s. We worked at another big house in LA, just like the first album but it was just a very, very exciting time. That record ended up being released as a number one record which was just super cool. It was the number one rock record. I had a friend Ursula, who was a flight attendant and had this shift going to Japan then back to San Francisco with United at the time. I said, "Ursula, I think that I heard we had number one recognition." She said, "Yeah, I can see it in the gift shop here. It's on billboards in Osaka." It was awesome. It was just a giddy, exciting time and some real magic is on the record. I think the whole record's brilliant. There was a risky song Adam did with us that's called "Marjorie Dreams Of Horses." It's this sort of waltz-y swing song and Gill, our producer, made a wise choice of not letting us overthink it. We did a few takes and he told us to work with that. That song is another one that I think could have been better if it was played by studio veterans of the era. Like people who were in their 60s at the time but played on Glen Campbell records. Glen Campbell himself was one of them, too. But still, we pulled it off and I'm happy with it. I think it was super cool.  B: I love that you brought up Glen Campbell. I love Glen Campbell so much. I think I have his vinyl right next to me. Do you have a favorite song from him? M: Yeah, "I'd Build A Bridge" from Rhinestone Cowboy . It brings me to tears every time. I think about my dad who passed away in '03. I've grieved for him for 22 years now. I'd become obsessed with World War II. He was a World War II vet so I've seen all the documentaries, read all the books, etc. I think it's a form of grieving. And I wasn't even really close to him. We didn't say "I love you" or go to baseball games but he was like a hero of mine. And when he died, it just ruined me. So if you ever want to see me cry, put on "I'd Build A Bridge" by Glen Campbell. B: I'll have to listen to it. Going back to Recovering The Satellites , the song "Have You Seen Me Lately?" feels almost like a sequel to "Mr. Jones." Like it was the aftermath of "Mr. Jones" or becoming famous and losing yourself. What Adam was saying was kind of sad. Almost like he's screaming for somebody because he lost himself.  M: Yeah, it's like a cry for help. you know? Adam's funny. He's a duality. He suffers and he writes songs from suffering but he's also one of the most euphoric people I've ever known. He's got a joy - an appetite - for life that is very rare. Name  a subject and he probably knows a lot about it. Maybe not anthropology or something but the best restaurants or definitely the best music. He's got an unquenching appetite for everything to do with music and the making of a record. So here's this guy who's singing about losing pieces of himself but really knows all of himself at the same time. He takes the biggest bite out of life whenever he can. He's got a duality in that sense. His artistic expression is through the lens of suffering but he doesn't really suffer.  B: I also wanted to talk about Across The Wire  - the live album. That version of "Mr. Jones" was probably played more in my household than anything - even still. I feel like it touches on this "prodigy" idea and Adam kind of introduces the idea of if you want to be a musician, then just learn how to play music.  M: Believe it or not - I haven't listened to Across The Wire B: What?! It's so good!  M: Well, thank you! I toured all those songs so hearing that is like a concert or one of the nights in the fourteen years I was in the band. But yeah, in the beginning, he's referencing that song "So You Want To Be A Rock 'N' Roll Star" from The Byrds just to the tune of "Mr. Jones." Inspirations Today:  B: I don't know if there's anything else that we didn't talk about or if there's anything that comes to mind that you'd like to mention. If so, I'd love to hear about it.  M: Well, on the spiritual side of things, there's this yoga guru that passed away that I'd love the world to know about. There's no money involved, there's no degree or certificate that says you reach some state of awareness and because of that, nobody's interested in it in the western world. You can learn all about it on YouTube. It's Sahaja yoga and meditation. To me it describes a machinery inside of us with the chakras and the kundalini. It doesn't just describe it but gives you the chance to try to wake it up. I'm still trying to wake mine up.  Written By Breanna M. FOLLOW MATT MALLEY YouTube

In the journey of life, it can be difficult to find yourself and know who you are meant to be. Sifting through personalities and trying to find the one that feels the most natural is hard, with the whirl of social media, fake friends, relationships, and everything in between. Sarah Barrios, under the artist name ‘girl on a hill’, details this struggle with the new single “out with lanterns”. In this track, Barrios finds comfort in a pen name, allowing herself to be as whimsical and honest as she wants without the added pressure of her true self not matching the persona she displays. This track fits girl on a hill’s usual soundscape, being whimsical and light layered with harmonies and her unique breathy tone. “Out with lanterns” begins with a simple strummed guitar chord and Barrios’ light humming. She sings about feeling lost and unsafe, not able to find herself. She feels like a liar and a sinner being so dishonest, saying she is “tired of solo dancing in the dark”. As we reach the chorus, she realizes that it is okay to not know who she is just yet, and that her time will come. She sings, “Tell them I’m doin fine / That I don't know myself / But that I will in time / Spent too long searchin for someone else's light / But now I / I'm out with lanterns for myself tonight”. She makes a vow that she will find her true self, and her soft voice allows listeners to learn that it is okay not to have everything figured out. Sarah Barrios is a 31 year old LA based singer-songwriter. She started creating music at the young age of 13, and has since grown immensely in talent and accolades. She also finds herself deep in the BookTok community, posting reviews and suggestions on TikTok. She created the persona of girl on a hill this past year, allowing it to grow into a way for her to show her whimsical side, as the soundscape is much more ethereal and soft than her usual music. She explains that “This project is an evolution that brings Sarah Barrios back to her bookworm roots, towards a bright next chapter”, and explains the change between the two by describing girl on a hill as a separate being, stating that “She finds solace amongst the trees and beneath the stars, weaving tales of love, heartbreak, and the strangeness of life, for those just as lost as she.” Make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for more from both Barrios and girl on a hill. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW GIRL ON A HILL: Instagram | Spotify FOLLOW SARAH BARRIOS: Instagram  | Spotify

In her new hit single "Radio Silence," Margaux Regan writes in a way that’s vulnerable but still sharp, making every line hit with real emotion. The verses are soft and almost hesitant, like she’s piecing together what happened as she sings. Rising with heartbreak, the chorus hits you where it hurts. Lines about pacing in her own mind and wondering if there’s someone else capture the messy mix of jealousy, sadness, and confusion. Each lyric sounds personal, but it’s easy to imagine your own story in her words. By the end, it feels less like you just listened to a song and more like you’ve lived through her heartbreak with her. The slow burn of this song gradually builds into a masterpiece. It starts smoothly with piano chords and Margaux's vocals carrying the harmony. The themes of miscommunication and ignorance shine brightly in anyone's relatable feelings.  When the bridge hits, you can feel the themes of miscommunication, frustration, and hurt bleeding from her voice. The reverb, background vocals, and production enhance the track, giving it texture and strength within, overbalancing Margaux's vocal capabilities. Everything allows the track to flow, making it stick in your head even after the song ends. At only 20 years old, Margaux Regan is a singer-songwriter hailing from Dublin, Ireland. Now based in London, Margaux has had a long passion for music, writing her first song at 10 years old. Feserting this love for music, Margaux takes inspiration from Gracie Abrams, Zach Bryan, and Taylor Swift. Her goals are to remain vulnerable with her music, hoping each piece embodies a deeper meaning, and to embark on something meaningful. With her catchy, melancholic vibe, Margaux is a pop artist to keep on your radar. Written By Adalyn Reichenberger FOLLOW MARGAUX: Instagram | Spotify  | YouTube

Love often blinds us to the faults of others, allowing us to see them through rose-colored glasses and ignore their toxic tendencies. Alex Ray captures the moment that tainted perception shatters, channeling every ounce of her rage and frustration into her latest single, "BOY YOU AIN'T. Sharing her insights on this recent creation, Ray states, "I had just gone through this breakup and was just so, so angry and felt so used. I love the idea of a bunch of girls getting dressed in all black and sharing makeup and drinking like the world is ending and SHRIEKING about all of their terrible exes. This song is supposed to be cathartic and unhinged and kind of taboo." A fresh twist on her established sound, Alex Ray pushes sonic boundaries in "BOY YOU AIN'T," exploring new ways to express herself musically through bold synths, face-melting guitar riffs, and explosive vocals. Reflecting on her genre fluidity, Ray shares, "BYA highlights really how diverse my sound is becoming. I don't like staying in a genre lane, and my upcoming music is a mix of synth pop, rock, alt – and then we have these trap drums and percussion that I just love. I think BYA is so out of pocket sound-wise and lyric-wise, and it just really sets the stage for me being able to do whatever I want." Truly a track that'll appeal to a variety of ears, Alex Ray's trap-infused "BOY YOU AIN'T" is a must-listen for fans of acts ranging from Charli XCX to Tate McRae to Poppy . Currently a Nashville-based artist, Alex Ray splits her time traveling between Music City and Los Angeles, showcasing the raw authenticity that she weaves into every inch of her artistry. The singer-songwriter prides herself on defying genres, creating a unique blend of pop-rock alternative with a twist of grit and synth influences. Following a career detour in which she graduated law school and worked for a prestigious firm, Alex Ray found herself unable to resist music's call and has been locked in as an artist ever since. Ray is committed to delivering lyrical honesty and ever-evolving compositions, all leading up to the release of her debut EP coming this fall. Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW ALEX RAY: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Apple Music  | YouTube

More recently, I feel that every song I've been listening to has been great in terms of having the "summer pop" sound. Loud, fun, fast even. Sometimes - I want a little groovy song that makes me relax and appreciate the sun, trees and helps me romanticize the summer which is exactly what Alana Hil does with their song "love and mental breakdowns." The vocals are really the centerpoint of the song but musically, the song is driven with an immensely smooth groove thanks to the drum track and bass line. Even though the lyrics feel a bit heavy, it doesn't really feel that way due to the lightness of the music making it feel relaxing as a listener. One quality I really love in a song is when a singer is confident to strip down the music on a track to let their vocals really take control. The beginning of this song is exactly that where Alana and the guitar part pair within the rhythms which compliment each other. Alana's vocals are able to really be highlighted throughout the song. Listeners can expect a song that feels like a long last Adele song with the heart, emotion and choir-like presence. The most important thing to highlight are the lyrics though. Listening to the song through the lens of what it's like to love while also acknowledging mental health issues can be a hard thing to face that Alana approaches so perfectly. Alana Hil iis a singer and songwriter from Kentucky that is bringing their creative and unique upbringing to their music. Growing up in Kentucky, but also experiencing using inspirations from doing yoga in India, living in a teepee in the Rocky Mountains, living in a van in Hawaii and Australia allows Alana to not only experience so many things but also invites multiple perspectives into the conversation that will then be translated in their writing. Leaning back on these roots, Alana is releasing their best work to date - "Diaries Of A Common Woman" where listeners can hear all of those influences running through. Written By Breanna M. FOLLOW ALANA HILL: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Ki To is back with his brand new single "Don't Come Around." Ki To has talked often about being inspired by films for his music output, and nothing proves this more than "Don't Come Around." "Don't Come Around" is a synth-pop post-break-up anthem about not seeing your partner for good. The single is big, unabashedly heartfelt, and cinematic in every way possible. It feels like the type of track that plays at the end of a coming-of-age movie. The music video, which features Ki To in a high school setting, is wonderfully tongue-in-cheek, capturing that youthful energy the song encapsulates so well. Ki To gave us a perfect summer anthem with "Don't Come Around." Ki To is from San Francisco, which translates entirely in his music. "Don't Come Around" is a vibey song that is as bright and vibrant as the West Coast. It's the type of song that seems low-key on the surface, but is more intricate the more you pay attention. Ki To describes his music as "complex emotions encapsulated." The songwriting of "Don't Come Around" explores the ups and downs of heartbreak and is scored by a perfectly wistful instrumental. The track is the definition of bittersweet. Ki To captures the sadness, yet endless possibilities after a breakup that is a quintessential life experience we all face eventually. "Don't Come Around" is simultaneously fun, emotional, and nostalgic, and showcases Ki To's talents as an artist brilliantly. Ki To began his music career on September 1st, 2022, with his debut single, "Layin." From there, he put out a few singles and played in and out of jazz bars throughout San Fran. In 2023, Ki To released "West," which currently has over 25,000 streams on Spotify alone. Ki To is an artist who values sentimentalness and earnestness in his music. Even the second half of their stage name, "To," is an ode to his mother. Though Ki To only has four singles officially, he is currently working on many more, and if "Don't Come Around" is any sign, it will surely not be missed. You can listen to Ki To's discography, including "Don't Come Around," on streaming services now. Written By Lauren Nolan FOLLOW KI TO: Instagram   | Spotify  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

When you build a strong connection with someone, its hard to imagine that its ever possible for that connection to fade. Sometimes, though, that connection does fade, and that person you knew becomes a stranger. In Lexi Faye's latest single, "Passerby," this sad experience is shown through deeply relatable lyrics. After spending so much time with someone, you eventually learn everything about them. Little details like their favorite movies, foods, or music all can remind you of that person. Cherished moments shared with a person you love, be it platonically or romantically, can become memories. Even once they are no longer physically around, they can still be seen everywhere in different places through the things they liked. In "Passerby" Lexi Faye sings, "Now I'll avoid / Every place and every person that we shared inside this little town / Now and then / I see you on the street / Wish I could forget / All that we couldn't be." The lyrics are memorable because of their vulnerability and relatability, showing how someone can become a stranger that you pass by on the streets despite the history once shared. "Passerby" is a song built around beautiful sounds of an acoustic guitar and a piano. The melodies of the song are delicate, yet vibrant. Each musical note of the background instruments is perfectly placed throughout the song. The music has an emotional sound that supports Lexi Faye's reflective, somber tone. Lexi Faye shows her vocal strength during the entirety of the song. At some moments, she sings softly, while powerfully conveying all the emotions she feels to listeners. At other moments, she hits high notes that further shows the flexibility of her vocals. "Passerby" has slow building moments where the song reaches a peak, showing Lexi Faye's vocals and the sounds of the background instruments meshing together. This pop-ballad song reminds me of Olivia Rodrigo's slower songs like "Driver's License", with honest lyrics, an emotion-filled voice, and a catchy melody with a deeper meaning. "Passerby" feels like a song you'd listen to at night when everything is quiet, but your thoughts are loud. When reflecting on someone who is no longer in your life, "Passerby" would make you feel seen. Lexi Faye is a singer-songwriter from a small town in Colorado. At just 17 years old, she has already made waves in the music industry as a talented singer-songwriter. Lexi discovered her love for songwriting at a young age. Since then, she has poured her heart and soul into creating songs that resonate with her growing audience. In addition to her natural prowess for songwriting, Lexi has showcased her vocal talents at numerous live performances, including a standout moment singing the national anthem at a professional rodeo and during the JUCO World Series. These experiences have honed her skills and ignited her passion for connecting with fans through music. Lexi Faye has several singles released on streaming platforms, and is poised for a breakout year. She recently recorded at Sound Emporium in Nashville, collaborating with the renowned Dean Miller . As she continues to evolve as an artist, Lexi Faye is a name to watch in the music industry. Written By Kyler Griggs FOLLOW LEXI FAYE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Taking on what it truly means to end a relationship, "No More" by Carol Z is a musical exploration of memories and separation. Painting an entrancing picture of what the speaker's relationship looked like, lyrics like "beers in the trunk, lights are on" offer listeners a brief window into the setting of their love story. This track offers a racy and exciting sense of nostalgia with words like "your lips, your gaze, my head between your legs." After setting the scene of romance, the speaker dissects the problems in their relationship with questions like "were the promises never real?" and dismissal of their ex, saying "go enjoy your new life." Inspiring post-breakup confidence and letting people know it's okay to look back fondly at times with someone who has changes, this emotional track encompasses the journey of love and love lost. Ambient layered guitar strumming sets a gently exciting tone for the track before Carol Z's sweet, conversational vocals work softly through the verse. Percussion joins the mix as the singing gains a lower, speak-singing quality that takes on a cool swagger. It embodies the lyrics' intimacy and titillating imagery in its sound. The pre-chorus uses building melismatic vocalizing to invigorate the sound of the song before heavier drums, exciting electric guitar, and boldly projected singing takes over in the chorus. Passion and resolution bleed through the pop-punk sound of this song. Fans of 2000's Avril Lavigne will love this emotional blend of powerful vocals and increasingly rock-centric instrumentals. Coral Z is an indie pop-rock artist based in Cambridge, Boston, and LA. Her talents as a singer and songwriter infuse her music with spirited personal messages and expressive vocal experiences. Her storytelling lyricism takes you into themes of reflection, love, and self-assurance, accompanied by a powerful range of acoustic and electric guitar as well as bold percussion. She puts out music in multiple languages including Mandarin and English, and has a range of vocal styles from blissfully high and airy vocals to speak-singing and powerful vocal projection. Coral Z has performed at events and venues like Strawberry Fair on the Calm Stage , and Queens' College in Cambridge. Check out the links below to keep up to date with her music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW CORAL: Instagram   | Spotify  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

In the age of social media, it is now easier than ever to become a musical artist and make waves in the music scene. While many artists are drawn to putting out their own music, many decide to sign with an indie record label. Indie record labels are enticing for many artists because it gives you support for your projects but also creative freedoms, such as your release schedule, your branding, your royalty splits, and more. Indie labels provide the balance between self-publishing music, which is often time-heavy, with the rigid structure of being signed to a bigger record label. They’re also great stepping stones into recording contracts with bigger labels in the future. One of the best parts of being signed with an indie label is the close relationships you form with the members on the team. If you’re an artist looking to sign to an indie label, here are some fast facts about the hottest indie record labels right now! Glassnote Records Glassnote Records was founded by CEO David Glass in 2007, hosting predominantly indie rock and alternative rock artists. Currently, Glassnote Records has artists like Mumford and Sons, Phoenix, AURORA, and more. Glassnote has won many awards, such as “Label of the Year’ from A21M Music Awards, “Best Indie Label” from Rolling Stone, and “#1 Independent Label” from Billboard. They established a distribution deal with The Orchard in 2022, replacing their previous deal with Universal Music Group.  Carpark Records Carpark Records is a Washington, D.C based indie record label founded in 1999 by Todd Hyman. Carpark originally focused on more electronic and experimental music, but in recent years have expanded into more pop sounds. Currently, Carpark Records has artists like Madeline Kenney, Phoebe Rings, Ducks Ltd., and more. Carpark also has their own publishing company named Carpark Publishing. More recently, they have expanded with multiple imprint labels and offshoots, such as Wax Nine and Acute Records. Alternative Distribution Alliance is in charge of their distribution. XL Recordings XL Recordings is a British indie record label co-founded by Tim Palmer and Nick Halkes in 1989, but has been run and co-owned by Richard Russel since 1996. XL Recordings is housed under Beggars Group, who also handle the distribution. XL has many artists of all different genres, like Radiohead and M.I.A. Some of their alumni include Adele, Azealia Banks, and Tyler, the Creator. XL has investments and subsidiaries of their own - they hold stakes in Young Recordings, Mowax Labels, and Rough Trade, a music retailer. They are also involved in music publishing, having hands in Beggars Music and 4AD Songs Limited. Ghostly International Ghostly International was founded in 1999 by Samuel Valenti IV in Detroit, Michigan, and its artists find themselves all across the electronic spectrum, including avant-pop and indie rock as well. Since the founding, there have been two sub-labels that have been created - Ghostly and Spectral Sound, the latter more focused on dance music. Ghostly International hosts a lengthy roster, featuring artists such as Matthew Dear, Tycho, and TOBACCO. They joined Secretly Group in 2020 as an affiliate label after many years of partnering with Secretly Distribution.  Written By Lauren DiGiovanni Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.