Remember a few years back when it seemed like a cappella music was just everywhere? Artists like Cimorelli, Pentatonix, and Straight No Chaser were all the rage. While the craze has somewhat toned down in the 2020s, the genre continues to be extremely popular all over the world. So, how did we get here? Come along as we take a deep dive into the history and rise of a cappella music. A Cappella's Origins - 14th and 15th Centuries The term, 'A Cappella' originates from Italian, meaning, 'of the chapel'. The most common (and seemingly obvious) place you might find groups singing together in the Middle Ages was in a church. The music of the time was primarily used during religious services to enhance the spiritual atmosphere of the church. Choral music itself evolved from Gregorian chanting, an earlier form of spiritual singing that took place specifically in Catholic services. The main difference between a cappella and Gregorian chanting is the inclusion of harmony. While chanting may have started the trend, bringing in harmonic voices brought choral music to a whole new level. Unfortunately, recording devices weren't invented until much later, so we have to rely on recreations from sheet music to hear the songs of the period. Thankfully, we can hear The Romanian Symbol Choir performing their rendition of a traditional Greek Orthodox hymn from the 1400s. Classical and Shanties - 16th to 19th Centuries Although musical instruments have existed for centuries, there was once a strong distinction as to what they were used for. Typically, instrumental music in the 14-1500s was associated with dancing, drinking, and celebration. Churches of the time didn't particularly welcome this kind of music, as they felt the church should be more of a sacred space. It's a simple explanation for why instruments were fairly scarce in churches of the time. As time went on, little by little, choral music was breaking free from the church. Polyphonic music could be found nearly anywhere during the late Renaissance period as the line between religious and secular styles began to blur. Composers began to branch out and soon developed the styles we know today as classical and Baroque. Meanwhile, amongst the crews of large ships, musical instruments were in short supply. Thus, in the 19th century, the sea shanty was born. With a simple call-and-response rhythm, the sea shanty created a sense of camaraderie within the crew, making their long-haul journeys much more bearable. Additionally, the shanties served a functional purpose. The simple repetitive rhythm helped sailors to perform team-oriented tasks like raising sails in unison. Pulling a rope together certainly gets the job done faster than being uncoordinated. Barbershop's Beginnings - The 20th Century Entering into the 1900s, the a cappella craze crossed the Atlantic, taking root in the United States. In 1906, the first a cappella chorus was formed in the US at Northwestern University. The tradition of college a cappella groups will play a larger role later, but remember this for now. It'll be on the test! (There is no test.) Barbershop music was on the rise. Originating in the late 1800s, barbershop singing got its name from the men who would sing together while waiting to get a haircut at the barbershop. Over time, the simple pastime exploded in popularity, becoming a timeless tradition that today, is even a competitive sport. The Barbershop Harmony Society was formed primarily for men in 1938 and holds regular competitions every year across the world. Sweet Adelines International, the women's counterpart to BHS, also holds a strong presence in the barbershop world, having been founded in 1945. However, a group doesn't need an organization to make music. One of the most iconic barbershop quartets, The Dapper Dans, can be found performing almost daily on Main Street USA in Disneyland, CA. Later in the 20th century, a cappella elements began to find their way into pop music. The Beach Boys, for instance, were famous for their catchy tunes and solid multi-part harmony. Of course, they did play instruments, but their vocals were certainly a contender for the focal point of their sound. Vocal a cappella jazz also began to step into the mainstream, leading to academic establishments beginning to take this a cappella thing seriously. In the 1990s, boy bands like The Backstreet Boys and NSYNC lit up the charts, bringing harmony to an even wider audience. Beatboxing came into the mainstream as Justin Timberlake's secret talent. Folks just couldn't get enough. Young people continued to popularize the age-old art until nearly every major university in the US was housing a cappella groups of their own, which brings us to a wonderful segue. Pitch Perfect and the 21st Century A Cappella Renaissance If you weren't living under a rock in 2012, you definitely remember Pitch Perfect and Glee absolutely dominating pop culture at the time. Anna Kendrick's popularity was at an all-time high and Lea Michele's voice might have been the most captivating thing you'd ever heard. A cappella cover artists like Pentatonix, Cimorelli, Smooth McGroove, and Straight No Chaser began entering the spotlight. Harmonic groups like Fifth Harmony and Little Mix were touring. It was such a cool time to be alive. Pitch Perfect, however, stands out as a significant point in history for a cappella music. A movie based around a fairly niche musical art? Well, we hadn't had something like that since Drumline! While admittedly, Pitch Perfect is quite exaggerated for the college a cappella scene, it put the art front and center, appealing to a whole new generation of teenagers and young adults. Anna Kendrick's "Cups" played over and over again on the radio, prompting folks to learn that cool cup drumming thing themselves. Everyone wanted in on the trend. Today, elements of a cappella can be found across many musical spaces. In just the past few years, we've seen a resurgence of sea shanties pop up on TikTok. Pentatonix continues to wow the world with their unique takes on the Christmas classics and some originals. BHS and SAI are always practicing for the next contest or show. And of course, folks are organizing a cappella mixes in their own bedrooms for YouTube. Across history, one thing remains the same, as long as people have a voice, they're going to use it! Thank you so much for making it to the end of this article. What did you think? Did you learn something new about the history of a cappella music? We hope so! Tell us your thoughts at any of our socials below. Written By Shelbi Baker Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

It's a hard battle to accept the damage we consistently do, and for those of us that self-sabotage, it's hard to understand why we can't stop. Kate Kristine gives us a beautifully haunting performance with her new song "Swallow Me Whole" where she so openly expresses the challenge of constantly burning down the good in her life even when she regrets the aftermath. This performance is moving and makes you hurt for the narrator as it can be so easy to relate to the story being presented here. "Swallow Me Whole" captivates you instantly and it's so easy to fall in love with Kate Kristine as an artist as her singing is delicately beautiful and her writing tugs at your emotions. "Swallow Me Whole" is a folk pop track that has both gentle elements that soften you up and then more brutal elements that strike you in the heart. The guitar is sweet and eases you and it blends perfectly with the percussion. There's an interesting contrast between Kate Kristine's singing and the lyrical content. As previously mentioned, Kristine has a delicate and gentle voice but the words she sings leave you feeling raw and exposed. It's a hard pill to swallow, self-sabotaging isn't a trait most of us are so willing to admit, but Kate Kristine does so in such a beautiful form that it makes listeners want to accept the parts of us that leave a trail of tears. With "Swallow Me Whole" Kate Kristine has given us a wonderful presentation of her darker side and the challenges that come with it and the presentation itself is a true masterpiece. Kate Kristine is an artist originally from Eureka Springs, Arkansas, but is now based in Nashville. At just 8 years old, she began writing songs, and has since been deeply passionate about music. Kristine has developed a reputation for her deeply moving lyricism and emotional intensity. Her indie-folk style has been compared to other notable artists like Phoebe Bridgers and Lizzy McAlpine. Her previous release, "the architect," did very well and received praise in Billboard Music World. "Swallow Me Whole" follows this success and marks the beginning of other releases coming soon. Additionally, Kristine has a few performances coming up this month. Kate Kristine comes across as very genuine and passionate about the stories she tells, and she leaves you feeling mesmerized with her music. Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW KATE KRISTINE: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Emerging singer-songwriter ZADA leaves listeners breathless with her emotionally resonant and fittingly titled single "Breath Away". Drawing on the "little infinities" of nature, the timeless intricacies of everyday life, ZADA sings a song celebrating the fulfillment and joy of being alive. "Breath Away" is a collaborative gem shared between producers and writers, Chin Injeti, Brian West, and lyricist ZADA, an unstoppable team of creatives who have breathed life into this track. Singing "Pain turns into light if you let it / And I let it," ZADA highlights our freedom of choice: to see the beauty in this oyster of a world, to wholly embrace the "salt, sun, serenity," and to make something special of it all. "Breath Away" shows us how we carry so many little moments in our hearts, and in turn, they become irreplaceable facets of our characters. This sweet, gentle piece is one rooted in gratitude for nature and the people who coexist next to it, reminding us of the simple joys in being human. This genre-bending track captures all of ZADA's artistic strong suits, allowing listeners to revel in her authenticity and creative soul. From beginning to end, the production of this song really shines. The upbeat drum and digital beats work to maintain the song's fun momentum while anchoring us in its unique rhythm, and the melody is light, yet emotionally striking. In addition to some of the song's core elements, ZADA emerges as a vocal treasure. Perfectly balancing her softness with a rich, earthy tone, ZADA's melodic sound is entrancing. Her effortless projections fit the song's theme of freedom, acceptance, and exploration. All of these elements come together to bring the song's pure meaning to life. "Breath Away" is a one-of-a-kind hit that we can't stop putting on repeat, a single with the power to take our breath away. ZADA, the multi-talented singer-songwriter based in Whistler, British Columbia, has embedded herself within the modern pop scene with her experimentalist style and creative charm. Blending a rich sound of alternative, soul, jazz, and afrobeat, ZADA trailblazes a style of her very own. She is rooted in her deep admiration for the physical and musical worlds inhabits and pays tribute to nature's essence throughout her discography. "Breath Away" is only the latest of this series of moving, elemental pieces. In 2024, ZADA released her debut album, "Water In The Desert," and collected wide acclaim. Thrust into a vast ocean of recognition from Billboard, BET, SXSW, and many others, ZADA has solidified herself as an alternative force to be reckoned with. Still early in her career, the 21-year-old strives to create a discography as expansive and evolving as the humanity within herself and her listeners. For more updates on releases, follow her socials below. Stay tuned! Written By Pejah Carr FOLLOW ZADA: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube

Dean Griffin released his brand new single titled “Lights Out” on May 30, 2025. This song brings us messages of staying in the moment. While being with someone you love dearly is great, sometimes in moments it’s almost as if you don’t really know them. When you are having these kinds of feelings it’s hard to imagine anything else. You are constantly sitting there putting pressure on not only yourself but the other person. This in time will lead to unresolved issues and unwanted feelings of stopping or moving further.   “Lights Out” begins with a funky beat that immediately grabs your attention. The intro beat was so familiar and fresh at the same time. Pairing with the amazing sound of the track was his vocals which were so ear catching and soulful. At times throughout the song, you could really feel all the emotion in this entire track through his vocals. One thing I absolutely loved about this track was the soft drums in the background. As well as the electric hints of the guitar being played towards the middle of the track.   Dean Griffin is a 21-year-old singer/songwriter from Orange County, California. He released his first single in 2019 titled “Together” as has released often since then. His brand-new track “Lights Out” is his first single released this year which is about the feelings that come with being someone. Along with this being his latest single it also marks a new chapter in his musical career. As he adds elements of different genres in this track like R&B and pop. This track was extremely groovy in every possible way, and I highly recommend giving it a listen. Be sure to also follow his social medias below and never miss out on another release. Written By Julissa Garcia FOLLOW Dean Griffin: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

With Julia DeTomaso's new release, “Rest,” an unexpected release of emotions after a breakup haunt the song with thoughts of whether or not DeTomaso’s ex is haunted by her presence, or the lack thereof. Throughout the song, DeTomaso hopes that they have laid her and their relationship to rest and are grieving the loss as well as they can. Being a ghost in someone else’s life is a weird sensation, but if there is something that’s been picked up throughout time, haunting someone and being haunted by something is all too common. Though coming to the topic covered by such songs like “Silver Springs” by Fleetwood Mac and “About You” by The 1975, DeTomaso successfully enters “Rest” as a song to remember about this topic. “Rest” is a haunting song with its layered vocals and sudden chord changes. DeTomaso’s knowledge of her ex's pain throughout the breakup shows her empathy for them, yet doesn't excuse the actions taken in the relationship. It sends a powerful message that she thrives in: “you don’t have power over me anymore.” It’s a message that, when understood, gives “Rest” a whole new meaning. With this meaning, “Rest” is not only about her ex processing the end of the relationship, but DeTomaso as well. Putting an end to toxic cycles, DeTomaso’s rose-colored lenses have finally come off, but have her ex’s? Time will only tell. DeTomaso’s “Rest” not only haunts her ex-partner, but listeners as well, who are already excited for DeTomaso’s next release. Julia DeTomaso is an American singer-songwriter who’s been writing music ever since she was young. At ten years old, DeTomaso fell in love with the act of songwriting and has grown up to have lyrics that are vulnerable and that come straight from the heart. Understanding the intricacies of both lyrics and production, DeTomaso constructs her songs to be not only stories through words, but stories through instruments as well. A veteran when it comes to performing, DeTomaso has played hundreds of shows, connecting with fans and bringing a stage presence that’s undeniable. With “Rest” being her latest single, fans and new listeners cannot wait to see what DeTomaso has coming for the rest of 2025. Written By Abby Mornhinweg FOLLOW JULIA DETOMASO: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook

Singer-songwriter VICK is back with her brand new single, "Split." "Split" is an angsty, pop-rock ballad about the duality of heartbreak and love. VICK's music places a heavy focus on vulnerability and emotional rawness, and "Split" is a prime example. VICK's songwriting perfectly captures those messy feelings that we all know too well in relationships, while her vocals are impassioned and unrestrained at times. "Split" is the perfect type of song to hear when you need to let out all those bottled-in emotions. From the lyrics to the rock-inspired aesthetic, the track has this perfect cathartic edge. "Split" is universal in its sentiments, yet undeniably singular to VICK and her artistry. "Split" is a dynamic track. Centering around a grungy guitar line and VICK's fiery belting, the song gradually builds until the absolutely explosive chorus. The instrumentation alone takes the listener on a journey, but what makes the track stand out even further is the songwriting. "Split" really showcases VICK's talents as a lyricist. Her songwriting is fervent yet grounded. Lines like "Will you get tired of your void. Why do we need to lose everything" give a poetic twist on a universal feeling of exhaustion in a failing relationship. Fans of artists like Olivia Rodrigo or Phoebe Bridgers would find lots to resonate within VICK's music." It's hard to listen to "Split" and not find yourself relating in some way, and it makes for the perfect backing track for when you need it in your own life. "Split" is the first song back from VICK in over a year, and she is just getting started. The singer-songwriter broke waves when she competed on The Voice of Bulgaria in 2018 and placed second. Her music instantly made a strong connection with audiences everywhere. Singles like "Not Alone," "ETERNAL EYES," and her debut "Can't Handle," have tens of thousands of streams across platforms like YouTube and Spotify. This has led VICK to play at a myriad of different festivals and live performances. VICK's singular voice--both vocally and lyrically--has created a strong musical identity for her that resonates with so many so strongly. You can listen to her discography, including "Split" on all major streaming platforms now. Written By Lauren Nolan FOLLOW VICK: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

KATAVIA’s “RUN” communicates the adrenaline rush of running as fast as you can. She sings “ run/can you feel the rush? ” and “ run/ like there's never been a better reason to run ” to convey the energy of running for competition or escape. She builds up tension with engaging rhetorical questions for the listener, “ can you hear them sing? ” followed by a downpour of the triumphant chorus. She repeats “ run, run, run ” alongside powerful vocals as a universal call to action. This universality is highlighted by the use of different languages in the track. With different languages, KATAVIA creates an auditory space that invites everyone to participate. After changing languages, KATAVIA brings a collection of voices together on the track with whistle-like sound effects that start the “run”. The beginning of “RUN” has an ethereal beat and vocals. With a thumping pop-sound, KATAVIA’s voice smoothly introduces stairs of instrumentals that indicate escalation. Four taps of bass drum “kick off” the dominant chorus with electric-pop beats that compliment KATAVIA’s vocals. A snare-like drum resonates with competition, which is carried out by echoing vocals and the determined lyrics. KATAVIA includes a section where she uses a rapping sound reminiscent of Stromae to lead the last round of the chorus. The soundscape is diverse, enticing, and full of energy- especially when KATAVIA joins forces with other voices near the end of the song. This track promotes unity, equality, and oneness through a shared human instinct to run.  KATAVIA is the Swiss singer behind “RUN”, Official Host City Song of Geneva for the anticipated UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, that celebrates women’s soccer and calls for equality. The song is meant to honor influential Women’s soccer players like Megan Rapinoe and Linda Sembrant. KATAVIA’s sound is chic and supportive as she sings with varied calls to action infused into her sound. She performs at various venues in Switzerland and Geneva, from June until mid-August this year. KATAVIA began releasing music in June of 2021 with her single “Midnight Memories”, and her most popular work “On Verra - EP Version” from 2023, having over 17K streams on Spotify alone. Go take a look at the social accounts linked below for more of KATAVIA! Written By Hanna Hathaway FOLLOW KATAVIA: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Rising singer-songwriter, PEGGY, explores the playful and spirited yearning one faces when romantic love blooms from the most authentic of bonds, friendship. PEGGY’s literal titled single, “FRIENDS TO LOVERS,” follows the unique and incomparable beauty found in the iconic and heartfelt trope, where comfort and frustration co-exist. There is an unmatched angst, fear, and tension that is innately rooted in the experience of falling for a beloved friend. And while all love beginnings have their own challenges, the song’s speaker endures a distinctive reality. Because this love is based on a foundation of friendship, the speaker’s unfolding confession is leveled to encounter very real and dire consequences. While this type of love journey is typically branded by the potential loss of friendship when reciprocated, or heartbreaking blow when rejected, PEGGY’s immersing storytelling depicts a union where both realities shine. PEGGY's whimsical, vibrant, and dazzling hit molds the chaos and charm in this experience to be embraced for its risks, and its one-of-a-kind romance. The song’s narrative is energetically driven by the speaker’s overwhelming and intoxicating state of mind. At times, the speaker’s love feels extremely dynamic. There is an electric and stimulating confession being made, grounded by an aching, breathtaking vulnerability, and a soul-striking passion. PEGGY successfully captures the essence of an individual who is characterized by their jaw-dropping composure and impressive patience. Because of this, you can feel the build up of emotion as a lived experience. As a result, the trope of love that is traditionally only perceived for its gentle, respectful, and tender nature, is also appreciated for its buzzing and all consuming desire. As a listener, you understand that the speaker’s romantic interest does not hinge on the sole premise of attraction or lust, but is rather presented as a development that naturally came to be. It can be said that in the speaker’s experience, the bond shared with her dear friend and now romantic crush, is a connection fueled by firm loyalty and a devoted fondness. The slow-burning evolution stems from a comfortable, raw intimacy, and a profound sense of empathy that is extremely rare. There is an enriching and established history that smoothly simmers in the DNA of a friends to lovers romance. That reality is pivotal to the strength of that specific love. Her vocals glide through the feelings of exposed vulnerability and subtle confidence, a balance that relies on PEGGY’s compelling lyricism: “I know it's overwhelming / But darling I can’t help it / Can’t wait ‘til you discover / We could be, we could be friends to lovers.” The song holds a very dreamy atmosphere that’s designed by PEGGY’s captivating vocals and bubbly soundscape. PEGGY’s voice is one that holds a divine, ethereal, and milky sound. Her soft, yet expressive vocals, elevate the song’s whimsical and magical tone to a whole other level. You can feel the immense feeling of love pouring through her voice, leaving audiences in a state of awe and wonder. There is also a subtle and lingering sense of curiosity anchored in the song’s instrumental that thrives off of the speaker’s racing mind: “I know it’s kinda selfish / To ruin our whole friendship / … / I know you might try to fight it / So I’ll give you time to change your mind.” The lyrics are driven by sheer honesty and reflection. As a result, the values ingrained in friendship shine through, and highlight a love bound by friendship to be cherished. The tune is composed of floating-like sounds, rooted in a diverse range of sounds, that varies from the presence of velvety and resonant violins, warm rhythmic pulses, and animated piano undertones. Both the artist’s vocals and instrumental track embody love. PEGGY’s “FRIENDS TO LOVERS,” evokes romance to be felt and heard via sound. Its impact without a doubt, lingers. The song as a whole stays with listeners, its memorable effect inspiring the idea of a platonic to romantic blossoming love, to be longed for.  The Indie-pop singer-songwriter, Peggy Owens, professionally known as PEGGY, has stamped her heavenly sound to embrace the hopeless romantic dream of living the beloved rom-com romance. PEGGY’s sound interlaces her pop-culture interests in literature and dreamy characters to create emotionally-driven music, rooted in the vision of strong romances. Her connection to music stems from her childhood and adolescent years. PEGGY’s 12 year-old self interacted with a very famous, and iconic, Sara Bareilles. Her song writing chops were developed the following day, a skill she has continued to hone in on. Years later, she attended the Berklee College of Music where she majored in music therapy, and as of now, continues to engage with the creation of music. PEGGY’s passion and dedication towards her craft is extremely admirable and shines through her identity as a musician. As a first time listener, I was charmed by PEGGY’s masterful and controlled sound. There is deep intimacy that naturally flows within her vocals and the song’s overall composition. When connected to the expression of romance, her music flourishes. Her growing online presence has driven her music to reach greater heights and influenced her following to evolve in popularity. As of now, PEGGY has a total of 176,336 followers and 864,047 monthly listeners on Spotify. Fans eagerly await the Fall release of her upcoming Coming of Age EP. Written By Galileah Sanchez FOLLOW PEGGY: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Conner Cherland offers a gentle reminder to open your heart to new beginnings in his latest release, “Good News.” Even as he keeps his head up, it’s easy to trip over the past. Painful memories stick out like tree roots emerging from the ground. Naturally, we might stumble off the comfortable path. Cherland sings, “Even when you’re sad and quiet/ Could you wait to hear the answer/ That would love you through the silence.” Discovering another path delights us with a new direction. I can recall times when silence feels lonely, but then, there are the peaceful moments when a deer finds safety in the shared stillness. When life looks unfamiliar, take on the moment as a good beginning. Bad moments might lead to something better. “Good News” feels like sunshine reaching through the leaves after rainfall. The acoustic guitar grounds listeners in organic happiness, evoking a sense of serenity reminiscent of a trickling stream or birds chirping. The organ synth adds to the clean, calm soundscape. It’s tender and reminds us how sacred the present is. The world frightens us with loss and rejection. However, each failure offers a new beginning, just as nature presents a space of solitude. Cherland has a voice like Hozier, pouring raw emotion into each soundwave. Breathe in and breathe out. There’s a fresh start around the corner. Cherland engraves vulnerability in each song, delicately crafted to touch listeners’ hearts. In 2023, he released LAKE, his first full-length album that explored themes of grief and love. The Blasting Company , best known for the   Over the Garden Wall soundtrack, mentored Cherland. His 2024 EP Two Years Time continued that emotional journey, pairing each track with a hand-carved wooden figure. He began writing music at USCB and self-released a series of EPs, from 2016’s Wanting Man  to Call in 2022. His inspirations are Sufjan Stevens , City and Colour , and Ed Sheeran . “Good News” offers guidance that there is hope even when we stumble. Written By Taylor Sheridan Lempke FOLLOW CONNER CHERLAND: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

“Good Guy” is a sweltering call-out track that criticizes the stubborn, sly, and untrustworthy. Jemma Johnson sings “ you act like the good guy, I thought you were real nice/ play into the crowd with every line ” explaining the attributes of the “good” guy’s custom trap. This criticism is delivered by biting lyrics like “ if both our hands were tied/ we were strapped to dynamite/ oh you would never compromise ,” detailing the extreme nature of this guy’s gruesome character. She asserts that even in a dangerous situation, this guy would be selfish and deceiving. This demonstrates the insensitivity of the guys she's describing as she stands against their conniving actions. As if in a conversation with him throughout the song, Johnson finally says  “goodbye” to the false promise the "good guy" stereotype offers. This provides Johnson, and her eager listeners, with an empowering closure that encourages freedom from illusion.  A rugged base riff opens the stirring soundscape, converting into a cool line that introduces Johnson’s surreal vocals. The enthralling beat carries an undeniable synchronicity between vocals, strings, and percussion. Seductive sound effects contribute to the cohesiveness of the track and establish balance for a well-rounded listen. Johnson’s vocals occasionally perform a jazz-like slide and fulfill a partial count to add a swinging rhythm. This is responsible for the sumptuous feel of the track that constructs an abstract vibe. Johnson’s vocal sound is nonchalant as she keeps composure despite a fiery topic. She sways through notes with an apathetic elegance that represents the coolness of her unavailability for those awful “good guys”. Jemma Johnson is a singer/songwriter from Derby, UK that has a unique pop sound with racked up choruses about toxicity. She performed her debut album at Y Not Festiva l, noting her tour dates are on the rise. Johnson has over 20 million streams on Spotify alone, with one of her most popular songs being “Pretty in the Dark”. Her latest release, “Good Guy” is paired with May single “Obsessed” and is turning heads. With over 64K followers on YouTube, and her reach on Spotify, Johnson is moving forward in the industry. I can’t wait to  see what Johnson does next! To learn more about Jemma Johnson, her music, events, and information, visit her socials linked below. Written By Hanna Hathaway FOLLOW JEMMA JOHNSON: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Blending theatrics and emotional honesty is Meg Smith’s “Girls Just Wanna Be Famous”. This glittery single will have all you 2000s pop-lovers drooling over its hooky chorus and addictive soundscape. But it’s more than just a pop song– it’s a generational anthem about legacy, and wanting to leave your mark on the world. Daring to dream, daring to aim for the stars, this track is decorated in disco-glam while keeping the vibes going for you to tackle your goals of stardom. “Girls Just Wanna Be Famous” is one of those songs that will have you listening deeply to its spectacular production and singing along to its musical-like sound. The only thing I have to say is: this song is so, so good. I’m not exaggerating when I say this is the song to have on repeat– it’s perfectly cyclical, especially if you have the song on a 5-second fade-out like I do. I’m already a fan of the maximalist style and 2000s pop, so “Girls Just Wanna Be Famous” is like it was made for me. Punchy, energetic, and ultra-glittery, this track is everything I dream of when I think of shimmery indie-pop. There’s a lot of love about this song, but there’s a very specific part of the track where a guitar is being absolutely shredded on. From 1:47 to 1:54, this guitar is going absolutely crazy, and that is honestly the best way to sell me on a song. It just brings the whole “disco opera” sound of Meg’s to new heights, and I am a big fan of it. The song’s message is also great, which is: girls just wanna be famous! Chasing stardom– chasing your dreams– is what this track is all about, although the lyrics do keep it real about the reality of being famous. Either way, I love this celebration of ambition that keeps that realistic edge. Hailing from Los Angeles, Meg Smith is a New York City-based artist whose range reaches anthemic pop songs to guitar-driven musings on relationships. With honest and sharp lyricism, her candy-coated pop tracks dazzle both fans and newcomers alike. Some of her notable singles include “Cross My Heart I Hope U Die”, which dropped in 2021 and currently has over 21 million streams solely on Spotify; as well as her recent 2024 single “jesus christ in a miniskirt” which has made waves as it rotated in BBC 1’s “Future Pop” programming, now well past the 2 million streams mark. “Girls Just Wanna Be Famous” is Meg Smith’s first single of 2025– if you loved her glittery pop, then you should definitely be checking out the rest of her discography! Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW MEG SMITH: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube | Website

“Jesus and John Wayne” by googly eyes, Joy Oladokun, and Allison Ponthier is a poignant track that is brutally honest about the dystopian Christian nationalism plaguing our country. As someone who is a Jesus-loving liberal with religious trauma, the track was a relatable ballad that exposes the sinister beliefs of our current administration. Inspired by the NYT Bestselling novel by Kristin Kobes Du Mez , googly eyes wrote the track as a reimagination of spirituality “as a source of healing, belonging, and radical love, especially for those the church has pushed aside.” In further elaboration on the meaning, googly eyes has expressed: “There’s so much love, grief, gratitude, and deep ache wrapped into my religious journey - especially as an American who’s watched people and politics essentially hijack the faith I grew up in. Anyone who’s gone through deconstruction knows how devastating and lonely it can feel.” These words eloquently describe my own struggle with believing in the teachings of Jesus Christ but turning my back on organized religion.  Throughout the song, the lyrics cut deep as the artists hold nothing back regarding the hypocrisy and bigotry of the modern church. This is apparent from the very first lyric: “I liked the teaching of Jesus so much that I followed him right out the door // When steeples kept preaching with hate on their tongues, and distaste for the meek, mild, and poor.” They continue with ingenious lines containing Biblical references and the devastation many Christians have felt after seeing the political climate of the past decade turn Jesus’s love into a vicious crusade against anyone who is not rich, straight, cisgender, white, or male. The song ends with perhaps my favorite bridge of all time, with the artists stating they cannot, for the life of them, remember the times Jesus said things like “Blessed are the war makers… Blessed skin like porcelain… Blessed is America, but only for Americans.” And I agree with them. The Jesus I was brought up learning about “wouldn’t really fit with everything [they’re] trying to do with him.”  “Jesus and John Wayne” was released amid widespread civil unrest, sparked by the injustices occurring throughout the nation and abroad. We needed a song like this now more than ever. The social justice continues beyond the lyrics, with 100% of proceeds going towards Jack Antonoff ’s LGBTQ+ organization, The Ally Coalition. Learn more about the organization here: The Ally Coalition | Taking Action For LGBTQ Equality . “Jesus and John Wayne” contains a whimsical folk-pop and Americana-influenced soundscape that sets the authentic, emotionally driven atmosphere. The stunning instrumentation beautifully complements the harmonies of all three singers. With Americana and country music often being tied to the exact people these lyrics are about, it is a bold and calculated decision. The artists ingeniously incorporated the genre for two reasons (in my mind anyway): 1) to lure the song's muse in, only to rip them to shreds, and 2) to reframe the genre, giving fans of the style a safe song and safe artists to listen to. As someone who also grew up listening to and loving country music, it has pained me to see some of my childhood favorites speak out against the causes I hold near and dear to my heart. With “Jesus and John Wayne,” googly eyes, Joy Oladakun, and Allisom Ponthier have given me back this genre that once defined my taste.  About googly eyes googly eyes is an indie-pop singer, songwriter, and producer. She made her debut in 2022 with her single, “Don’t Forget To Breathe.” Since then, she has released a handful of full-length albums and EPs and is signed to Neon Gold , a NYC-based boutique independent record label. About Joy Oladakun Joy Oladakun is an American singer-songwriter based in Nashville. Her style is a blend of several genres, including folk, R&B, rock, and pop. Her music is heavily influenced by her identity as a queer person of color. She made her debut in 2016 with her album, Carry.  Since then, she has released four additional albums. She is currently on tour! Get your tickets today here: Tour — Joy Oladokun . About Allison Ponthier Allison Ponthier is an indie folk singer-songwriter from Texas, now based in New York City. She approaches songwriting like a diary, sharing with audiences glimpses into her life. She has received critical acclaim from Billboard and performed on The Tonight Show  in 2022. She has released several EPs and is set to release her debut full-length album later this year. She has toured with big names, such as Bleachers (Jack Antonoff’s band), The Japanese House , Hayley Kiyoko , and more. I had the honor of being introduced to her in 2023 when she opened for Holly Humberstone in Los Angeles. Follow her on all socials to stay up to date with new releases and announcements. And come back to Pop Passion Blog soon after her album release for my review! Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW GOOGLY EYES : Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | SubStack  | YouTube FOLLOW JOY : Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube FOLLOW ALLISON: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok   | Facebook  | YouTube