Avery Lynch released her latest single, “Sweetheart,” which is the perfect, painfully relatable heartbreak anthem. Every lyric from every line paints a bigger, vivid picture for listeners to visualize a story told beautifully by Avery Lynch. Lack of effort, attention, and affection from a partner in a relationship is a hurtful, confusing experience to navigate. Unfortunately, situations like this are not rare. Dealing with a relationship that feels one-sided or like your partner has lost interest can create deeper wounds, insecurities, and more confusion. When you move forward from the relationship and explore romantic connections with someone else, it becomes easier to see how low your previous partner set the bar. “Sweetheart” highlights complicated feelings, like the sadness when reflecting on a past relationship, but also the sense of peace or happiness experiencing what you always wanted with another person who does it naturally. In the song, Avery Lynch sings, “He calls me sweetheart / And likes to talk to me / I know what we are / What else could a girl need / I’d give him five stars / You left the bar where it's not hard to reach.” These lyrics are just one example of how “Sweetheart” speaks to everyone in a similar situation, showing how hurt from a past relationship can linger, even once you have found someone who cares for you in a way your previous partner did not. “Sweetheart” is a calming masterpiece. The gentle plucks of an acoustic guitar paired with a piano at the beginning immediately draws listeners in to the comforting, emotional sphere Avery Lynch naturally creates with her voice. The blend of the guitar with her delicate, soft vocals adds more emotional layers to the song’s already powerful, melancholic, and reflective tone. Her vocal tone is very unique, and balances an airy lightness with power that displays her natural vocal abilities. Her voice throughout the song keeps listeners grounded and opens them up to feeling the raw vulnerability she expresses. In “Sweetheart,” Avery Lynch shows strength through her soft, honest singing, and her vocal tone is reminiscent of Lizzy McAlpine’s . “Sweetheart” maintains a consistent, stable melody and pace throughout the song. The chorus is elevated by moments where you can hear Avery Lynch’s quiet, warm humming. The hums feel like a hushed lullaby that you want to keep listening to for comfort at night. Towards the end of the song, the sound of the guitar builds and the background music quietly swells. This brief moment feels like when you suppress deep emotions, only for them to rush to the surface when you don’t expect it. Los Angeles based singer, Avery Lynch, originally from Pennsylvania, began her incredible music journey at just 7 years old when she began playing the piano. Before Lynch found her voice as a songwriter, her early compositions were instrumental. With her natural musicality, heartfelt lyrics, and vulnerable storytelling, Avery Lynch attended Berklee College of Music where she continued to hone her craft. Avery Lynch is often described as a “happy girl filled with sad songs." She has created music that is inspired by her life experiences, the world around her, and the media she consumes. Lynch’s music journey began on TikTok in 2020, and resonated deeply with numerous fans all around the world. She has amassed over 400 million streams and 400K monthly listeners on Spotify. All of Avery Lynch’s hard work and natural talent has led her to receiving accolades from notable tastemakers like Just Jared and EARMILK. Another big milestone in Avery Lynch’s career was signing with RECORDS (Song Music). With her clear passion for music, unforgettable sound, and unique artistry, Avery Lynch continues to connect with fans worldwide, and has already become a bright star within the music industry. Written By Kyler Griggs FOLLOW AVERY LYNCH: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Meeting that celebrity that you’ve deemed a hero, followed through thick and thin, can be such an amazing experience… sometimes. There are the ones that you realize, after the show, they really aren’t all that. That is what Samantha Margret’s newest single “midnight oil” spills, with her own encounter with an artist that she looked up to. Pulling a curtain back on that “hero” can really expose a lot of hidden attributes, such as egotistical men who look down on others. Samantha speaks on the track, explaining how she is “so tired of men who think they’re gods because the stage is a few feet above the audience. “Meeting a hero, realizing he's just a guy, always reminds me of the Wizard of Oz. ‘When the curtain comes down’, the magic is gone.” Samantha explains. This track gives a sharp edge on the matter delivers a compelling story paired with instrumental. I have to note that the vocals throughout are so beautiful, with a breathy vox and whisper creating an epic atmosphere for how the song carries out. There is a ton of harmonic background with heavy reverb adding to that atmosphere. Elevating it, though, is the house drums that pick the beat up. It pushes the song forward, mixing electronic elements into the sad pop. The switch up in the final minute, that is teased with the vocals, are a perfect mixup of the song. It effortlessly ties everything together, and the pause that occurs toward the outro creates suspense for the final moments. Ending in a lower octave, it accentuates that disappointment, with whispering making the song come full circle. Effortlessly poetic. Samantha Margret is a singer/songwriter based in the San Francisco Bay Area, California. She writes music for the girls, reclaiming their history, bodies, and feelings. Samantha’s debut single, “Feminist GF”, released back in October 2020 and has over a million plays on Spotify. After releasing the most popular single, “RAGE”, it was right around the cusp of when Roe v. Wade was overturned. With that, a debut EP was born with the same title, becoming a battle cry and emotional release over the event. Since then, Samantha has releases multiple EPs and singles, accumulating over 80 thousand listeners on Spotify. If you liked “midnight oil”, be sure to be on the lookout for Samantha’s new album “Dream Girl” dropping in early October with the links below! Written By Nevaeh Scott FOLLOW SAMANTHA MARGRET: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

After a 2.5 year hiatus from creating new music, Julia Campbell shares “Ohio Song” with the world, a classic track about breakups from her upcoming EP “Sick of Staying”. She finds ways to make even the most common metaphors for breakups her own, like train wrecks and car crashes, highlighting her lyricism and emotional ties to this situation. This song tells the story of their relationship and the fallout, how every time she sees an Ohio license plate she can't help but think of her ex lover. The ups and downs, the stupid fights and new haircuts, how even though they knew they were not right for each other they could just not stay away. Despite the melancholic tone to Campbell’s voice, the soundscape of this song is an indie pop vibe, with a strong bass line guiding the story along. Her voice is breathy and soft, similar to old Gracie Abrams and Maisie Peters. In the chorus, she sings, “Damn we were a train wreck waiting to happen / Everybody saw us go off the tracks and / You still couldn’t say it / Guess it’s easier just staying”. She recounts drunken arguments, comparing them also to a car crash, to the impact of air bags, saying that they should have just dropped it when they had the chance. The bridge feels like a whirlwind of emotions and instruments, similar to the chaos in Campbell’s mind in regards to this mess of an ending. Julia Campbell is a Pennsylvania born singer-songwriter, currently based in Los Angeles. She started teaching herself how to play the guitar at only fourteen, but her love for music began much earlier than that. She remembers sitting in her carseat jamming out to Avril Laigne, listening to her mother “dissect Joni Mitchell lyrics”, and learning the Monkees from her father’s CD. Music was her upbringing, and she quickly found it to be an outlet for emotions and storytelling. With various singles released in her career, she creates her own strong sound and vibe, integrating herself into the LA music scene and performing all around the city. Make sure to follow the social medias before for more music from Julia Campbell, and stay tuned for the release of her EP “Sick of Staying”. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW JULIA CAMPBELL: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

Bryce French gives us a beautiful summer song based on reminiscing on who he was. We get a personal reflection of a childhood home, which then catapults us into a deep dive of emotion around who the artist used to be. We can easily gather that this was the main point when the song says, "The hill I grew up on ain't that tall / Anymore / When it's all gone / Nothing left for me to hold / This house is old and I still feel as I was." We gather that the artist feels like while there has been significant change, time has not yet changed everything. My favorite part of the song is the second verse which says, "Written on the sidewalk / In chalk that washed away / Sixteen years ago when my young face began to change / Words of affirmation / Like kid, you're gonna make it / I thought I could take on the world / My parents are to blame." Here we get a glimpse not only of the reflection on the past but, also the innocence that came with having childlike faith in our parents, hanging on to every word they said. "As I Was" provides an inner-reflective tone for the listener. We know that it's rather introspective, the artist is looking at themselves and recalling how things used to be. While being more in depth it's still a very upbeat and catchy tune. The mood is then presented in this melancholic but reminiscent way that brings a content yet ready-for-change vibe. The instrumentation allows the listener to remain intrigued through fast pacing, hard hitting guitar riffs, electronic synths, and beautiful drum beats. This also allows for the lyrics to add another level of depth, drawing the listeners in and keeping them on edge wanting more. Bryce French is a singer-songwriter based out of Boston MA. Over the last few years he's released two EP's. His passion is songwriting which is why he is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in songwriting from Berklee College of Music. Inspired by bands like the Lumineers, Noah Kahan, and Tyler Childers, Bryce's goal with his music is to tell stories with catchy melodies, while collaborating with is musician friends as well. Bryce spends most of his time making music and teaching young adults how to sing. If you're in the mood for a hot summer hit then check out Bryce French's music today! Written By Destiny Rundquist FOLLOW Bryce French: Instagram | Spotify

Pic Creds: Apple Music Alex Warren has taken the pop music culture by storm. With smashing hits like "Chasing Shadows" and "Carry You Home" Alex Warren has become a household name. His new album "You'll Be Alright Kid" chapter 2 has given his fans something to look forward to this summer and it did not disappoint. Enough chit chat, let's dive right in and talk summer jams. Tracklist Eternity The Outside First Time On Earth Bloodline (with Jelly Roll) Never Be Far Ordinary Everything Getaway Car Who I Am You Can't Stop This On My Mind (Alex Warren & ROSÉ) Alex Warren is a California native who has had to overcome many obstacles to reach stardom. He made a name for himself by first being recognized for his entertaining videos with his wife Kovur on TikTok. Alex Warren helped found and run a collaborative TikTok group called the Hype House. After a singing video of his gained traction he began taking his singing career seriously and has since released numerous hit songs and toured all over the country. When asked about his new album Alex Warren said, "The first half was like, hey, I'm broken and this is why, and here's all the things that have happened in my life, and here's also me finding love. The second one's like, hey, this is who I am now, this is where I am now, and this is how I've been able to heal." Eternity We start strong with the song "Eternity" which gives us a glimpse into navigating grief after loss. There's a beautiful mix of ethereal and pop tones. Almost like a mystical yet surreal beat that pulls us into the raw emotion that Alex is communicating with us. Whether you've experienced personal loss and grief, or you're trying to relate directly to Alex, he has made grief a physical, tangible feeling with "Eternity." One of the strongest lyrics within this song says, "To be with you in paradise / What I wouldn't sacrifice / Why'd you have to chase the light / Somewhere I can't go? / As I walk this world alone." It's heart wrenching to miss someone to this degree and Alex Warren paints it so perfectly for us. The Outside Song two is the beginning of two worlds colliding. We get two different perspectives. A boy who lives paycheck to paycheck, not really sure where life is going and a girl who's actively searching for more out of life. What makes "The Outside" unique is the way it echoes from each perspective. Both boy and girl are searching for some glimpse of hope or some deeper connection/meaning. The chorus conveys this to us so clearly when it says, "Could you give me a reason, give me a sign? / Cause I'm down and out of my mind / Is there someone out there to throw me down a lifeline?" This starts and active search for healing, growth, and companionship. First Time On Earth By song three we're grasping the depths of the hurt being processed. There's a maturity that is visible within Alex Warren. The song talks about growing up and understanding that "It's your first time on Earth too." Meaning that as humans we're subject to making mistakes, the most important thing is being able to forgive. The lyrics are soaked not only in reflection but also forgiveness and sincerity. The instrumentation echoes and builds upon this theme as well, starting slow with mellowed guitar and building with pops of drums and keyboard. Personally, my favorite line of the song says, "It's just pain that you were passing down / I'm older, and see it now / It's your first time on Earth too." I can draw connections with growing older and forgiving what others couldn't prevent. Bloodline (with Jelly Roll) When "Bloodline" rolls around we're already wrestling with our own strength. How do you overcome, heal, and conquer the demons that have held you down for generations? "Bloodline" puts it in the most beautifully simple way. We don't have to follow in our bloodline. We can be generational curse breakers. Alex Warren and Jelly Roll give us an example of what pushing through looks like, what breaking trauma cycles looks like. The instrumentation gives us a sense of power. We tap our foot along to the beat because it's catchy, it cultivates a spirit of change within us. With powerhouse lyrics like, "That storm keeps on raging / But don't you forget / God's not done with you yet," it's hard not to be hopeful. Never Be Far I think it's nearly impossible to look back at our younger selves and not miss who we were. That's exactly what "Never Be Far" is about. We see self reflection and reminiscing, missing certain moments of your past. Alex Warren makes it clear that just because life goes on doesn't mean we have to forget where we've come from. We get a hopeful and future focused tone. Each word, each line, drenched in hopeful reflection and promise for what's to come. Lines like, "Oh, I promise, wherever I carry your heart with me / I'll never be far, never be far from / Home, home / Home, home," put an emphasis on the deep connection and the sincerity regarding moving forward and holding space for the younger you. Ordinary At this point we're seeing the story fall together. We're back to two worlds colliding, loving someone who feels out of this world extraordinary. Earlier in the album we experience "The Outside" which is an active search for something or someone more. Now with "Ordinary" that searching is complete. The artist has found the one who completes him. We understand the overwhelming feeling of true love and what it means to hold forever in your heart together. With the idea of heaven being tied into the song we get another ethereal vibe. A powerhouse beat with serious yet positive tone that explores the depths of love. While also giving us adorable lyrics like, "The angels up in the clouds are jealous knowing we found / Something so out of the ordinary / You got me kissing the ground of your sanctuary / Shatter me with your touch, oh Lord, return me to dust." Everything After "Ordinary" we're set in motion to move forward with the love of our life. We recognize that this is the shift for Alex Warren. He's now past wrestling with what it looks like to heal, and he's actively walking out life healing and thriving with the love of his life. "Everything" is a ballad that reassures and proves just how much love means to him. Alex is essentially saying 'if I don't have you then I don't have anything.' Which is both beautiful and raw. The instrumentation is classical, slow but romantic like a slow flame. He professes how much she means to him when he says, "If you're not here, what would I be? / Darlin, don't take your love from me / I could live without, oh, just about anything / But if I lose you, darlin, then I lose everything." Further proving to us how deeply he feels for his significant other. Getaway Car Even after the healing process has begun it can be hard to push through adversity and hard situations "Getaway Car" paints this concept perfectly. While actively building a better life for himself there is still a little voice preying on his downfall. I think I speak for myself and numerous others when I say that this is a common feeling for everyone. When you're in a position that has you actively thriving, there can still be little seedlings of doubt or fear. The tone of the song allows us to connect and feel that concept in depth. The upbeat and crazy guitar riffs and the bursting drum beats give off the saucy tone associated with those feelings. My favorite line of the song says, "The Devil's catching up to my getaway car / Always in my ear saying 'You're no winner' / If I blow this shot, then you'll pull that trigger." You can visualize the active battle between fear and hope. Who I Am "Who I Am" is a breathtaking ballad filled with question and hard hitting emotion. It's a reflection and deep dive into who Alex is. Alex Warren is being open and honest in the most raw way he knows how to be, by explaining exactly how he views himself. There's a relatability that makes it easy for the listeners to connect with him. Being the butt of the joke so it hurts less is a common experience. We strive to hurt less, if we hurt ourselves first then the damage is already done. The question that is pressing in the song is 'Who am I to you?' We know how we view ourselves but how do others see us? Some of the lines prod us to think deeper. One of my favorite lyrics says, "I need to let somebody down, but I'm somebody / I'm somebody / I need to let somebody down / So, tell me, tell me, tell me / Who I am to you." I've come to understand that Alex Warren wants to be understood too and that's perfectly okay. You Can't Stop This Now we're nearing the end and we're going out with a bang. This powerhouse song tells us directly that we can't stop Alex Warren's progress, it's only up from here. There's a finality, a confidence. We know how hard Alex has worked for this moment and he's taking a minute to soak it all in. Right off the bat he talks about how hard he worked to get where he is when he says, "I had a dream, I had a vision / I had to work for this, and you didn't / I had to bleed, still got the stitches." Not saying that others worked less for what they have, but rather proudly saying that he's fought for everything he's had. He has numerous reason to be proud. The upbeat, intense instrumentation gives us the 'champion' or 'king of the world' vibe tying the song together beautifully. On My Mind We end on a mellow note. A hopeful outlook remembering and holding love dearly. There's a melding together of all the emotions talked about throughout the album. Alex is actively holding healing and hurt in both hands, balancing them out, and holding space for it all. The song talks specifically about love and how the people he's loved are still on his mind. My favorite lyrics from this song say, "Maybe it's the way the clouds are painted a perfect shade of yellow all across the sky / Maybe it's the way the times are changing, and I'm stuck in the middle, frozen in a fire / But, baby, you're on my mind." There's a wholesome, hopeful feel that allows us to smile knowing that Alex has overcome. The pacing of the song is slower than some of the other songs, but it's meant to provide the sweetness that comes with resolution and it does just that. Alex Warren has wormed his way into my heart and I fear he'll never leave. Although, I don't think I want him to. The album was beautifully crafted, packed full of raw emotion, and hopeful undertones which is what we all need. Alex never missed a beat, he was right on the money, proving yet again that you can mix many different music mediums and create a lyrical masterpiece. I encourage you all to sit down and listen to "You'll Be Alright, Kid" chapter 2. You won't regret it. Written By Destiny Rundquist Instagram | Spotify | TikTok *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Have you ever been in a relationship with someone who annoyingly causes the same argument every night over and over again for no reason... and you literally wish they would just shut up? For the sake of your relationship, you feel like if they really cared, they would stop picking a fight with you, but they let their mouth get them in trouble every chance that they get. This is what Anna Jay's new single, "Shut Up!" is all about. It's a toxic, never-ending cycle that you find yourself trapped in until there's nothing left to be fighting for. "Shut Up!" by Anna Jay takes an edgy approach to a modern pop sound, using electric guitar and heavy drums to set it's groove and tone. Anna Jay sings beautifully, emotions running high with the poetic and heart-breaking lyrics. One of my personal favorite parts of the structure of this song are the layers of background vocals and harmonies. Although this song has an instrumentation that has almost an angry and aggressive approach, the vocals give off more of a devastating sadness. I'd love to hear an acoustic ballad version with how gorgeous Anna's vocals are. Anna Jay is a harpist-turned-pop star who uses nostalgic pop blended with raw, emotional lyrics to create relatable, catchy tracks for fans of the likes of Taylor Swift , Olivia Rodrigo , Tate McRae , Halsey , Fletcher , Reneé Rapp , and Charlotte Lawrence . After having to leave the Manhattan School of Music where she studied harp after receiving an injury, Anna Jay discovered her true passion was for songwriting. She released her debut single, "Bad Day" in 2022, and has been steadily releasing new singles each year ever since. She works hard in the city of NYC to self-fund her music, wanting to spread her voice across the pop world. Make sure to follow Anna below to keep up on her incredible journey! It's only still just beginning. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW ANNA: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube | Website

All soft, dark, light, and heavy, artist Gatlin’s single ‘Jesus Christ & Country Clubs’ takes the worst out of a bad situation and creates something beautiful out of confusing, complex emotions. ‘Jesus Christ & Country Clubs’ highlights the experience of caring for someone who prefers more superficial qualities and focused on fitting in certain environments rather than making genuine connections. The track dives into themes of class, heartbreak, self-worth, etc., all via describing a lost connection with someone who valued certain looks, environments, and amenities above all else. It’s clear to listeners that Gatlin has left this connection behind but that it additionally left scars and memories that impact Gatlin beyond the breakup. ‘Jesus Christ & Country Clubs’ will not only easily resonate with listeners, as these themes and predicaments are unfortunately common, but it will give them time to truly reflect and connect with themselves. This moody, yet changing in pace, song fully puts Gatlin’s heart on display, not shying away from the confusing feelings of a breakup while also allowing room for the feelings she has about her own self. From beginning to end, Gatlin doesn’t shy away from how she feels – both toward herself and her ex-partner, transparently showing a realistic perspective and offering listeners a place to reflect and begin the process of listening to oneself. While pain, confusion, and clarity are heard throughout ‘Jesus Christ & Country Clubs’ in Gatlin’s voice, they are additionally displayed through her lyrics. Lines such as, “Pockets bigger than your guns,” and “You say you want the southern stereotype”, paint a clear picture of the type of person she was once with. It’s evident that Gatlin was unappreciated for who she is and her ex-partner’s idea of what is ‘most desirable’ was worth more to them than the authentic person standing before them. The line “I’m split in two” especially stood out to me, as it appeared to highlight the experience of trying to decide between wanting to stick to who you are or follow certain societal expectations / fit in with a certain type of crowd. Gatlin overall has chosen her own path and does not want to follow the shallow, surface-level type of life her ex-partner wants to have, but this experience has created confusion for her when it comes to truly knowing where she’s going next and where she will fit in. As the track plays off of this confusion and uses it to its advantage through sound, creating a moody ambience, Gatlin sings as if this all happened just yesterday. The emotions in this track are raw, personal, and widely identifiable – both in its writing and sound, creating an authentic listening experience for listeners that will keep them wanting more & more. Gatlin is an indie artist based in Nashville, Tennessee. Her music can be described as a mixture of instinctual humanity with daring vulnerability to create musical moments filled with meaning & melody. Gatlin is a multifaceted person and artist, enjoying things like riding motorbikes and wearing leather as well as spreading love to others. Additionally, she is not afraid to be herself and stand her ground. Her music is evident of that, combining confessional lyricism with emotional storytelling. With roots in folk and a wide imagination, her style can be compared with artists such as Phoebe Bridgers and Maggie Rogers. Receiving a feature on TIDAL as the face of “Rising:Folk” with her first releases and a place on Spotify’s “Fresh Folk” playlist, Gatlin continues to focus on releasing more beautiful & honest music. Written By Madison Spies FOLLOW GATLIN: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube

Delivered ahead of their next studio album, Reavolution , Reaven have released their latest single, "Free Your Mind." A powerful, introspective pop-rock/alt-rock anthem, the track delves into themes surrounding the inner battle we've all faced where emotion clashes with reason. Our hearts often conflict with what our brains tell us, leaving us to feel like we're fighting a war within ourselves while trapped in a mental prison. Reaven captures this dissension perfectly in "Free Your Mind," calling us to the embrace the chaos, let go of control, and liberate ourselves from the confines of our minds. Unyielding and determined, Reaven's "Free Your Mind" is a song steeped in unwavering resolution as the band successfully depicts the narrative's inner turmoil. The track features Reaven's signature rock sound, blending an immersive, exhilarating mix of thrilling guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and gritty, impassioned vocals. Reminiscent of early 2000s pop-rock/alt-rock, Reaven's "Free Your Mind" sounds like a fresh take on hits created by iconic acts like Nickelback , Shinedown , and Finger Eleven , perfect for fans looking for a hint of nostalgia or something excitingly new to add to their playlists. Becoming known as Europe's "new indie-rock sensation," Reaven are proving themselves to be a powerful, stylish force to be reckoned with. The French four-piece, consisting of members Roméo Bassi, Vincent Fernandes, Rudy Bournazel, and André Rocha, have become known for their explosive live performances and compelling vocals as they were favorites at many 2024 music festivals. Already building a loyal fanbase internationally, Reaven enjoyed much success with their album For Tomorrow , hitting the roads for a supporting tour that took them to Japan and across Europe. Showing no signs of slowing down, Reaven are set to release more music and embark on a new tour encompassing Europe, the US, Canada, Latin America, and more. Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW REAVEN: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Photo From Black Music Project The roots of country music have been heavily discussed in the last two years. The reason why is primarily because of Beyonce. I went to see her live last month. You can check out my review of her concert here . She inspired me to do my own research. So what did I learn? I learned that white and black people worked together to create country music, but only one race was effectively erased from its history and only one race receives flack today for making country music. Can you guess which race that is? Let's go ahead and take a look at the roots of country music through the lens of black people. Banjo The banjo we see today can be traced back to West Africa. Indigenous Africans created an instrument known as the Akonting. This instrument was made out of gourds and animal hide. When Africans were forced into slavery, they brought the instrument to America. Joel Walker Sweeney is credited with popularizing the banjo. He replaced the gourd body with a wooden box and performed at minstrel shows with it. Minstrel shows were popular mid-19th century theatrical entertainment performed by white actors wearing blackface to mimic and humiliate enslaved Africans and their lifestyles. Thus making it popular among white people and leading to appropriation of their culture. The instrument is used not only in country, but also in bluegrass, folk, gospel, and jazz. Hillbilly Music Hillbilly music was introduced in the 1920s. The genre originally drew inspiration from slave spirituals, religious hymns, and blues. During its early development, black and white hillbilly artists were actually collaborating, but record labels interfered and chose to segregate them into hillbilly records and race records. Despite having contributed to hillbilly records, the separation led to black songwriters and performers being uncredited on those tracks. Post World War l, hillbilly music was rebranded as country music. From then on, country music was considered white music created and performed solely by white people for white audiences. That belief is still used today to say that country music created by black artists is not real country and justify not playing their music on country radio or giving them awards. Photo From African Bluegrass First Successful Black Country Artists Despite being effectively erased and excluded from a genre they helped create, some black artists still found a way to become popular, receive credit for their contributions, and shape the culture. DeFord Bailey’s harmonica playing was a bridge between blues and country. In 1927, he became the first black performer at the Grand Ole Opry which started out as a radio show and became very popular once he joined. Lesley Riddle taught The Carter Family different songs and guitar techniques despite only having three fingers on his right hand. His unique playing style was popularized by Maybelle Carter and became known as the “Carter Scratch” or “Carter Picking”. Rufus Payne mentored Hank Williams from a young age and helped him grow into the legendary artist he became. He taught him how to play guitar and how to perform, exposed him to blues, and influenced his singing style. The same thing can be said about Gus Cannon and Johnny Cash . Gus Cannon popularized jug bands and served as a mentor to Johnny Cash by exposing him to the Memphis music scene and different music. Chuck Berry , a rock and roll pioneer, is another artist whose music transcended genres. Songs like “ Maybellene ” and “ Johnny B. Goode ” appealed to both white and black audiences and influenced generations of pop and country artists. Ray Charles released Modern Sounds In Country and Western Music Volumes 1 and 2 in 1962. The two albums blended country with R&B, pop, jazz, and soul which was completely unheard of for that time. Charley Pride was country music’s first black superstar. He amassed a whopping 52 top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs including “ All I Have to Offer You (Is Me) ”, “ Kiss An Angel Good Mornin ”, “ Someone Loves You Honey ”, “ Honky Tonk Blues ”, and “ Night Games ”. Linda Martell was the first commercially successful black female country artist. Her hit album, Color Me Country, featured hit songs: “ Color Him Father ”, “ Before the Next Teardrop Falls ”, and “ Bad Case of the Blues ”. Due to a combination of racism, sexism, and blackmail, she was forced to leave the country music scene, but her legacy will always live on. DeFord Bailey, Charley Pride, and Ray Charles are the only black musicians to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. All these artists changed the way country music was seen, expressed, and consumed by audiences back then and now. They paved the way for and influenced all country artists regardless of race. Current Black Country Artists There has been an uptick of black musicians successfully making country music in the 21st century. Darius Rucker started his career as the frontman of a popular rock band, Hootie & the Blowfish . After the band went on hiatus, he revamped himself as a country singer starting with his second solo album. He has amassed numerous hits including “ Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It ”, “ This ”, “ Wagon Wheel ”, “ Homegrown Honey ”, and “ If I Told You ”. Kane Brown debuted in 2015. He has numerous hit songs on the Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts such as “ What Ifs ”, “ Heaven ”, “ Homesick ”, “ Famous Friends ”, and “ Miles On It ”. Beyonce ’s first stint with country music was back in 2016. She performed “ Daddy Lessons ” off of her Lemonade album at the Country Music Awards. The performance was met with pure hate. Fast forward to 2024, she releases Cowboy Carter, an album born out of that pure hate, to universal acclaim, a number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for " Texas Hold Em ", multiple Grammies including Best Country Album and Album of the Year, the creation of a new Grammy category, and a plethora of other accomplishments. The greatest living performer now has the highest grossing country tour of all time! Shortly after being featured on Beyonce’s album, Shaboozey released “ A Bar Song (Tipsy) ” which quickly became one of the biggest songs of all time. The song went number one for 19 non-consecutive weeks tying the record with Lil Nas X ’s 2019 country rap debut “ Old Town Road ”. You've seen these artists, heard their music, and felt their influence, but what about the lesser known artists? I want to take this moment to highlight some smaller black musicians who have been contributing to the country music scene and deserve more shine. Multi-instrumentalist Rhiannon Giddens is known for her work in country, Americana, roots, blues, and folk. She has released many solo albums since 2015 and been a part of several different successful groups. Rissi Palmer is known for her biggest hit, “ Country Girl ”. She has a popular podcast titled Color Me Country Radio with Rissi Palmer on Apple Music. Mickey Guyton is best known for ” Better Than You Left Me ”, “ Black Like Me ”, and “ Boys ”. Jimmie Allen has accumulated four hit songs: “ Best Shot ”, “ Make Me Want To ”, “ Freedom Was A Highway ”, and “ Down Home ”. Blanco Brown is a country rapper best known for “ The Git Up ”. Willie Jones is a former X Factor contestant who has released two albums this decade. Brittney Spencer released her solo debut album, My Stupid Life, at the beginning of 2024. Tanner Addell released her solo debut album, Buckle Bunny, in summer of 2023. Reyna Roberts released her solo debut album in September of 2023. Tiera Kennedy released her solo debut album in October of last year and is the host of Apple Music Country’s The Tiera Show. You probably didn’t know these artists existed, but now you do. I strongly encourage you to check out their music. Photo From The Tennessean Researching for this article has really opened my eyes and I hope it has opened yours as well. Hopefully, in the future, I can make more articles like this for different genres so we can all learn and grow together! Written By Jazz Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Some love stories aren’t meant to be– not all of them get that fairy tale ending, happy tears, and whatnot. Some of them are destined to crumble. Livy B’s “Doomed” steps into the darker side of relationships as she explores the story of a doomed couple. Detailing the realization that this relationship won’t be going anywhere successful, the track is decorated with a dark-tinged production, moody and melancholic. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in a relationship that you knew was going to blow up, then “Doomed” is going to be endlessly relatable for you. It’s evocative and gritty, a brilliant combination of emotion and sonic sensations that’ll take you to the exact moment the narrator realizes that they’re right in the blast zone. For those of you who love Melanie Martinez, you’re going to adore “Doomed”. The song’s introduction is especially reminiscent of music box melodies, twinkling and innocent– but the sound quickly switches up as the narrator begins to tell us of their relationship. They describe the feeling of being trapped, and ultimately not seeing the lovebombing to end up in its “nuclear blast”, which I think is such a clever use of the term in the most literal of senses. The track is definitely on the moodier side, filled with a lot of raw emotion in not just the lyrics, but also in the soundscape. I love how the percussion plays along with the vocals, its intensity increasing each time Livy B sings, “doomed”. There’s also something really brilliant that happens when you hear the screams in the background, pulling together all those gritty, pop-rock vibes. And then as the song fades out, the gentle music box melody returns, although it sounds more as if its key is slowing down and stopping. It’s very poetic how the song comes full circle like that, and I guarantee that “Doomed” will be one of those songs you find something new in each loop you listen to it. Livy B is a singer-songwriter who has been making some major waves in the pop-punk and pop-rock scene, truly establishing herself as a rising star to watch for. Being brought up listening to artists like Stevie Nicks, Cher, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, and AC/DC, Livy B’s sound is raw and authentic, similar to artists that have inspired her, like Olivia Rodrigo and Paramore. She recently stepped into the spotlight on Australian Idol , capturing the attention of audiences and Tate McRae. Her captivating stage presence and vibrant energy has placed Livy B on the track to becoming a household name. She debuted in 2025 with her single “Sugar Rush”, which was followed by “Safety Pin” and then “Doomed”. If you loved “Doomed”, be sure to check out the rest of Livy B’s songs, and drop her a follow to keep track of her next projects! Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW LIVY B: Instagram | Spotify

How much social media do you consume each day? And how much of that media has some sort of musical element involved? Probably a lot. Each and every day, we hear music from all genres and all years as we swipe through our feeds. This, obviously, wasn’t the case 20 years ago. Just like social media has changed how we interact with one another, it’s also changed how we consume music. And for musicians, it’s changed how you promote your music to both current and potential fans. Learning these shifts in music consumption and promotion can completely change your trajectory and success as an artist.  When YouTube first hit the scene in 2005, it created a space for musicians to deliver music directly to fans and get instant feedback. YouTube was not only a place to post music videos and other promotional videos, but to create content to connect with fans on a personal level. Now, with short-form video platforms like Instagram and TikTok, artists can go viral with their music and reach hundreds of thousands of people in just 15 seconds. You can make a visual brand for yourself through your content and specifically target potential fans that you think would enjoy and repeatedly consume your music.  Short-form video has been proven as a crucial part of music marketing, and it produces results. Billboard came out with a TikTok Billboard Top 50 Chart in 2023, tracking the most popular songs. Labels have recognized the importance of the utilization of social media, and it is now a large part of single or album rollouts. Labels or management can pay influencers to post videos using an artist's song or to promote an event the artist will attend. Using social media as a marketing method is also much more cost-effective than other traditional marketing methods, which can maximize profits. You can also track your real-time success through each platforms data analytics programs, allowing you to see which kinds of posts work the best for your audience.  Not only has social media allowed for new artists to explode, it has allowed for older artists to be revived. Countless trends have been created with older songs on TikTok and Instagram, all fueled by nostalgia. And in conjunction with the ease of music consumption on streaming platforms, this symbiotic relationship forms where each platform fuels the other. We’ve seen this with Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams”, Aly and AJ’s “Potential Breakup Song”, Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)”, and much more, and it’s a trend that we won’t see stopping any time soon.  Just as easily as social media can make being an artist, it can also make being an artist difficult. The ease of artist promotion on social media, alongside the ease of publishing music on streaming services, makes it enticing for everyone to put out music. This creates an oversaturated market, where standing out is a big feat. Putting out regular content as the artist yourself can also be difficult, as creating organic content on top of your regular artist duties can be daunting. Fans can easily spot inorganic content, and the pressure of producing increasingly successful content on a regular basis only adds the stress of being an artist.  Despite some bad side effects, social media has changed the music space for the better. Social media has created a space where artists connect with fans, fans connect with fans, and artists connect with artists. This huge ecosystem that has been created in the age of technology has forever changed how we produce, promote, and consume music for the better.  Written By Lauren DiGiovanni Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Charlotte OC's gripping new single "Cider And Black" is a mesmerizing plunge into spiraling desire, two-toned grief, love, and defiant self-awareness. While OC revels in what it means to shamelessly hit the "self-destruct" button, this track is far from a simple confession of ruin. Instead, it's an embrace of the sick, twisted psyches and pitiful paradigms that become strength, though always at a cost. Drenched with melancholic undertones, the track offers a semblance of hope through OC's willingness to confront the many parts of herself and accept them. "Cider And Black" is purgative, transformative, and most importantly, unapologetically raw. OC unleashes her burdens not as a cry for help but as a reclamation of power, and as a result, we get a glimpse of the new chapter she's entering. She grows from the loss, the love, and the lessons, using them as a springboard for her art. Weaving her hardships into a soundscape that is both a gut-punch and a relief, "Cider And Black" is a powerfully bold and authentic piece. From beginning to end, "Cider And Black" is a swirling slow-burn, never loosening its hold on the listener. The production leans into noir, spy-esque territory, oozing with the dark-pop smokiness OC is known for. The chord progression is brooding and entrancing, building a sense of dark grandeur with each resounding slam of the piano. In addition to the sharp instrumentals that build the song's tension, OC's vocals sit atop it all. Piercing and wine-rich, her voice beautifully reflects her passion and matches the song's intensity all while she maintains control. With a delicate vibrato and powerful belts, OC demonstrates an empowered yet delicate balance between restraint and release. "Cider And Black" thrives on haze and heartache but emerges from a moment of reconstruction, producing a masterpiece filled with emotional complexity. Every element of this track is deliberate, charged with vulnerability, and the result is chillingly good. Bold, vibrant, and unafraid to push any boundary, Charlotte OC is an unstoppable force. With two albums already out, the Blackburn-based singer-songwriter has found a niche spanning pop, neo-soul, alternative, and contemporary genres, a sound reflective of the many layers of OC's artistry. "Cider And Black," the spotlight track of her latest EP, "Seriously Love, Go Home," leaves a perfectly bittersweet taste, encompassing the highs and lows of her musical journey and finding the beauty within it. Acclaimed for her brilliant storytelling ability and raw talent, OC has garnered widespread praise without ever sacrificing herself in the process. Proudly marching to the beat of her own drum, OC has established a brand of authenticity and fearlessness. Stay tuned for updates and releases, and follow the socials below! Written By Pejah Carr FOLLOW CHARLOTTE: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube