Singer-songwriter CAPPA makes a triumphant return with her first single of 2026, “Say You Love Me.” “Say You Love Me” is a light indie-pop tune about the confusing in-between of friends and lovers. The track is airy and delicate with luscious vocals from CAPPA and a soft instrumental palette. CAPPA excersises her strength as a songwriter here. “Say You Love Me” paints the picture of a relationship full of mixed signals and a desperate yearning for a person we have all felt before. It is so rich that there is a cinematic quality to the song. “Say You Love Me” is an undeniable indie pop song, with its warm, invitng sound and emotionally honest lyricism. “Say You Love Me” is an easy, nostalagic listen. CAPPA cites the early 2000s as a major inspiration for her music, and that shines in “Say You Love Me.” The song is a perfect mix of old and new. The chorus is a sparkly 2000s-era explosion while the production is chock full of electro and indie-pop details that make the track feel fresh. “Say You Love Me” is irrestiable; the type of song to blast in your car and sing along to as long as you can. “Say You Love Me” is the first single for CAPPA’s upcoming EP, set to release later this year. And if the track is any indication, the EP will be an unmissable listen. CAPPA, whose real name is Carla Cappa, is a Pennyslavian singer-songwriter who has loved music since she was 7 years old. She quickly started gaining attention with her single, “Hush” in 2015 and her cover of TLC’s “No Scrubs” a year later; the latter of which has over 9 million streams. Since then CAPPA has only grown more and more prominent. Publications like Entertainment Weekly and Billboard alike have praised the artist and her tracks have been used in television and adverts, alike. Her songs can be heard in commericals for Victoria’s Secret and HAUS Laboratories, and highly popular shows like Riverdale and Selling Sunset. CAPPA has over 90,000 verified listeners on Spotify and tens of millions of streams across the internet with tracks such as “Feel Like,” “Life Again,” and her feature on the SNBRN track, “Colder.” CAPPA is already highly successful, and yet she is still just getting started on the new heights her career will reach. You can listen to “Say You Love Me,” along with the rest of CAPPA’s discography on all streaming platforms now. Written By Lauren Nolan FOLLOW CAPPA: Instagram | Spotify | Soundcloud | Facebook | YouTube

Photography: Christian Teufel Editing: Emma Teufel In what Emma Teufel describes as a song "Dedicated to: All of the DILFs out there", her newest single "Scared?" is about encouraging an older man to date her. She expresses how much she wants to pursue a relationship with this person, but he is rather hesitant, which is frustrating for Teufel. She changed her dating preference from men her age to older men, only to experience the same immaturity and uncertainty she dealt with previously. Although there are comedic elements to "Scared?", the lyrics still hold truth to how many people don't take romance and other people's feelings seriously. In an Instagram post, Teufel wrote that "Scared?' is her last "super pop song", a descriptor that perfectly fits the production style of this single. The upbeat, bubbly synths and beats make this an incredible summer anthem about the complexities of love. "Scared?' also keys in on different distinct elements of its production, such as reversed synths and glittering keyboard notes in the background. Vocally, Teufel has a spectacular singing voice, which effortlessly compliments the overall musical vibes of this song, supplemented by the harmonies and melodies. Emma Teufel is a musician based in Southern California, and is specifically from Thousand Oaks. Her studio career began in October 2024 with the release of her debut single "Parking Lot". She has since put out other fantastic songs in addition to "Scared?" and her debut, including, but not limited to, "Now I know.", "Delete", and "Enemies". On her YouTube channel, she has released several visual and lyric videos for her music, further representing her extensive creativity as an artist. In addition to this, she has hinted at taking a different direction in her music, which also shows she is a virtuoso. Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW EMMA TEUFEL: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube

Creative Direction & Photography: Mia Barnes Styling: Jordan Kelsey Hair: Mel Dominguez MUA & Makeup: Gilbert Soliz, Mac Cosmetics, MAC PRO Production: Magic Creative Works, @karlibombbomb, Ruslan Kim Lighting Director: Paul Gilmore Digital Technician: Michael Cardiello Production Design: Mallika Rajapakse Art Director: Ivan Fomin Talented musician Bebe Rexha has released her fourth and newest studio and visual album "Dirty Blonde". T R A C K L I S T Although the New York native and virtuoso started off as the lead vocalist for electronic band Black Cards and a songwriter for other musicians, it wouldn't be too long before Bebe Rexha become a global pop star as a solo artist. Her collaborations have been worldwide hits for more than a decade, as well as singles such as "I'm a Mess" and "I'm Gonna Show You Crazy", and her EPs I Don't Wanna Grow Up and All Your Fault parts 1 and 2. In June 2018, she released her debut album Expectations, and her sophomore record Better Mistakes in May 2021. Her eponymous third album came out in April 2023, and now Dirty Blonde in June 2026. Hysteria What better way to start off an album than with an electropop dance track? The opening song of Dirty Blonde combines all the musical styles Rexha has been known for throughout her career, but is still able to put a distinct twist on it with the modern production paired with her strong vocals. The lyrics of "Hysteria" perfectly compliment the synths that energetically wallop around in your headphones, as Rexha sings about partying and meeting someone out that she wants to dance and have fun with. She encourages this person to meet her vibes as the night gets crazier. Tokyo The line "kiss from a girl in Tokyo" is the central theme of the second track of Dirty Blonde, "Tokyo", aptly inspired by being kissed by a girl in Tokyo. The nightclub-esque songwriting and production continue from the previous track, with Rexha retelling a night she experienced in the famous, eccentric city, as bass and synths and drums that you would hear in the speakers at a popular club play. The beat drops add to this, and you can imagine the spotlights and smoke machines flashing everywhere with every second of this electronic banger. New Religion "New Religion" can be interpreted as an explanation from Rexha as to why she has developed a new sound for her fourth record. She expresses her love for loud music, going out, taking advantage of the dance floor, and how these things bring her joy. She feels like she is where she belongs, in spaces where she can make and listen to dance music and bring back the original purpose clubs had, which was to groove and have fun. The song sonically incorporates "Insomnia" by Faithless, and Rexha adds her own twist that lights up the dance floor she's singing about. $.H.I.T The fourth track of Dirty Blonde features another unique combination of different elements. In the choruses of the song, Rexha sings in a high pitch, and then transitions to rapping in the verses; its like she's a feature on her own song. A track like this shows that not all music played at a club is upbeat dance music, but also trap and experimental, depending on the overall vibes and atmosphere. This exploration of nightlife creates a distinct and intriguing concept for Dirty Blonde as an album, further showing Rexha's many skills as an artist. Çike Çike As Rexha sings about the journey to a nightclub, the synths of the English and the Gheg variety of Albanian track "Çike Çike" are muffled to sound like hearing music from outside before the bouncer lets you go through the entrance doors. Rexha references her Albanian heritage in the lyrics, production, and visual for this song, incorporating production from "Hou Çike" by West Side Family, a rap group from Albania. i like you better than me "i like you better than me" shares the truth of how social media has affected many people when it comes to how they perceive themselves. The culture surrounding it allows people to alter the way they look and appear as picturesque as they want, causing others to envy them and grow insecure, especially since there are many who critize those for not being the "skinniest" or the "prettiest". Rexha sings about how she is experiencing this same thing, and feels bad that she can't let go of these emotions that cause her to not feel good enough. Drink And A Little Love The seventh track of Dirty Blonde sounds like the dance remix of a country pop song, but its an original piece by Rexha. A callback to one of her past hits "Meant to Be" featuring Florida Georgia Line, "Drink And A Little Love" starts out acoustic but then continues the bass-heavy, clubbing theme of this record halfway through the track. Rexha writes about how she is taking in all of her current emotional complications with life and expresses her need to take a break and relax, just so she can catch up with everything going on in the world. One Day The production of "One Day", although still fueled by the dance genre, does delve more into the pop category, making this song another amazing genre-bending track on Dirty Blonde. Musically choreographed with guitar chords and raw drums, Rexha sings about a former significant other and how this person lost her, whether by breaking up with her or not treating her right. She says that her ex made a big mistake either way, as they had a very good, solid relationship that shouldn't have ended. Time "Time" is a culmination of all the sounds and production styles that have been used throughout Dirty Blonde up to this point. It begins as a slow guitar ballad, and transforms into an alt pop song before introducing a trap beat, then closes off with the intense synths of a club song. Supplemented by distinct vocal effects, Rexha reminisces on a past relationship, but then realizes that it wasn't as good as she remembers. She carries regret that they were together, singing lines such as "I wasted all my best years on you". The Way I Want You Another assortment of different instruments and vocals are utilized in "The Way I Want You", similarly to its preceding track. Rapping, electric guitar chords, and hyper beats make their own, dignified appearances throughout this song, as emotions caused by unrequited love make their way to the lyrics. The love interest Rexha sings about doesn't return the same feelings and effort to their relationship that she does, making it feel very one-sided. She is in love with her partner, who she says doesn't feel the same way. Nobody’s There More cool splicing effects are used to create the party vibe of Dirty Blonde in its eleventh track "Nobody's There". Rexha sings about a girl who follows the beat of her own drum. She doesn't concern herself about those who disagree with her lifestyle and how she chooses to live it, and what she does creatively; she is happy doing what makes her feel happy. Night Falls The twelfth track of Dirty Blonde sounds exactly like its title - stars twinkling in the peaceful, dark sky is what you visualize when you listen to the reverberated and isolated synths of "Night Falls". Its like a pop lullaby reflected on a calm sea under the fluorescent glow of the moon. Rexha's vocals echo through the night as she feels left out of love. She longs to be with someone who can be the best person for her, but she feels lonely, and expresses that there is no one to turn to in regards to her love life. Sad Girls (feat. David Guetta) Everyone on planet Earth knows "i'm Good (Blue)", Rexha and David Guetta's iconic remix of "Blue (Da Ba Dee)" by Eiffel 65, and Guetta has joined musical forces with her once again for the final track of Dirty Blonde, "Sad Girls". Known for his upbeat and passionate dance music, Guetta provides the backdrop for this song as Rexha sings about coping with melancholy feelings by dancing, the central theme for this record. As a very effective storyteller throughout her entire career, Bebe Rexha uses her excellent songwriting skills to make a one-of-a-kind album, incorporating the hardships of life with the freedom that dancing and music provide. The involvement of varying sound effects, singing and production styles, and instrumentation throughout the album shows how musically-diverse she is in every sense of the word. Her vocals on all the tracks of Dirty Blonde are spectacular, and they greatly help convey the emotion of all of the lyrical and musical content. Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW BEBE REXHA: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, the highly-anticipated third album from Olivia Rodrigo, has been released to mass praise and features many firsts for Rodrigo and fans. While the newest evolution of Rodrigo’s artistry may be here, it’s a natural level-up from Guts and Sour, both expanding Rodrigo’s discography and Rodrigo’s self-awareness. While some may have been expecting a full love album, Rodrigo continues to surprise each and every time she releases an album. While Girl So in Love may not be everyone's expectations, Rodrigo's versatility and her growth within her artistry are apparent throughout the album, both strengths that make her third record her best yet. TRACKLIST drop dead stupid song honeybee maggots for brains u + me = <3 my way purple the cure begged what's wrong with me less expectations cigarette smoke Throughout her career, Rodrigo has found herself at the focus of love speculation and relationship drama in the tabloids, as her debut single, “Driver’s License” focused on the fallout between her and Joshua Bassett, her co-star from High School Musical:The Musical: The Series and ex-partner. So when her private-but-known relationship with Louis Partridge had fans imagining what their marriage would be like, it was no shock that when the news of their breakup hit social media timelines that fans were speculating as to whether Rodrigo would push the album release back, as Girl So in Love was rumored to be full of love songs about Partridge. Fans thought wrong. You Seem Pretty Sad for A Girl So in Love is Rodrigo’s first attempt at a conceptual album, following a relationship from the first date to the fallout of the breakup. Split into two parts, Girl So in Love and You Seem Pretty Sad, Rodrigo’s songwriting throughout the album tells a cohesive story, with foreshadowing, motifs, and feminine intuition that litter the songs within the release. drop dead The first single off of You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, the kick-off to the Girl So in Love section of the album, and the first track of the whole album, “drop dead” finds Rodrigo at the beginning of a relationship. The honeymoon phase, daydreaming about the future, whatever the listener's preference of name is, Rodrigo finds herself reliving a daydream within her new relationship and hoping the night she describes in the song never ends. When listening to “drop dead,” Rodrigo’s romanticization of her partner comes into full-force for the first time in the album, but it certainly won’t be the last. Encapsulating the excitement of a first date, “drop dead” is perfect to dance out jitters while getting ready for dinner with someone new. stupid song “Stupid song” is the newest single off of You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, and with it the escalation of feelings Rodrigo shares for her partner becomes apparent. Not being able to find the words she wants to express her feelings within any love song, Rodrigo decided to take matters into her own hands, writing “stupid song” to get her words right. Both an escalation of her feelings and an escalation of Dan Nigro’s production within the song, “stupid song” catches both adrenaline and Rodrigo’s point of view within her relationship. A declaration of love and feelings, “stupid song” is, at one point, going to end up within a romantic comedy. honeybee “Honeybee” has become one of my standouts from both the Girl So in Love section and the album as a whole. Initially hyped by Rodrigo as one of her favorite songs from the album, there’s a want to believe in love after listening to “honeybee.” Described by Rodrigo as a first dance song for newly-weds, there’s a captured naivety within “honeybee” that becomes apparent throughout the rest of the album, and while this naivety brings a linger of hurt on later listen-throughs; yet, at the same time, Rodrigo finds the balance within naivety and beauty of innocence—something that’s not yet ruined is something to be celebrated, not filled of fear. maggots for brains “Maggots for brains” is upbeat, synthy, and tells the beginning of an anxious-avoidant relationship. While Rodrigo goes throughout the Girl So in Love section retelling the best parts of the relationship, “maggots for brains” starts raising red flags that Rodrigo can’t find within her rose-tinted glasses. A “sad shell of a woman” without her partner, Rodrigo starts to feel incomplete without her person; however, when Rodrigo tells it, there’s a certain glow about the world when she and her partner are together. Without them, the world’s dull and everything’s boring and moldy. Getting to the point where Rodrigo is wishing for a tragedy so that she can see her partner, listeners can start to pick up both emotional dependence and Rodrigo’s lost sense of self that’ll continue throughout the album. u + me = <3 While this may be my lowest-ranked song within the album, don’t let that distract you from how this song is still great. Rodrigo fills the song with different romantic gestures typically seen in movie montages that expand the relationship timeline, something that’s cheekily cliche and made me swoon while listening to You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love for the first time. While some may have questioned the title at first (me included), Rodrigo fits it seamlessly into the chorus, sounding like she’s narrating the doodles on the corner of her journal. Reminiscent of carving initials into a tree with a heart surrounding them (much like the album’s cover), Rodrigo finds herself both a romantic and a living movie-trope. my way A complete turn-around of subjects, Rodrigo changes the subject of the song to someone other than her partner. “My way” turns out to be about a girl who seems to be romantically interested in her partner. The dreaded girl best friend is a stereotype within relationship drama, yet, Rodrigo finds herself dealing with one herself. “My way” finds its way into a genre of songs that tells other girls to buzz off, much like Avril Lavigne’s “Girlfriend” and Paramore’s “Misery Business,” but Rodrigo’s entry into this subject is all her own. Rodrigo's versatility throughout her last eras follows her into Girl So in Love, a trait not to be overlooked. purple The transitional piece from the Girl So in Love section to the You Seem Pretty Sad section of the album, Rodrigo not only addresses the growth within her relationship but also references her own past, where her last two eras were centered around the color purple. While centering on how much the relationship has grown from "drop dead," from Rodrigo having a favorite florist and grocery store in her partner's town to coats and toothbrushes now coming in doubles, Rodrigo goes throughout the song infected by the way her partner sees the world, combining their red to his blue to make purple; however, Rodrigo starts to mention the color black in the outro of the song, questioning if she were too attached and if the relationship feels flat. This transitory track not only shows the cracks of the relationship through the lyrics, but also throughout the production of the track, setting listeners on edge as the enter into the second half of the album and the relationship. the cure The start of the You Seem Pretty Sad section of the album, the second single released off of the album, and one of my top songs from the album, "the cure" hurts in a way that shouldn't be possible. Rodrigo's self-awareness becomes the crutch of "the cure," centering in on her own problems that was thought to be solved by the right kind of love within a relationship, but coming to the realization that she needs to be the one to stitch herself up rather than her partner. A progression of power mirroring overthinking and the spirals one may face within a relationship if not secure, "the cure" serves as the albums emotional thesis and serves as the perfect anthem for those fighting against anxious-attachment styles to become more secure within their relationships. begged "Begged," premiered at The Echo during a secret show and debuted to the public on Saturday Night Live on May 2nd, captures the feeling of trying to be patient while struggling when a partner tries to learn. A heart stopper on the tracklist, "begged" creates an all-too-familiar feeling of running the risk of waiting for someone to be better while you suffer. While Rodrigo holds onto hope throughout the relationship, her partner's carelessness starts dwindling it away. While that this may be a good relationship, Rodrigo is left unsatisfied when she has to beg for the good experiences within her relationship to happen. what's wrong with me My personal favorite song off of the album, "what's wrong with me" centers on the feeling of guilt for being depressed while being in a happy relationship. Not only does Rodrigo captures complexity of "needing" to be happy within the song beautifully, this song also has her first feature within any of her discography. Who is this feature? Well, it's simply Robert Smith, co-founder and lead vocalist of The Cure, a band that's mentioned throughout the rest of the album. The guilt and depression captured through different snapshots in the lyrics hit close to home, as Rodrigo puts her vulnerability first throughout the album, hoping that her partner isn't what's wrong, but it's looking like it is. less "Less" comes in at the relationships end, trying to recreate the moments in which they were happy, only to be confirmed that the relationship is taking away from the couple's happiness rather than adding to it. Armed with the knowledge that the relationship is ending soon, Rodrigo wishes that her partner loved her less so that it would hurt less than it did. The peak of You Seem Pretty Sad, Rodrigo acknowledges the end of the relationship and her partner's actions throughout it, actions Rodrigo acknowledges as noble throughout the song. The fallout of the relationship falling apart is something that I wish no one experiences, but there's a beauty in the way Rodrigo captures it, with the hope that the problems will be fixed on their own and the relationship will fluctuate back to happiness again. expectations While "less" may have been the end of the relationship, "expectations" has listeners meeting Rodrigo prioritizing herself after the relationship. While it may have taken a couple of months, Rodrigo finally feels secure within herself and prioritizes her own sense of self over any guy. A jumpscare of happiness within the You Seem Pretty Sad sections of the album, listeners should be warned of the whiplash of going from "less" and immediately into "expectations." Listeners should also be warned that they may be helpless to jump around and find "expectations" to be the self-help anthem of the summer. cigarette smoke While "expectations" may have lead listeners to believe Rodrigo was completely over her ex-partner, the hurt still remains. "Cigarette smoke" finds Rodrigo struggling to find herself not hurting from the relationship she shared throughout the album. With callbacks to both "begged" and "honeybee," Rodrigo finds herself both blaming her ex-partner for their actions and herself for letting it happen. Begging for her time back, Rodrigo finds herself suffering through reliving the emotional intensity of the relationship, knowing that her ex-partner will never see her sorrow. A painful closer for You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, the memories shared between Rodrigo and the listener throughout the album grow dark with each new song listened to, not only bringing together the full album, but tainting the Girl So in Love section of the album with the knowledge of what's to come for Rodrigo's relationship. While Rodrigo may have found herself within a relationship that looked perfect on paper and within the tabloids, what the general public didn't know was Rodrigo's loss of self and the journey to get herself back would be the emotional centerpiece of this album. Both an album about romanticizing a relationship during the honeymoon phase and the loss of happiness when anxious-avoidant tendencies start to come into play, Rodrigo has created her best album to date. Written By Abby Mornhinweg Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube | LinkedIn *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Dark-pop queen, Saylem has released her most recent single off of her brand new EP, "ifeelstrange". Singing of being something more than your body and transcending into a higher power, "ifeelstrange" is a about leaving your physical being. When speaking about the subject of the track, Saylem shared, "Suffering countless heartbreaks and disappointments, they (Saylem) decide it’s better to rip their own heart out and leave what’s left of their humanity behind.” "ifeelstrange" has an assertive, dark-pop production with electronic and rock components to give it the energy and drive it takes to give that extra sense of darkness and haunting flare. Saylem sings confidently with a bit of distortion, adding even more edge to the tone of the song. With instrumentals written by Japanese producer TOKI, this powerhouse of a song will have you banging your head and singing along. Although the initial backstory is about heartbreak, there's a sense of empowerment in this song that is hard to shake. One of the things I love the most is the bridge when Saylem suggests other songs of hers to listen to within the lyrics. Saylem is an Orlando, Florida based dark-pop artist, known as the alter ego of singer Jackie Skillet (from pop/rock duo Bad Valentine). Starting in 2021 with their first EP, "Curiosity Will Kill You", Saylem is known as a deep, cinematic project that progresses and tells a story with each release. Gaining traction in 2022 with their single "Pulse", Saylem went on to work with names like Wake Up Hate and Becko. "ifeelstrange" is the title track of their latest EP, featuring six tracks, each acting as a chapter within Saylem's story. If you loved this song, make sure to check out Saylem's links below and listen to the full EP! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW SAYLEM: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

Relationships built with emotional dependency can be the most damaging. You hold cling to small acts of affection like they’re the last bit of oxygen. Without that person, you don’t know how to breathe and it’s a toxic cycle that feels impossible to break. Bri Scully released her new single “I Still Love You” about the grief of breaking that cycle. With inspiration from artists such as Holly Humberstone and Maisie Peters, this song is just as fun as it is heartbreaking. The beat has you up dancing in your room while the lyricism opens the floodgates. It’s for the ones who miss someone they know deep down that they shouldn’t. Click Here To Listen To "I Still Love You"! Bri shared that “I Still Love You,” is for the ones who want to be chosen, the ones who are expected to be strong and the one’s who loved and got hurt in the end. She takes you on such an introspective journey throughout the track acknowledging the constant fight to try and save someone who doesn’t want it. The battle between delusion and reality when you truly think you can fix him despite knowing the odds aren’t in her favor. “Wanted to be the one to fix you.” There’s fear of abandonment twinged in the chorus mentioning daddy issues and the need to be a caretaker for this person. Bri opened up the diary pages allowing us to feel everything she felt alongside her. It’s a reminder that you’re not the only one who misses someone they shouldn’t. Bri Scully is an indie-pop singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles. Throughout her childhood she grew up in South Florida filling journals with stories, poems and songs. Writing was her safe space but she never began to share her words until the pandemic hit. Once Bri moved to LA, she started working with producer and co-writer, Brandon Lew, who helped bring her music to a whole new level. Her music is known for its introspective lyricism and raw honesty. Since her debut single “It’ll All Be Over Soon,” she has been honing in on her sound. Bri Scully is a must add to any sad girl pop playlist you have so check out the links below. Written By Emylee Herring FOLLOW BRI SCULLY: Instagram | Spotify | YouTube

An upbeat tempo, hopeless romantic lyrics, and a melody that you won't be able to get out of your head are signs of a song that knows exactly what it is. As we get deeper into summer, every new song is pinned up against each other from the hottest artists or artists that are just starting out - as well as everything in between. This being said, it's important that a song has it's own spine to stand on its own. That's exactly what we get from "Can't Help It" by Ava Franks. This is a song that really knows what it is and what it wants to stand for which comes from Ava Franks mastermind The song starts off with an energetic piano which almost sounds like it's the song in a broadway show where the character is finally trusting themselves. This song delivers something that comes from inside, very deep inside, in terms of vulnerability but follows those lines of finally listening to the inner feelings. The lyrics are incredibly honest, talking about how hard it can be when you have big feelings for someone. But what if nothing actually comes out of those big feelings? Ava Frank battles their inner thoughts and feelings while also noticing the human nature and reactions of not being able to help feeling this big for someone. The contrast of those things call for an incredibly relatable song. Ava Franks is a singer-songwriter from New York City. Ava's love for singing stems from early childhood as she could be found in school musicals as well as local talent shows before diving in with their own thoughts. Ava's influences of Taylor Swift and animated films like "Soul" all show up in their music like "Can't Help It." This song sounds like a perfect mix of those two things. Ava's voice carries on like a younger Taylor Swift while having the magic that appears inside of some our more thought provoking movies that we see. Ava's new single, "Can't Help It" can now be streamed on all platforms. Written By Bre Macomber FOLLOW AVA FRANKS: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube

Let's be real. Summer is already here somehow! Crazy, right? And with the summer comes our favorite pop hits. Are you looking for something to jam to by the pool? Maybe you need a playlist for your big, upcoming beach party. Maybe you're just ready to stay cool in your room and relax with some tunes. Whatever the case, don't worry because we've got you covered with our picks for the top 5 trending pop songs for the summer! 5. Homewrecker - sombr "Homewrecker" by sombr is an incredibly catchy story-telling tune about what it's like to love someone who's already taken, but you know they deserve better. While the story is a little morally grey, the song's vibes are immaculate. The indie pop sound is the perfect summer soundtrack, lending joyous rhythmic guitar and chimey background vocals to the overall soundscape. "Homewrecker" is currently sitting at number 5 on the Billboard pop charts, further adding to sombr's rising success that he's found within the past couple of years. So, what do you think? Will you be playing this indie anthem this year? 4. Midnight Sun - Zara Larsson Zara Larsson's "Midnight Sun" is an explosive pop hit that takes us back to the 2000s with it's electropop energy. It's the perfect jam for a summer beach party. The video and overall visual for the track gives that hyper-colorful Y2K, frutiger-aero look, an aesthetic that's coming back in full force this year. Not to mention, this song is so incredibly danceable! It's hard to believe Larsson's album of the same name was released all the way back in September 2025. The beat still feels fresh and vibrant, and we are loving it! If you've somehow missed it, check this one out! 3. drop dead - Olivia Rodrigo Our songwriter queen, Olivia Rodrigo just released her new album, you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love just last Friday. With it came some of her best lyricism yet. "drop dead" tells the story of the euphoric rush of a first date, explaining all the excitement of meeting someone new alongside the anxiety of it all. Rodrigo captures all of the ups and downs in rich detail, painting the picture of a first love all over again. The overall feeling of the song takes us back to our younger years, making for the perfect radio single to hear over the loud speaker at the local pool. It's no surprise that this album has been so long-awaited. We're big fans already! 2. Hate That I Made You Love Me - Ariana Grande Sitting at number 2 on our list is Ariana Grande's "Hate That I Made You Love Me", a darker themed hit that is taking the world by storm this summer. The semi-cryptic songwriting here is all about toxic relationships, for Grande, not only romantically, but with her fans. On the surface, the song seems regretful, but it's actually quite confident. To be beloved by a massive fanbase without really trying is a huge accomplishment. It just unfortunately comes with a few side effects. It's no surprise that this heart-pouring anthem is currently sitting at number 1 of the Billboard Hot 100, as it grabs all of us by the heartstrings. If you haven't heard it yet, give it a listen. You won't regret it. 1. So Easy (To Fall In Love) - Olivia Dean We've finally reached number 1 on our list! Our pick for the top trending song of summer 2026 is Olivia Dean's "So Easy (To Fall In Love)". This charming track is all about the gentle joys of falling in love. While some people find love difficult, Dean sees the descent as a smooth ride, taking us along every step of the way. This luscious, jazzy tune is perfect to share on a date with someone special this summer, or just to relax to on the porch with a cold drink. After the success of her song, "Man I Need", it's no surprise that Dean would have another brilliant hit just waiting to hit the charts, and "So Easy (To Fall In Love)" has done just that. The song has currently reached the number 1 spot on Billboard Pop Airplay chart, capturing everyone's heart along the way. Give this beautiful track a try some time! It'll melt your heart in this summer heat. So what did you think? Have you listened to these trending tracks yet this summer? If you haven't now is as good a time as any to make it happen! Just don't forget to enjoy the beautiful weather too! Feel free to let us know your thoughts at any of our socials below! Written By Shelbi Baker Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube | LinkedIn *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

It's incredibly hard for us to live up to the expectations we set up for ourselves, to ignore our inherent need to prove success to everyone. Artist Sorrycarlee explores the feelings behind this phenomena in her brand new release "into it over it." The indie pop track explores the constant struggle to find a reward that never seems to come. With "into it over it," Sorrycarlee takes on the challenge to create a song with a melancholic theme and match it with instrumentals that feel more inspirational and uplifting than the lyrical content. It's a match that makes for a cinematic journey you don't want to miss. The introduction for "into it over it" grabs your attention immediately, it oddly makes you feel nostalgic, as if you're listening to a well-loved song you've heard hundreds of times before. The style of the track stays consistent with this theme as throughout the experience of listening to it, it never lets go of listeners attention. Sorrycarlee's voice is very sweet, but this sweetness doesn't take away from the emotional intensity. She really sells listeners this story of someone who is struggling to move past expectations. Just from the initial listen, it's easy to see that Sorrycarlee likes to challenge herself to be the best, to prove to others what she is capable of. The lyrical content stays true to this thought as it never feels too repetitive or too ambiguous, just perfectly transparent. What we can really take away from "into it over it" is that it can be very hard to live up to perfection, and no matter how hard we try, meeting expectations isn't always necessary. It's okay to work hard and do our best, as long as we don't hurt ourselves. Sorrycarlee, also known as Carlee Chappell, is an artist who began releasing music in 2024 with her debut single "cheap therapy." Before working in music, Carlee Chappell spent her time in academia, pursuing degrees in English and Psychology. She then realized it was time to make a change and switch to her true passion, music. Throughout her past musical work, she has stayed true to herself, writing music that perfectly reflects who she is. Previously, she has had the opportunity to collaborate with artists like Maddie Zahm, Francis Karel, and Abigail Barlow. Now that Sorrycarlee is on this creative path it's exciting to see what step she'll take next as her current work really shines bright. Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW SORRYCARLEE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube

Neoni has released their new single, "Tombstone." An exploration into the silence in love and meeting again in the next life, Neoni goes on about how they'll meet their partners in the next lifetime if they don't get to love one another within this one. While being in love can lead to a relationship, other times it might be too little too late; with this knowledge, Neoni goes on to write that they'll meet their lovers at the tombstone, where they might be in love in their next lifetime. "Tombstone" tackles the willingness to wait until it's too late, filling the air with regret and with hope of meeting again within the next lifetime. "Tombstone" is a song that captures both a concept and a feeling well into one song, something that is both incredibly hard to do but also incredibly hard to have readers latch onto; Neoni pulls this off perfectly. While the angst of the song comes from the silence described by the duo, the hope of meeting in the next lifetime juxtaposes the angst quite beautifully, capturing a full image of being in love: while it may not be in fate's cards in this lifetime to bring Neoni and their partners together, they could always be together in the next one. A fairy tale within dark-pop itself, Neoni has hit the timeline where "Tombstone" is a standout within their discography. Neoni, made up of sisters Caitlin and Sydney Powell, are based within the United States. Standing by the quote of "sisters who argue and write songs," Caitlin and Sydney both contribute to the songwriting process that comes with Neoni. Debuting with their album Wars in a Wonderland in 2021, Neoni has independently built their catalogue from the ground up. This resulted in over 6 million listeners on spotify, a discograpy full of dark-pop and alternative, and having two songs with certified GOLD records. If readers would like to keep up with Neoni's newest releases and show dates, they can follow them on social media, linked down below. Written By Abby Mornhinweg FOLLOW NEONI: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube

In her debut album released just last week, Bella Rose covers themes of “heartbreak, healing, confidence, nightlife, chaos, and the complicated ways people try to put themselves back together.” Titled Hot Girl Therapy, this album is exactly that. Rose has produced anthems of finding yourself, feeling yourself, and not feeling so hot, all encapsulating the human experience. Track number 10, “Everything You Need”, throws all of these ideas together into a pop song filled with great vibes and Rose’s energetic vocal style. The track follows the story of Rose finding her way and inspiration, and moving from insecure to realizing her worth. The title comes through in the chorus when she finally realizes she is all someone could ever need. This track opens with a nostalgic guitar strumming, quickly joined by an electric guitar’s finger picked chords that lend for head nodding and hip swaying. In the first verse, Rose appears almost sullen, feeling unmotivated and down. She sings, “I've been sitting still these days / My inspiration comes in waves”. As she reaches the pre-chorus, she starts to find herself again, reminding herself that “If I want it, gotta grab it”. The track builds into the chorus, where the soundscape is layered with various instrumentals growing in speed, mimicking Rose’s building confidence. She sings, “So when you picture me / I hope I'm always dancing / I’ll be your daily dose of energy / I'll give you everything you ever need”. Bella Rose started her music journey early, being selected for the GRAMMY Museum’s Music Revolution Project at just thirteen years old. There, she met Alex Bonyata, longtime friend and songwriting partner. Now based in Nashville, Rose has grown and collected many accolades, including opening for large artists like Ringo Starr and Andy Grammer, and honing her live performances by opening for Austin Mahone on his past sold out tour. In her music, she blends “euphoric pop production with vulnerable storytelling”, making her work very indicative of the life of a girl in her young adult years. Along with her music career, Rose also is the founder of All She Wants Media, an agency made to manage brands and creators. Make sure to follow the social media below to stay tuned for more from Bella Rose. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW BELLA ROSE: Instagram | Spotify | Website | YouTube

The best relationships rekindle hopes and dreams. Piper Connolly kicks off this summer romance with hints of nostalgia in her recent single "Beautiful Life." She sings "Give me a sign/I'm by your side, infatuated/ We were blasting that song in the car of the band that I always thought was overrated." The right person ignites every song and every subject with excitement. Connolly owns the optimism of someone who wishes on every star (and maybe every airplane). Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and Connolly strikes up the match, shining a light on all the small thrills. Connolly sparks the dreamer-mind with retro, groovy synths, sweet vocals, and a funky bassline in "Beautiful Life". This is a windows-down, shades on, seventy miles per hour down the highway type of love. The deep, vibrating bass replicates a strut down the sidewalk to the car, with her chin held high. Her light, charming voice flows with the melody like the breeze that rustles the palm trees and winds through ocean waves. All the simple joys come back into frame. The '80s synths explode with the bright, neon adrenaline, reminiscent of John Hughes's adventures. Phoenix-based singer-songwriter Connolly strums her guitar to a blend of genres. Most often, she jams out to alt-pop and rock-pop, breaking down themes of identity, ambition, young love, and heartbreak. She began performing at five years old, singing at Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row. Connolly comes from a musical family. She worked with vocal coach Tara Simon and Jan Smith Studios. Connolly continues to rock out to her own beat. Check out the links below! Written By Taylor Sheridan Lempke FOLLOW PIPER CONNOLLY: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube