Ali Lamb is back with her new single, "Miss Independent." "Miss Independent" is a power anthem in every sense of the phrase. The track is a female empowerment ballad about mustering the strength to leave a toxic relationship. Dedicated to her real-life best friend, Ali's latest song is chock-full of meaningful lessons and words of encouragement. "Miss Independent" is a musical manifestation. The lyrics are a reminder to listeners everywhere that they need to put themselves first. With "Miss Independent," Ali Lamb proves herself to be an important artist. "Miss Independent" radiates positivity. When the voicemail of Ali saying "we don't need them...lets go out" is played in the song's opening, the feel-good tone is immediately set. "Miss Independent" is a celebration of self-love. Every aspect of the song, from Ali's vocals to the high-energy production, is bound to put a smile on your face. However, it's Ali's songwriting skills that particularly shine. Lyrics like "Don't know where I'm heading, it kinda scares me. But I'm blooming like I should" are just one example of the optimistic reminders we all could use nowadays. To those who may need it, "Miss Independent" will be an incredibly meaningful song. Ali Lamb is a singer-songwriter based in Melbourne, Australia. Her music ranges from the soft sounds of folk, acoustic, and pop, and focuses on emotional vulnerability and storytelling. She started officially releasing music in 2020 with "Keep Fighting," and has put out a consistent catalog ever since. Currently, on YouTube, Ali has over 9,000 subscribers, with her biggest track, "Waiting," having over 18,000 views alone. While on Spotify, her track "Complete" has nearly 4500 downloads. Just three weeks after its release, the lyric video for "Miss Independent" already has over 6,000 views and counting. Ali Lamb's career has only just begun, and you can listen to "Miss Independent," along with the rest of Ali's discography, on all streaming services now. Written By Lauren Nolan FOLLOW ALI: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Australian Queer Pop Artist, POLLY has released her first EP, "Daddy Issues", a deeply personal project that reflects on how her childhood has impacted and influenced every part of her adult life. TRACKLIST BETTER B.I.T.E. ME Colours Feels Like POLLY is based in Melbourne, Australia where her love for music began at a young age. She remembers sitting at the piano with her grandma, who taught her how to play and read music at the age of 7. POLLY released her first ever official single in 2023 titled "Sunday". Throughout the past few years, she's consistently released singles, gaining radio play and listeners in over 116 countries. Now, it's time for the next big step. POLLY's debut EP, "Daddy Issues" embodies a signature sound that's nostalgic yet digitally modern at the same time. It makes you want to move, but gives you vulnerable and emotional storytelling all in one. "I’ve poured everything into this EP. As an independent artist it takes so much time, energy and money to put a body of work together but it’s worth all of it… Writing these songs was like giving little me a big hug, telling her it’s going to be okay. It was cathartic and heartbreaking and releasing it is terrifying. I’m so excited to share this vulnerable piece of me with people and for them to take away from the songs whatever they need to right now." - POLLY BETTER We start off with "BETTER", a single about wishing you could make yourself a picture perfect person with the picture perfect life. Especially in today's society of social media, we tend to be extra hard on ourselves. We think we need to overwork to achieve the highest levels of success, and look like we walked off the cover of a magazine 24/7 with a relationship plastered on the internet that has never seen a moment of negativity. But the reality is, those goals are just unrealistic, and in return we end up beating ourselves up for not being perfect. "BETTER" is about those moments where we wish that things could be easy and squeaky clean, especially when it comes to romance. It has that crying-in-the-club vibe, with a heavy electronic pop soundscape. POLLY sings with slight autotune and a vocoder to blend into the digital atmosphere, but keeps the emotion of the story stable, giving you just the right amount of gut-punching sadness. B.I.T.E. ME Next, we have "B.I.T.E. ME", a playful, sassy, attitude filled, big F-U to all the exes out there who have ever moved on too fast after breaking our hearts. Have you ever been broken up with, but then once you saw that they're already with someone new, instead of being sad or hurt, you just felt pure rage and anger? Then the song "B.I.T.E. ME" is just for you. POLLY sings in a sweet, fun-loving, sarcastic tone over-top an edgy soundscape with pulsating drums and a heavy bass that would be vibrating the heck of out of your speakers if you listened to it in your car. The groove is impossible not to move to, and that hook is gonna get stuck in your head, so just be prepared. If you're feeling an undying need for revenge on an ex, just blast this song and sing along. Colours Switching things up a bit, we have "Colours", a tragically beautiful piano ballad about the longing for a love that was never going to be good for you, no matter how bad you wanted it to be. It's that kind of person that took everything you had, and then left you to wonder about them for the rest of your life. You know that you should move on, but they're so ingrained inside of your mind that it's nearly impossible. You don't know if it's the trauma or just all the what could've beens, but you can't shake them from your life, even if they've completely wiped you clean from theirs. "Colours" has tear-jerking lyrics with raw vocals sang straight from POLLY's heart. The soundscape is dreamy yet mournful as piano and strings whisp through the atmospheric production. The rhythm and drums are gentle and sound like a heartbeat, which I can only imagine was intentional. Feels Like Last but not least, we have the closing track "Feels Like", the melancholic track of watching everyone around you enjoy the night in their youth, while you can't shake the feeling of self-loathing and dread. A soft stomping beat holds the foundation of this song, while layers of ethereal, echoing synths fill the air. Heavy reverb and delay add to the atmospheric tone of being stuck inside of your own head. POLLY sings with an emotive timbre like no one is listening. It's a heavy emotion that she just needs to get out. Everything put into this song, you can feel it in your chest, pulling at your heart strings. Seriously, what an incredible outro song. You can tell when an artist has poured their heart and soul into a work of art, and POLLY not only gave everything she had when it came to the sound and storytelling for the songs of "Daddy Issues" the EP, but she was honest and vulnerable with her own personal life. It takes strength to be that real with your listeners, and in return you get people who can relate on such a deep, meaningful level that the music sticks with you. The craziest part is POLLY is still only getting started, and she's already making songs that deserve so much more attention than they are getting. If you loved the "Daddy Issues" EP, make sure to follow POLLY below to keep up on what is yet to come. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW POLLY: Instagram | Spotify *Sponsored Post - Discovered on SubmitHub. A contribution was made to help create this article as part of a promotional campaign .

Before Summer 2025 ends, grab your to-do list and make sure you include indulging in the ear candy of ‘Dive Bar Opera’ from dynamic pop artist Meg Smith. ‘Dive Bar Opera’ sounds like the equivalent of giving your best shower performance yet, having a dance party with your closest loved ones, and unexpectedly falling in love. The track is thrilling, dance-instigating, and beautifully intoxicating. Upon first listening, it felt like a song I had somehow always known. Smith embeds a flair within ‘Dive Bar Opera’ that is similar to the charm and catchiness of 2000-2010’s pop music, evoking a feeling of nostalgia and new sense of wonder. It is a wonderfully eclectic, throwback-type pop song that comes rarely. While ‘Dive Bar Opera’ may sound familiar, it is an entirely new world from Smith and Smith alone. Although this song talks of a connection with someone who is less than good to her, the spirit of ‘Dive Bar Opera’ gives listeners the impression that regardless, Smith is someone who is going to make the most of the situation and pick herself up where & if she has fallen. Smith has an ability to write about commonly shared experiences, such as channeling complicated emotions into energy put toward a fun night out, and combine them with an uplifting, purely fun sound that makes you want to forget about anything else except listening to the song. It is one that you can find yourself within – along with so many others - all while finding a good time. While ‘Dive Bar Opera’ is a track you can throw yourself into if you’re looking for a fun escape, it also asks an important question – “Will you still want me when the show is over?” This question is aimed toward Smith’s partner / love interest, yet the question makes listeners reflect and think about how you are valued. The focus of ‘Dive Bar Opera’ may be on treating yourself to a good time, despite someone trying to hold you back, but Smith does a brilliant job showing that it’s additionally important to ensure that recognizing your value is crucial. ‘Dive Bar Opera’ may be flashy and stunning both in sound & lyricisms, talking of scenes of leather & lace in conjunction with a bank heist and car chase, it is about reflecting on the energy and qualities you bring to the table. This unhealthy relationship / person is a vice for Smith, but she’s the one turning the dive bar into opera. ‘Dive Bar Opera’ takes all aspects of this love story – both good & bad – and transforms it to create a world where people can both dance and let go as well as learn from how things played out. Meg Smith is a pop artist born in Los Angeles, California and now based in New York City. Writing and performing since age 13, Smith exhibits talent and clever songwriting in combination with production that is thorough and stands out. One of Spotify’s Pop Rising Artists to Watch, Smith already has a self-coined genre term to describe her music – “romcom pop”. Delivering pop bangers with charming lyricism about the complexities of relationships, Smith’s “romcom pop” is entirely honest and unique. In 2024, Smith experienced a busy & whirlwind type of year that marked a big start to her impact on the music industry. BBC 1’s “Future Pop” programming began rotating her single ‘Jesus Christ in a Miniskirt’, while she additionally crossed 1M streams on Spotify and had YouTube place billboards for her in LA & NYC. While this is not even grazing the surface of the success she has had, additionally having tracks featured in Apple TV’s ‘EZRA’ and Season 2 of Netflix’s ‘Ginny and Georgia’ under her belt, it is clear that Smith is going far places with her talent & music. Written By Madison Spies FOLLOW MEG SMITH: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

I can imagine that when a songwriter is approaching an idea, trying to acknowledge their feelings, understand them, and put pen to paper cannot be an easy task. What we get from the lyrics in IONA SKY'S new single, "Hardly Notice" comes across so clever, descriptive and imaginative. IONA SKY does a perfect job capturing what it's like to get into an argument with a friend or partner but wanting to ignore the confrontation. The lyrics fully immerse the listener into the subject with lines like, "I never wanna fight" and "Let's talk it through tonight" really allowing the listener to follow along on the journey. This song has so many great things about it that it's almost hard to pinpoint exactly what makes it great. The verses are simple in terms of musicality but lyrically, really just tell a whole story in the best way. An easy rhythm to follow along but also that will end up being stuck in your head for the next days to come. The chours is really where the money is. I recommend listeners wear headphones when listening to the song. When the chorus comes on the song sort of blossoms so beautifully to the point where out loud I said, "Oh wow!" The vocals really just cater to listeners ears and the lyrics really add to the song emotionally. IONA SKY are an Anglo-American band based in England. The band consists of vocalist Anna-Sophia Henry, vocalist/guitarist/keys James Malone, lead guitarist Simon Jupp, bassist Matt Worthington, and drummer Scott 'the Dark Lord' Wilson. In March 2024 they released their debut EP 'Homeschooled.' Their first singles, "Never Be The Same Again" and "Locked the Door" from the EP were featured on international radio, including BBC Radio One. The band also just completed their first tour around the UK, Ireland, and the UA playing across cities including London, Dublin, and New York City. Written By Breanna M. FOLLOW IONA SKY: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

With a rise in the popularity of reading fantasy novels in recent years, it only makes sense to explore music to match the genre. We all long to escape from reality sometimes, losing ourselves in fantastical stories or through the songs we blare from our headphones. From Halsey to Lord Huron to Florence + The Machine, there are a plethora of tracks to create the perfect fantasy-inspired playlist to accompany the harrowing adventures depicted in your favorite stories. If you're looking for songs to take you on an epic journey, join us as we talk about these "10 Pop Songs For Fantasy Book Lovers." 10. Halsey - "Castle" Originally recorded for her debut album, Badlands , Halsey's "Castle" was later re-recorded for the soundtrack for The Huntsman: Winter's War and released in 2016. The track is an intense electropop hit, depicting conflict within a kingdom over a cinematic soundscape of lush instrumentals, impactful percussion, and an ominous, lush choir. It's the perfect accompaniment for any fantasy book delving into political unrest or battles of epic proportions. 9. Nothing But Thieves - "Holding Out For a Hero" Covering Bonnie Tyler's 1984 power pop hit, Nothing But Thieves reimagined this track with their version of "Holding Out For a Hero," recorded for the television series Vikings . The English indie band ditched the song's heavy use of exuberant synths, turning the peppy '80s tune into something dark and suspenseful. Full of tension and mystery, Nothing But Thieves' "Holding Out For a Hero" sounds like the ultimate setup for a fantasy setting, foreshadowing some of the darker days to come when someone might need to call upon a hero to save them. 8. Ruelle - "Madness" The titular track on her second studio album, Ruelle's "Madness" stays true to the artist's huge, grand cinematic sound, being one of many of her songs that could be included on this list. "Madness" has rightfully been featured on several soundtracks and trailers, including shows like Siren and Behind Her Eyes . With the track's immersive, pulse-pounding soundscape, it's no surprise that "Madness" is on this list as it sonically paints the perfect picture for a monumental fantasy battle. 7. Lord Huron - "Ends of the Earth" A softer, more tender entry on this list, Lord Huron's "Ends of the Earth" gives us an indie/folk-pop song that delves into themes of love and adventure. The track comes from the band's debut studio album, outlining the story of our main character asking his lover to see the world with him and go on a journey into the unknown. Between the song's folk composition and the romantic narrative, "Ends of the Earth" is an excellent addition to a fantasy playlist as it captures the cute, swoon worthy feelings we have for certain character relationships in a book. 6. Ed Sheeran - "I See Fire" Commissioned for the soundtrack of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug , Ed Sheeran's "I See Fire" rounds out this list with a haunting folk-pop ballad. The tender track evokes feelings of sinking despair as the movie comes to a close, giving us an amazingly beautiful song that captures the essence of all hope being lost and overwhelming grief that is often felt in emotional fantasy stories. 5. Lorde - "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" Reimagining Tears For Fears' 1985 synth-pop hit, Lorde put a new spin on "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" with her 2013 rendition for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire . The artist takes the song's original peppy sound and turns it on its head, creating a foreboding electropop soundscape dripping with tension as it builds into a fiery conclusion. Embodying the darker, suspenseful side of pop, Lorde's "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" fits well into the world of dystopian fantasy, proving itself to be worthy of accompanying thrilling, action-packed stories. 4. Billie Eilish - "you should see me in a crown" A song perfect for plotting world dominance, Billie Eilish's "you should see me in a crown" is a different take on songs that would go well with fantasy novels. The track comes off her debut studio album, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? , and is an addictive mix of electropop, industrial, and trap. Oozing suspense over a fast-paced, dark soundscape, Eilish creates a compelling accompaniment for a morally grey character striving to take down a kingdom. 3. Alex Warren - "Ordinary" A BookTok/Bookstagram sensation, Alex Warren's chamber pop hit "Ordinary" gives us a taste of romantasy in song form. The track is love incarnate, translating feelings of loving someone extraordinary and how that feels otherworldly. Given that plenty of fantasy and romantasy novels feature powerful, swoon worthy stories of falling in love with someone out of this world, Warren's "Ordinary" put those feelings into sound and creates a truly immersive love song to fall head over heels for. 2. Hozier - "First Light" Often referred to as a majestic forest nymph, it's no surprise that much of Hozier's catalog is well-suited for the fantasy genre. One such song of Hozier's is "First Light" from his 2023 album, Unreal Unearth . The track embodies light at the end of a tunnel, serving as the album's climax after a daunting journey through the circles of Hell in Dante's Inferno . A hymn-like folk-pop song, "First Light" combines Hozier's arresting, otherworldly voice with rich harmonies and lush instrumentals that convey a sense of liberation, celebration, and relief that often comes at the conclusion of an emotional fantasy adventure. 1. Florence + The Machine - "Seven Devils" Coming from another artist with a plethora of fantasy-appropriate songs, Florence + The Machine's "Seven Devils" wraps up this list in an explosive way. The indie-pop track comes from Florence + The Machine's 2011 album, Ceremonials , sounding like a battle cry as a heroine vows to burn a kingdom to the ground to enact revenge against someone who has wronged her. Perfect for a fight, "Seven Devils" features a rousing, impassioned soundscape that blends cinematic, dramatic instrumentals with Florence Welch's powerful, commanding vocals. Did you hear any songs on this list that you love? Are there any you would add to this list? Let us know on our socials! Written By Cheyenne Johnson Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Sloan Treacy states that she hadn't actually realized what "Pavement" was about until halfway through writing it. By then, she had become aware that the song serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of sacrificing one's own life for people-pleasing. The lyric, "all the streets just look the same when you're staring at the floor. I know it's hard to catch a break, always knocking on people's doors," precisely depicts someone shrinking themselves by looking down at the floor and, in turn, missing out on what's happening in front of them. Treacy's single "Pavement" off of her new EP was any of it real? begs listeners to evaluate who they are when they're not acting to please someone else. Starting the song off is a soft, rhythmic guitar blend with a juxtaposing synth-driven instrumental, eventually transitioning to subtle backing drums, which allow Treacy's indie singing style and transporting, breathy voice to unfold. Treacy worked with producer Don Miggs and Grammy-nominated mixer Mark Needham on her second EP, further curating her sound. Her stacked vocals throughout the tune display her vocal ability and range. Treacy's authentic singing and songwriting in "Pavement" create a track evoking the sensation of running through an open field, letting yourself dance freely without care. Coming at a time when twenty-first century cringe-culture holds young people back from taking risks, Treacy is putting out original music and encouraging reflection on people pleasing. Sloan Treacy, only sixteen, has been drawn to music since a very young age. She credits her father with teaching her how to play guitar. They sometimes work together as Sloan writes lyrics over an instrumental basis her dad comes up with on the guitar. Treacy's new EP was any of it real? was recorded in both Los Angeles and Nashville, near her home of Franklin, TN. Treacy accredits taking some of her musical inspiration from the versatile music of artists like Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and Stevie Nicks. She describes her "emotional lyrics and ... raw acoustic guitar sound" to be the "perfect backdrop for a late-night drive with the windows down." Written By Azalea Withrow FOLLOW SLOAN TREACY: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

If you've ever lingered too long in a daydream about a relationship that wasn't meant to be, then Split Second's sweet and contemplative track "Is There A Chance?" is the perfect relatable track for you. Powerful lyrics like "I could make you see we go together like the birds and the trees" draw listeners into those preciously romantic moments of longing and fantasy. The song explains the confusing way an ex can stick around even after they say your relationship is over, showing how hard it is to let go of a person you love no matter who takes the first step apart. The speaker of the song begs for clarity and honesty saying "stop the show, you can tell me if the answer is no." This track inspires listeners to seek truth in their own relationships, offering an insightful message that no matter how precious a moment of hope may be, a concrete answer in a breakup is the healthiest way to move on. Bright acoustic strumming followed by ambient keyboard and a resonant electric guitar pattern opens the song. The instrumentals offer a warm and reflective atmosphere to amplify the questioning and intimate message of the lyrics. This track is genre-blending, with a touch of folk and country infused into the instrumental twang, and pop-rock coming through the dynamic vocal style. Ava Hackett's vocals are beautifully breathy through the high notes that punctuate lines of expressive conversational singing. The verses and pre-chorus have a melodic instrumental rhythm that will have you swaying along with the beat. Through the chorus, the song's vulnerability comes to a peak with intensely emotional high vocals that carry the tone of one lover begging another to see things their way. Split Second is a UK-based indie band with an invigorating soft pop-rock style. The group is made up of four dynamic members, with Ava Hackett's sweet and emphatic vocals, Levi Husbands' songwriting and guitarist talents, Jack Barnett on drums, and Louiz Jephcott on bass. With an uplifting sound, and meaningful lyrics that tackle deep themes of love and longing, their music is sure to brighten up your summer. They have several upcoming performances to keep an eye out for at festivals across the UK including Woo Fest , Lakefest , and the Sunshine Music Festival . Check out the links below to keep up to date with their music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW SPLIT SECOND: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Heartache and humor headline Natasha Rose's all-too-relatable anthem "Catastrophe," a spiraling, self-aware reflection on the messiness of young love. Rose takes a humorous dive into a sea filled with emotional chaos: the little things we can't forget no matter how hard we try, the pangs of jealousy, the blame, and the fear of relapse. She captures her dilemmas with candidness and wit, occasionally breaking the fourth wall to remind us that she's only human. Lines like "It's not fair" and "Why should it be me?" reveal the unshakeable frustration toward every listener's common enemy: the unforgettable ex. Through the cheeky tinges of satire, sarcasm, and introspection, Rose creates a cathartic track that's impossible to not fall in love with. "Catastrophe" is Rose's fresh spin on the trials of loving and learning, giving us all a space to feel a little less alone in our heartbreaks. "Catastrophe" is a compelling single brimming with personality. From the striking instrumentation to Rose's gripping vocals, this track has a whole lot to offer in its textured soundscape. The lyrics are a perfect balance between pettiness and poignance; Rose's word-play is addictive, with poetic phrasing and clever alliteration that add sweetness and spunk to her narrative. Her versatile vocals oscillate effortlessly between a soft chest voice and an airy falsetto, capturing an lighthearted yet emotional tug-of-war. The simple strings accompanying in the background resonate throughout the song, maintaining the momentum and supporting the heartfelt melody. The brief spoken phrases feel like Rose is interacting directly with the listener, adding to the confessional-style delivery. Rose delivers a track full of character, vulnerability, and artistry all with a smile on her face, making for a catastrophically good addition to our playlists. 19-year-old Natasha Rose is a bubbly, colorful singer-songwriter with her heart set on turning her pop star dreams into reality. Based in Australia, Rose found her start in music at a very young age and has cultivated that fire into a sound that is as heartfelt and vibrant as it is catchy and relatable. "Catastrophe" gives us a taste of what's to come in her upcoming debut EP "At Least I'm Self Aware." Rose's signature pairing of charisma and catharsis make her a standout powerhouse in an industry that needs something new and unapologetically unique. Undeniably authentic, her music echoes her fiery spirit and captivates every venue it fills. For more updates and releases, follow her socials down below. Stay tuned for more! Written By Pejah Carr FOLLOW NATASHA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

The fight that one never knows how to approach is the battle between letting your emotion drive you or holding yourself back from love. To be left broken means you fear that pain coming back once a new opportunity presents itself. "Mind - Vs. - Heart" by Elena C. Lockleis and Natalia Zuk discusses the longing for love and finding a relationship that can be significant, but there's hesitance in pursuing anything serious. The song paints both fear and love, how intertwined they can become that it holds us back from trying to move forward.The song is delicate and sweet, but it holds so much emotion, providing the intensity of finding yourself in a similar situation. "Mind - Vs. - Heart" has a cheerful tone at the start, you can almost imagine yourself taking a stroll on a sunny day as the intro plays. At first, the lyrics do follow this theme, a setting that feels warm and comforting, until the song progresses and we see the speaker's main struggle. The speaker's struggle becomes clear to us as they want to love the person in front of them but they find themselves leaving to avoid what could be. In the chorus we can hear how the speaker wants to try and be with this person, but there are clear scars from past situations that leave them restrained. Along with past experiences, there's also a sense of self-doubt, as if the speaker believes they need to be alone, not trusting themselves. Throughout the song we see the battle more clearly and how the speaker is stuck in between, not sure what path to take. Us listeners find ourselves mesmerized at the balance of bright instrumentals and the sting of a tragic story, along with an incredible vocal performance. Mixing elements that contrast each other is always a risk, but "Mind - Vs. - Heart" is executed and done so well and it presents us with a story that cuts deep. Elena C. Lockleis is a songwriter based in LA who takes pride in making music that delves into difficult topics such as heartbreak and mental health issues. This song is in collaboration with Natalia Zuk, vocalist from the band Red Carpet Revival. The style of "Mind - Vs. - Heart" was inspired by artists like Julia Michaels. When writing this track, Lockleis used their personal experiences to bring this story to life in such a beautiful manner. Recently, Elena C. Lockleis released a new single "Couldn't Replenish" so check that out and make sure to keep your eye out for what comes next for them. Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW ELENA C. LOCKLEIS: Instagram   | Spotify    FOLLOW NATALIA ZUK: Instagram   | Spotify   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Names are sacred things. They serve as the package for our identity and our existence as we meet new people. Names also tie us to other people. Our surnames act as a tether to those who came before us, further establishing an identity for people to interpret. However, this connection can inhibit us, and we feel the need to break free and establish a separate identity. This is the story told by Cali Tucker in her song “Last Name”, as she breaks away from the reputation of her famous family. She also delves into a deeper topic as she explores the experience of forging an independent path without the support of her family. This track is an anthem for those who want to be truly seen and heard for who they are, in spite of the ties that a name may carry. She establishes her own independence while also presenting a genius ethos and storytelling ability that connects to a variety of audiences on a deeper level. This track begins with a mellow guitar and an echoey, dreamy ambience in the background. Percussion is introduced in the verse and provides a light groove behind the lyrics that pushes the song into the chorus. Vocals are powerful and moving while singing about empowering oneself after heartache. The instrumentation provides the context to the lyrics as the guitar and synths create an emotional atmosphere while the percussion adds power that is complemented by the technique and passion present in Tucker’s voice. Tucker communicates her message through both lyrics and instrumental while blessing audiences with her unbelievable vocal prowess, making for a fantastic work of art. Cali Tucker embodies the beauty of southern femininity flawlessly through her musical presence. Her debut single “Dandelion” was released in 2021 and began her partnership with her producers Tricia Battani and G’Harah “PK” Degeddingseze. Her breakout song, “Country Couture”, thoroughly describes her brand of down-to-earth luxury. She has won numerous awards for her music videos and song originality through her genius artistry and powerhouse performance abilities. Cali Tucker is from a family of country icons, but she establishes an identity that is completely herself and will no doubt entrance audiences everywhere.  Written By Victoria Fitzgerald FOLLOW CALI TUCKER: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

"Made Me a Man" is one of Jackson Wang's newest songs, as its the final track off his recently released fourth album MAGICMAN 2 . In the song, Wang uses the phrase “made me a man” to describe a new phase of his life he entered after he met a significant other. Wang was going through hardships, but this person pulled him out of them and made him feel better. He became focused on the relationship and prioritized it above his former vices. After getting to know his partner, he felt like he has become a different person. He feels like he doesn’t have to or no longer has to dwell on the past, because he only wants to focus on the present and what his life is like right now and instead of back then. Wang’s distinct vocals over solemn guitar chords pull you into “Made Me a Man”. His voice is still husky even as he sings in a high octave, showing how talented he is. Also present are hints of piano chords. After the first chorus, the drums are introduced, switching the genre of the song from acoustic to easy listening pop. The guitar and piano carry over into the remainder of the track. Throughout it, elegant harmonies and melodies are combined, which add to the overall graceful sound. Wang served as one of the producers on “Made Me a Man”, which tells us that he not only has amazing vocal talent but musical talent as well. Jackson Wang is a musician from Hong Kong. He grew up playing competitive sports, mostly gymnastics and fencing, before becoming a K-pop artist. He joined the boy band Got7 in 2013 upon its creation. He began releasing solo music three years later with his own record label Team Wang. He released his debut album MIRRORS  in October 2019. He’s also released other amazing music in addition to his debut and MAGICMAN 2 , including his penultimately released album MAGIC MAN , and the singles “LMLY”, “Why Why Why”, and “Blow”. He has also won several music awards. Jackson’s Wang is an amazing and virtuoso music artist! Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW JACKSON WANG: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Going back to where it all began, David Wimbish & The Collection is once again the solo project that it was when the project first started, creating a bittersweet full circle moment. “The end of one journey is often the beginning of another, and sometimes, you need to travel down a road that’s beautiful and challenging, to realize that heading back to the place you began is where you need to go." - David Wimbish TRACKLIST Won't Stop Yet (One More Hour) Love Me More Medication (Deserve To Be Well) Beautiful Life (Just Can't Get Enough) The Weather (Too Tired To Cry) Love (At The End Of The World) You (Taste Like Wine) Take It With You Singer/Songwriter & Multi-Instrumentalist, David Wimbish began releasing music as a solo artist over a decade ago underneath the name "David Wimbish & The Collection". Little did he know at the time just how much his music would end up impacting the world, and what his project would grow into. What would end up becoming The Collection, a six-piece touring band, David dropped his name from the title, as he found a sense of family and community with his newfound members and collaborators. They released four full-length albums together, gained a loyal fanbase of over 252k Spotify monthly listeners, and had recognition from American Songwriter and NPR's Tiny Desk. Last year, (2024), various members of the band had announced their departure from The Collection to pursue other life callings, leaving David Wimbish to make the decision of a lifetime. And so, he went back to his roots, and I'd say he made the right call. This brand new self-titled album takes classic The Collection fan favorites and gives them a fresh, raw, emotional spin that shed's a whole new light on their meanings; plus, two whole new songs for us to explore. "I always just want people to feel like they’re not alone... On these songs, I’m tapping into some deeply vulnerable topics and spaces, like relationships, self- loathing, depression, and fear. My hope is people will feel very seen and maybe even held." - David Wimbish Won't Stop Yet (One More Hour) Ironically, we start off with the remake of the first ever song I heard from The Collection when I started Pop Passion Blog, and the song that made me an instant fan. While the original track took more of a fun-loving pop approach, this version makes you stop and really pay attention to the actual seriousness behind the lyrics. The instrumentation has a fullness and a realness that expands the emotional drive. The style feels more like folk rock, with an Americana twist in the lead guitar. When this song first came out, we were all coming out of a global pandemic, but today it still feels more relatable than ever. "Won't Stop Yet (One More Hour)" is about being stuck in a rut, but knowing that you are. Admitting it is always the first step to recovery, and all you can do is keep trying your best every single day; even if your best is just the ability to get out of bed. David sings, "I got one more hour, I got one more step. Might not make it further, but I won't stop yet". Love Me More Track two is the leading brand new solo single, "Love Me More", a tragic ballad about losing a love due to the lack of loving yourself. Sometimes, we don't realize just how much our mental health affects not only how we think we feel about other people, but how we feel about ourselves. We end up sabotaging good things, and hurting people that might not deserve it because deep down inside, we think we're not worthy of the love they're trying to give us. David Wimbish wrote "Love Me More" at the end of a crumbling relationship as he was trying to make sense of it all. After it did end, he came to the realization that he needed to start loving himself more as he sings, "what if you love me more than I do?". "Love Me More" has a gorgeous, classic tone and groove with heavy reverb ringing in the air. David let's his vocals and the melody shine through, really emphasising the personal vulnerability. Medication (Deserve To Be Well) Next, we have a new version of a fan favorite song. David Wimbish has always been open about his long-term struggles with depression, and has used his music to share his experiences in hopes to help others not feel alone. Like many, he used to not want to take medication in fear that it would change who he is, but after giving it a try, he realized it was the best thing for him and his mental health. "Medication (Deserve To Be Well)" is an empowering song about breaking free from the chains and doing what's best for you to make yourself happy. If that means taking medication, you don't have to be ashamed. The original version of this song has an upbeat, pop influenced soundscape, while this version is more broken down with acoustic strings. It's gentle, yet so incredibly powerful at the same time. It feels like a cinematic experience that gives you a sense of hope and catharsis. David sings with such raw emotion, I'll be honest, I was choking back tears. Watch the acoustic live version here! Beautiful Life (Just Can't Get Enough) "Beautiful Life" was released several years ago, and still remains a fan favorite song due to its powerful nature. David wrote this song when he found out he was going to be a father, and tried to imagine he was singing it to his unborn child. You can tell the original comes from a place of excitement with a lively soundscape full of horns. However, "Beautiful Life (Just Can't Get Enough)" feels softer, slower and has layers of guitar. David sings from a place of fondness; now that it's been years since he wrote this song, he's able to pull deeper from that emotion, and you can feel it in his voice. This track is about letting go of all the darkness that has held you back, and grasping onto the good. Enjoy your life while you still have it. Watch the acoustic live version here! The Weather (Too Tired To Cry) Have you ever had someone ask you how you are and you struggled to even say that you're fine, because it would be a lie? David Wimbish wrote "The Weather", a very personal story, while in an airport in Portugal. It was one of those days where everything seemed to be going wrong. When someone asked him how he was, he didn't even know how to answer, and just needed time to have a moment alone. We've all been there, and that's what makes this song one of the most relatable out there. "The Weather (Too Tired To Cry)" takes a more emotional approach without losing its powerful structure with layers of guitar and crashing drums. You can hear the raw pain behind David's voice as he sings. Love (At The End Of The World) "Love (At The End Of The World)" is a song that grows more true each day, as life becomes harder to survive. However, this song holds a sense of hope as it's about finding love and someone to hold onto in midst of all the chaos and turmoil. The original track has almost a sassy tone as to call out the ones who put us in the situation in the first place. It's more of an upbeat, classic orchestral rock ballad. However, this version really sheds light on the love perspective of the story. "Love (At The End Of The World)", has a slower tempo, with softer vocals, acoustic guitar and gentle strings to create a romantic atmosphere. In times like these, it's important to have someone in your life to help get you through. Honestly, this sounds like a perfect song to play at your wedding if you're getting married in the next few years. (I am, and I'm totally adding this to my wedding playlist). You (Taste Like Wine) Taking a whole new approach on an old favorite, "You (Taste Like Wine)" has such a beautiful, fresh sound that sounds authentic to David's style. The original "You Taste Like Wine" has more of a 60's / 70's influence, using electric organ and horns with a super classic and upbeat groove. However, "You (Taste Like Wine)" has a complete rhythmic and tonal shift, having an intentional, loving melody with a soft folk rock soundscape. This song is about falling in love with someone that you know love's you back. After being through so much, you've finally found someone that feels like home to you. Take It With You Last but certainly not least, we've reached the final track, "Take It With You", which is the other brand new song off of the album. This song is a tragic, emotional piano ballad that builds into something more. I can imagine this one being a tear-jerker at live shows. "Take It With You" is about that type of toxic relationship where your partners problems start to intertwine into yours to the point where it's not only negatively impacting your feelings for each other, but your own personal life and mental health. David sings, "Take it with you when you go, that shit ain't really mine to hold on to". This song was the perfect, powerful closing track to an incredible album. I've personally been a big fan of David's work for a long time now, and I've got to say I couldn't be more proud than I am right now of what he is doing. I've always believed that he is one of the most underrated songwriters and artists of our time, and this new project solidifies that even more for me. Listening to reimagined versions of already incredible songs made me emotional, because you can hear the love and passion that he has put behind re-doing each song. Not only that, but the two brand new tracks are now two of my favorite songs that I've heard all year long, and I've heard A LOT of songs. I'm so happy that we still have David Wimbish & The Collection to look forward to in the foreseeable future, because his music is needed in this world. We love you David! Do us a favor and follow all of David's social media pages below to stay updated on his incredible journey. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW DAVID WIMBISH & THE COLLECTION: Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube | Website *Sponsored Post - Discovered on SubmitHub. A contribution was made to help create this article as part of a promotional campaign.