Women are under constant and excruciating pressure to appear a certain way. "Pretty" is presented as the primary goal for women and young girls, almost as if it is the price they must pay for existing. However, every girl is a pretty girl, and that is the story that Flora Summers describes in the track "Pretty Girls". With empowering lyrics, such as the final line "Pretty girls, they look like me and you," Summers creates an anthem about self-love and confidence, preaching for everyone to recognize their own beauty and not adhere to an archaic yet constantly changing standard of beauty. This track begins with a recording of what sounds like a vintage television advertisement, describing what a "pretty girl" is. Vocals enter following the recording, singing in a clear and vulnerable manner. There is steady rhythm of guitar in the backtrack. The instrumental becomes increasingly intense as the song builds upon itself. The intensity and development of the track match the emotional intensity and development of the lyrics. The elements of the song combine to create a pleasing auditory experience and a moving emotional experience. Furthermore, Summers' vocal tone is incredibly stunning and has the perfect timbre for the emotional setting of the track. Flora Summers began creating her own music during the COVID-19 pandemic. She wants to create a dreamy musical atmosphere that combines the feeling of being on a Swedish island in the summer with the feeling of driving through endless highways in the California deserts, with a touch of Scandinavian melancholy. She creates dreamy vintage pop with influences including artists such as Lana Del Rey and Fleetwood Mac. Behind Flora Summers is Swedish producer Ida Johansson, who has participated in events such as Dua Lipa's Songwriting Camp. Written By Victoria Fitzgerald FOLLOW FLORA SUMMERS: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

There’s no denying that crushing on someone fuels you with so much excitement. You’re curious, observant and falling deeper with every new thing you learn about this person. It’s even more thrilling when you sense they reciprocate the feelings and you start to become bolder in every move made. It’s a breath of fresh air that has you on top of the world. Maddy Hicks just put out her new single “Think You Can Guess,” over all the giddiness you feel meeting someone new. Her smooth vocals mixed with fun instrumentation really encapsulate the joy of the fall. If you’re currently crushing on someone, this is the song for you to kick your feet. “Think You Can Guess” is the third single Maddy has released in preparation for her upcoming album. She wrote it as an ode to her first crush after a breakup with a longterm partner. She described crushing as the most hopeful, exciting and revitalizing feeling and wanted to express it. Maddy stated “The last several months of my prior relationship, I felt super out of touch with myself and frankly very undesirable. When the breakup finally happened, I was ready to dive into a self-love and self-discovery era, and was surprised to find that having a new crush is a huge part of that process.” As someone who went through a breakup after an incredibly long relationship, she is spot on with that. I didn’t expect to fall for someone after, but it was such a huge part of the healing process to know there’s other people out there who see something special in you and vice versa. You don’t have to close yourself off to heal and find yourself and I appreciate Maddy’s reminder of that. Maddy Hicks is a Nashville based singer-songwriter that’s been in the industry for over a decade. Originally from Charlton, NY, she moved to Tennessee to study at Belmont University and pursue a career as an artist. She writes about the experience of being in your 20’s and navigating everything life throws at you. Blending genres and creating powerful and memorable melodies led her music to blow up on TikTok in 2022. Her fanbase grew quickly and led her to signing with Overall Records. Maddy is now in the works of rolling out a new album and she’s doing it independently which is such a power move. I can already tell this album is going to be incredible so follow the links down below to stay alert on the official release. Written By Emylee Herring FOLLOW MADDY HICKS: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube

Picture this: you’re scrolling through your phone when you suddenly stumble upon your ex’s new girlfriend on your feed. And then all you can think is, “You don’t know what's waiting for you, girl!” Eva Rose’s “Next Girl” is a tribute to all the girls your ex will date, a cheeky song that’s part warning and part wishing good luck to whichever lady ends up with your ex next. Breakups are never fun, but “Next Girl” turns those feelings completely on their head as she paints how we move on from them in a colourfully fun and upbeat way. Unapologetically clever, infectiously rhythmic, Eva is showing all of us that we definitely lucked out by breaking up with that last guy. Eva has bottled pop perfection in “Next Girl”. Each line is packed with punch, and I love how exact every example is in the song. Like how the narrator bought the sheets at the apartment, and how the ex still talks to all of his own exes; all the late-night phone calls, how much the new girl’s friends will hate him– and in spite of their specificness, these examples will definitely ring true for some of you. It’s clever and funny, joined by an amazingly catchy soundscape that will be stuck in your head for days. I especially adore the chorus, and how Eva’s repetition of “and the next girl” continues line after line, not only emphasizing the next girl but also saying that there will be a string of next girls, too. You absolutely have to give “Next Girl” a listen if you’ve got an ex you warn everybody about, or if you just love spectacular pop songs! Eva Rose is a singer-songwriter from Los Angeles who makes music to help you through your heartbreak and believe in love again. Having listened to artists like Avril Lavigne, My Chemical Romance, and Paramore, her music began taking shape in high school before she headed off to New York University to study songwriting. She has since gained millions of streams across her independent EPs, which includes Out of Lives, Everything You Wish For, and Whatever Helps You Sleep. “Next Girl” was released ahead of Eva’s upcoming full-length debut, The Last Laugh. If you loved “Next Girl”, be sure to check out all of Eva’s other tracks and drop her a follow on her socials! Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW EVA ROSE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

Photo Credits: Billboard As heated discussions ramp up over the use of AI in creative environments, there has been an alarming number of generated personas gaining traction in the music industry. Many are starting to infiltrate streaming platforms and Billboard charts, finding commercial success and radio play despite being completely fictional. While many condemn the use of AI over human creation, there are plenty of people out there embracing it and producing generated artist personas through platforms like Suno AI. Some might find it equal parts impressive and creepy what AI and technology can do, but what is most alarming is how difficult it is becoming for consumers to tell what is real and what is generated. To share awareness of some AI artists gaining traction, here's a list of "Artists You May Not Know Are AI." Xania Monet Part of many controversial conversations, Xania Monet is a gospel/R&B act created by Telisha "Nikki" Jones using the Suno AI platform. Monet has become the first AI-generated artist to debut on a Billboard radio chart and has signed a $3 million record deal with Hallwood Media. Jones' success with the AI persona has attracted criticism and controversy as artists like Kehlani condemn the use of AI in creative spaces. While Jones may be behind the lyrics of this project, Xania Monet is still the product of AI generated vocals and instrumentals, reminding us of the ethical dilemmas AI and technological advancements have been causing in fields where human creation is key. Eddie Dalton Another AI-generated artist making waves in the music industry is Eddie Dalton. This act is a mix of blues and soul created by Dallas Ray Little, a South Carolina-based content creator who uses AI to produce Eddie Dalton's vocals, instrumentals, and visuals. Despite Dalton being a completely imagined persona, he has still amassed quite the following and has landed several tracks in the iTunes Top 10. Dalton remains controversial in the discussion of the use of AI in the music industry, especially since many of his listeners did not know he is completely generative AI. The Velvet Sundown The Velvet Sundown is an indie-rock project that shocked fans when it was revealed they are an AI-generated band guided by human creative direction. They first emerged in 2025, causing controversy and backlash when the creators admitted everything about the band is AI-generated. Many real musicians and organizations feel that acts like The Velvet Sundown are stealing music already created and dressing themselves up as competition. Breaking Rust Another AI-generated project that started gaining traction in 2025 is Breaking Rust. The country music project was created by Aubierre Rivaldo Taylor, using AI to produce visuals, instrumentals, vocals, and lyrics with no human contribution involved. Breaking Rust is another AI act that has broken onto the Billboard charts, debuting at no. 9 on the Billboard Emerging Artists chart. Enlly Blue Debuting in 2025, Enlly Blue is an AI-generated musician created by Vietnamese producer and songwriter Thong Viet Thong. He handles all the songwriting, production, and engineering using generative AI for vocals and lyrics. Enlly Blue has become a hit on the Billboard and streaming charts, debuting at No. 44 on the Emerging Artists chart and has amassed over 5.3 million streams with its catalog. What do you think about AI being used to create artists and music? Have you listened to any of the AI-generated artists mentioned in this list? Let us know on our socials! Written By Cheyenne Johnson Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube | LinkedIn *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Harper Allen’s seventh studio single is here and ready to become your summer anthem of heartbreak. “I Just Want You to Love Me”, released June 19th, “is a folk-forward, nostalgic roadtrip track that captures the childlike desperation of yearning”, Allen says. The idea came to her in 2019, and with each heartbreak since then, Allen has dabbled with this track, making it a seamless creation of real experience and feelings. Despite the sadness behind the idea, the soundscape of this track is fun and nostalgic. Allen’s voice throws in sarcasm and charming emotion on top of simple slide guitars and drums. The lyrics within this song are conversational and fun, written in a form that suggests this was a true conversation Allen has had. In the first verse, she talks about the feelings behind the heartbreak, about how she “let you read the parts of me / That even I can’t stand to read”. She looks back in annoyance as she wishes he could just love her back, and that he had not moved on. Her conversational tone continues in the chorus, where she sings, “I’m just saying / Maybe / Maybe you could love me / Maybe’s sounding crazy / I just want / I just want / I just want you to love me”. Having to beg for love is a hard feeling, yet Allen pokes fun at herself and tries not to take the situation too seriously. 26 year old indie pop artist Harper Allen was born in Minnesota, but now resides in Los Angeles, lovingly dubbing herself a ‘transplant’. Her experience in the music industry includes many credits other than just singer-songwriter, Allen has contributed to Nickelodeon theme songs, Netflix originals, and the iTunes Top-10 country charts. Loving to sing since birth and writing her own songs since age 11, Allen was quick to settle into her career as an artist and truly find her path. Her music is similar to that of Maisie Peters and Leanna Firestone, blending quirky lyrics with themes of growing up and heartbreak. Make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for more music from Harper Allen. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW HARPER ALLEN: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube

Alexa Kate has released her new single, “The Aftermath.” Following the aftermath of a period of self-sabotage, Kate finds herself alone once again wondering if she can find her and her partner can exist after the sabotage. Feeling her partner’s absence, Kate goes through the process of realizing what has happened to her relationship: she made her partner the enemy and felt as if she was doing them a favor. Self-sabotage, an agent in ruining anything good, finds Kate when everything seems too perfect and too good to be true, even if it’s everything that she’s wanted. Through this self-sabotage, Kate not only finds herself taking it out on her partner, but on herself as well; while the effects of her self-sabotage may be playing out now, Kate ultimately wonders if her partner can see them in the aftermath. While this song may find listeners who believe in the impossible to be wildly unrelatable, those who have dealt with self-sabotage will find “The Aftermath” one of the truest depictions of the process within music today. Either hurting listener’s feelings, making them feel as if they’re understood, or both, Kate captures the feeling of self-sabotage within the song so well, from both not feeling like something good isn’t deserved and finding anything to sabotage within it. Finding that we betray ourselves when it comes to self-sabotage, Kate finds herself writing both an explanation to her partner and an apology to herself for being the worst traitor, something that’s uncomfortably relatable within the liminal space of self-sabotage. Alexa Kate is an American singer-songwriter. Hailing from New York, Kate’s mission in life has always been connection. Writing to understand both herself and others, Kate stands out as someone who understands human emotion well. Kate finds herself at an interesting time in the music industry where two paths diverge: one of virality and one of reality. Kate chose and continually chooses the latter, building a strong, passionate, and engaged fan base over the years that helps to connect even further with people in life. If readers would like to keep up with Alexa Kate’s newest releases and show announcements, they can find her social media linked down below. Written By Abby Mornhinweg FOLLOW ALEXA KATE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube

Imani Graham's latest song "Need You Too Much" is the ultimate anxious-avoidant attachment anthem with endless replay value. "Need You Too Much" combines an addictive melody with vulnerable, honest lyrics to create one unforgettable and deeply relatable listening experience. The song tells a story that many of us with big emotions are all too familiar with: falling in love and self sabotaging from fear before things can fully pan out. "Need You Too Much" is a song that revolves around love, but shouldn't be mistaken for a love song. The song unveils all the feelings of someone with an anxious-avoidant attachment style as they navigate through love. The hypervigilance, overthinking, and preemptive apologies can be felt through the lyrics, and it all stems from the hidden fear of needing someone too much. Graham pours her heart out into the lyrics and creates a space for listeners to do the same. During the bridge, the lyrics encapsulate the song's entire vibe and meaning with ease. The lyrics, "I made a mess of a good thing / Finding problems where there are none / That's the problem when your heart breaks / It's never the same as it once was" and "I'm at the end of the runway / But I'm not sure I'm taking off / Crash and burn into nothing / Cause I'm scared that I need you too much" hits deeply at the soul, whether you personally relate or not. Graham's incredible and deep lyricism created an undeniably moving song that directly shows how powerful music can be. With the days getting hotter, "Need You Too Much" can be the perfect addition to your summer playlist this year. All of Graham's songs have this confessional vibe that makes you feel deeply aware and alive, and "Need You Too Much" is no exception. Its indie-pop sound is catchy and upbeat, a gentle contrast to the vulnerable, somewhat somber lyrics. That contrast is what makes the song so unique and unforgettable after listening to it. There is a clear sense of yearning through the steady beats and rhythmic, lively guitar strums that plays off the feelings of love. But then there an underlying moodiness that captures the deep-rooted anxiety and attachment fears. "Need You Too Much" is a flexible song that can match whatever mood your are in at the moment. It could be played late at night in the privacy of your own bedroom as you reflect or journal and tap into buried emotions. I could also imagine the song playing over the radio on a drive with windows down and the sun high in the sky as you crash out to the music. Wherever you listen to it, "Need You Too Much" is sure to remain in your head as a favorite, just as it has been for me. Imani Graham is a 25 year old singer-songwriter from New Jersey. Graham is a rising independent artist and producer who puts her feelings and experiences into her indie-pop songs to share with the world. With deeply personal and honest lyrics, her songs can serve as the soundtrack to many life experiences, from love and relationships to growing up. Graham's distinct music and artistry has gained her recognition and a devoted fanbase. One of her previous songs, "Used to Make Sense," was featured on the Netflix reality TV series Calabasas Confidential. Graham also opened for singer Nep for several dates in March during her tour. Imani Graham is a rising star in the industry and an indie-pop sensation, so be sure to follow her below to stay updated with her future projects and releases! Written By Kyler Griggs FOLLOW IMANI GRAHAM: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

Leaving the comfort zone can feel like a storm, but in Lihi’s latest single “Us,” it’s one more changing season. That fading love waivers like a dying fire. Lihi sees the dark enveloping the room, and it turns into a choice between stacking more wood to the flames or buttoning up a cardigan for the cold. Lihi’s lyricism is bittersweet, with a childlike wonder and observance of the world. “I used to think all the pieces would match/ And glue them together as if they would last,” she sings. The end hurts, but Band-aids are tossed and scars fade as people grow. Lihi sings with a soft-spoken voice. The fear of suggesting an end to the relationship slips through the shyness. The electric guitar strumming moves slowly, as slowly as time goes, waiting for the next message. It rings like the misty, sprinkling rain, anticipating the clap of thunder. Lightning strikes in the chorus. The guitar breaks into a distorted roar and the kick slams through the speakers. Folk-roots and strings soothe the inevitable storm like an olive branch. Despite the dreary chords and dreaded situation, Lihi lets the melody float to the crack in the clouds, where sunlight slips through to reach your skin. “Us” surely leaves you drenched in emotions, but with a small certainty of peace to feel refreshed. The Liverpool-based singer-songwriter, Lihi, creates pop music with a blend of soft rock and folk textures. She started in Bangkok, writing songs at age eleven. When she was thirteen, she released her first single. Through her father’s illness and attending international schools, Lihi developed a deep sense of empathy that bleeds into her vulnerable lyrics. Written By Taylor Sheridan Lempke FOLLOW LIHI: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Apple Music | YouTube

Jennifer Jess delivers a confidence anthem in her latest single “Ultraviolet.” She leans into the romantic cliches—how time can heal, the hope of forever, and “two ships passing in the night.” But it’s what reminds us that so many people survive heartbreak. It’s what makes the exciting movies that travel through the let-downs and onward to the single protagonist with their arm out the window. Knowing oneself leads to the rom-coms that introduce the one, with all the love letters, fresh bouquets, pottery dates, and dance scenes under the disco ball. Jess opens the door to fantasy, asking us to get lost with her. Jess’s cinematic soundtrack-worthy single floats with synth pads that twinkle and shimmer. Hints of the glockenspiel intertwines into the magic, as if pulling listeners to look into a crystal ball. The future’s uncertain, but Jess assures that a happy ending will follow. The thumping bass sets the familiar rhythm of chasing pavements or sitting in the passenger seat, watching the street lights pass the window every block. Snares break in, smashing through the veil that splits reality and the space where dreams are found. Jess’s single is a slow-burn. It eases into the energy like the sunset that sinks into the horizon, allowing the neon signs in the shop windows to take the spotlight. The pop singer-songwriter, Jennifer Jess, is based in Atlanta, Georgia. Her pursuit of and passion for music began when she was a child. This longing led her to major in vocal performance in college. Jess released her debut single “Blue” in 2019, leaning into the theme of heartbreak filtered through a catchy melody. She streams more music like this on Twitch TV. Check out the links below to keep up with Jennifer Jess. Written By Taylor Sheridan Lempke FOLLOW JENNIFER JESS: Instagram | Spotify | X (Twitter) | Facebook | YouTube

Andie Yagher's "wild" shows how the right romance can be liberating. It details a love free from judgement, whether its foregoing the makeup or dancing with "two left feet". Poetic lyrics draw comparisons between the speaker's love interest and the weather, with words like "You capture June with that good-time walkin' sunshine style" leaving a lasting impression of positivity in a way that evokes nature's beauty. Further enveloping listeners in the all-consuming emotions of a growing relationship, the speaker explains: "this life is more alive." This track is a testament to the free, invigorating, and unbridled spirit of falling in love. Fans of Maisie Peters will love this storytelling blend of airy, intimate vocals and uplifting instrumentals. Vocalizing and bright electronic instrumentals invigorate this track with an immersive dreamy electropop feeling. At the same time, fast-paced pulsing keyboard chords build a gentle energy of anticipation to "wild". High, breathy, and melodic vocals are confessional, immersive, and will make you want to dance along in their hazy lovestruck voicing. With gentle percussion and layers of singing and chords, the sound of this song is enchantingly expressive and resonant. Andie Yagher is a contemporary pop artist whose music blends folk and country elements. As a Los Angeles native, her singing, songwriting, and entertainment talents blossomed from a young age. With formative experiences at Hollywood's National Young Playwrights Festival, studies at Sarah Lawrence College in film and theatre, and more recently an abroad study at the British American Dramatic Academy, her deeply poetic style is informed by a combination of artistic education and authentic experience. This year marks her debut EP, Pickup Game. Check out the links below to keep up to date with her music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW ANDIE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok

As much as we may wish otherwise, life is truly unpredictable. There is no map or set guidelines left out for us to follow, so we have no choice but to pave our own paths. That can be a terrifying and unavoidable adventure for everyone. In dee holt's latest single "figure it out," she focuses on finding the beauty in that experience. There is a lot of uncertainty when uncovering new paths and arcs of your life, but dee holt uses "figure it out" to dive deeper into her own desires and do some soul searching. The lyrics are both confessional and deeply relatable, and will definitely hit everyone in their vulnerable spots. However, even with the song's lyrics openly discussing uncertainty and some hidden anxiety, it feels empowering and comforting in its relatability. Lyrics such as, "Cause baby I'm a mess now / And I keep on stressing / Someone help me / Try to figure it out / How to turn it around around around," could serve as a mantra for so many people's lives, regardless of their background. Oftentimes, we are shown images of perfection and ease, when reality is a lot more messy as we search for our purpose, next steps, and how to figure everything out. "figure it out" is a song that is short but sweet. Throughout its entirety, it maintains a gentle sound that is capable of calming your system while listening. dee holt's soft vocal tone only further adds to that vibe. It creates a listening experience that feels almost as if your are floating on the clouds, far away from any stressors. With summer in full swing, "figure it out" would be the perfect song to listen to while relaxing on the beach enjoying the sound of the waves and dee holt's sweet voice. The song also feels somewhat nostalgic while listening. "figure it out" is a nice blend between indie pop and bedroom pop, and reminds me of the invigorating, distinct music heard during the pandemic era of pop music. It also would belong perfectly on a soundtrack or playlist for a TV series, possessing this unique and natural sound that would be fitting for a main character in a coming-of-age series. From singing along to her dad’s guitar in VHS home videos and performing at family gatherings, to studying music and art, dee holt’s life has been saturated with creativity from the very beginning. But despite all the external affirmation of her musical talent, she never thought about making a career out of it. After forming a creative bond with Montreal producer Benjamin Nadeau, dee released her first two independent singles at just 18. After landing on Spotify’s beloved Lorem playlist, she caught the attention of Nettwerk Music Group. Her 2022 debut, "When I Close My Eyes," garnered millions of streams, rave reviews, and a massive Spotify billboard in downtown Toronto. As she moved through subsequent releases like 2023’s "i’ll be there," dee steadily refined her instinct-driven approach to songwriting while establishing her presence on major stages, including standout performances at Montreal Jazz Festival and Sommo Fest, among others. With her 2024 EP, "loving in the dark," she stepped into a bolder, art-pop identity. Yet, through it all, dee’s maintained a personal and creative authenticity, with each expression a true extension of herself. Written By Kyler Griggs FOLLOW DEE HOLT: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube

Everyone likes guys who are nice, but nice guys are a totally different story– and yes, there is a difference. "Mr. Nice Guy" is Siena Larsson’s latest single and the first song from her debut EP, telling us all about a certain Mr. Nice Guy that seems to check all the boxes until he doesn’t. He’s attentive, always texts you back, takes you out for dates and appears to actually be interested in you… until you realize that it’s all an act. You say no, and the claws come out. With a fun, funky bassline and cheeky lyrics, Siena crafts a track that pokes fun at those nice guys while telling a story that many, many women have heard before, and have even experienced themselves. If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of these guys’ comments, then this song is for you. It’s a story as old as time: a guy being nice not because he’s actually kind, but because he wants something from you. “Mr. Nice Guy” hits every point perfectly, characterizing the ‘nice guy’ archetype without missing a single time. I love how cheeky the lyrics are– Siena paints a pretty picture of a man who is everything you’d ever want before the realization hits that it’s all just pretend. “Like Jekyll and Hyde,” Siena sings about the nice guy, that sweetness turning into vitriol the moment he knows he’s not getting what he wants. Combine all of this fun (though truthful) songwriting with the track’s amazing bass and sass and you’ve got a song that’s great to sing along to and relate to, all at the same time. Siena Larsson is an Australian singer-songwriter who’s turning all her emotions into music. To Siena, writing music is like free therapy, creating art as a way to navigate through the confusing world that is being in one’s twenties. She chronicles the relationship drama that comes with being young, from the good to the bad to the really bad. With a similar sound to Maisie Peters and Olivia Rodrigo, her tracks feel confessional, fun, and relatable. Her debut single “Collateral Damage” dropped back in 2018, and she’s since released a wide array of other tracks. “Mr. Nice Guy” is the first track of her upcoming debut EP, and if you loved it, be sure to give her other songs a listen! And don’t forget to drop Siena a follow on her socials! Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW SIENA LARSSON: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook