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- Review: "Glimmer" - MICAH
MICAH's latest soul-stirring single, "Glimmer," is a powerful, vibrant track that clings to the subtleties of hope, joy, and feeling. In her search for inner peace, MICAH wears her heart on her sleeve, bearing her vulnerability for all of her fans to see. Repeating the lyrics, "I'm praying on a glimmer" and "I want to feel again," MICAH emphasizes both an intense longing to feel and feelings of helplessness when it comes to fully embracing those lighter moments. Her passion for the craft and her ability to connect with various audiences through her creative narratives are what make her such a unique gem and inspiration within an ever-changing genre; MICAH poetically puts into words what we feel deep in our hearts. Be it hope, be it joy, or be it feeling, MICAH yearns for something pure, a raw desire for the "glimmer" in an unrelenting world; she urges us to cling to every fleeting moment in our day-to-day lives. "Glimmer" is a masterfully layered piece full of candid lyrics and impactful instrumentals that evoke so many raw emotions in the listener. MICAH catches our attention with a sentimental guitar in the introduction, allowing the strings to linger woefully and impassionedly in the background for the rest of the track. Entrancing us with every lyric, MICAH's voice is effortlessly breathtaking. Her rich vocals command our ears in a subtle way, ebbing in and out of dramatic moments throughout the song. The passion MICAH puts behind the delivery of each line is almost tangible. A minute into the track there's a stark shift into passionate strums, drums, and a vibey bass line that mirrors the growing emotional intensity of the track. The fleeting bridge we hear at the end of the song is simply ethereal, as MICAH repeats the words "I want to feel again," a sentiment that all of us have shared at some of our lowest moments. "Glimmer" not only captures MICAH's complex desires but also conveys how having hope is what keeps us going, how yearning means that we are alive. London-based South African singer-songwriter MICAH is a 20-year-old sensation that has steadily grown into a show-stopping sound and style of her very own. Releasing her hit debut single, "Mirror," back in 2024, MICAH set the tone for her audiences, introducing them to her powerful vocals and creative spin on the pop-rock industry. Creating deeply lyrical and emotional songs rooted in her own experiences, MICAH draws on her own personhood and inspires others across the globe with her passion for music. She adds a beautiful intensity to her soft-rock discography, aiming and succeeding to resonate with the world. That said, "Glimmer" is one of 3 tracks in MICAH's upcoming EP titled "Psyche". With each song drawing on different aspects of our humanity, MICAH has so much in store for eagerly awaiting fans! Make sure to stay tuned and check out her socials down below for more updates! Written By Pejah Carr FOLLOW MICAH: Instagram | Spotify | YouTube
- Review: "I Found God" - Cera Gibson
Cera Gibson brings us yet another amazingly powerful track titled “I Found God.” While this song is extremely passionate in its storytelling it’s also very uplifting. This song is about taking back your own intimate power as it is all too often left up to your partner. We sometimes get lost in the mesmerizing details our partners or past partners possess. It’s almost as if we forget who we are and who they are inside and outside of the relationship. But through “I Found God” we hear messages of hope, that one day we will overcome those thoughts and realize that we are the only people who possess that power. Intense melodies and sharp finger snaps open the track with an alluring feel to it. Her soft vocals chime in for just a few seconds before transitioning into a sort of dark and compelling tone. Throughout the entire song we hear such highly intense synths that go with the rhythm of her singing. I personally found that overlap to be the heart of the song as it brings up the mood and gives off the perfect vibe for a get up and dance song. While the whole song has many great musical elements to it, the ending leaves us with an exhilarating guitar solo which was my absolute favorite part. “I Found God” was the perfect track to start off her latest EP titled “pinksoak.” Singer/songwriter Cera Gibson is from Salt Lake City, Utah where her passion for creating music was found at a young age. While creating music is something she has always done, it wasn't until 2019 when she released her first single titled “Blood Diamond.” Gibson loves to make music, but she also has a very avid online presence where she posts funny and relatable content. Her genre has a unique touch to it in my opinion, as she has pop songs mixed with wicked pop/rock instrumentals. After listening to “I Found God” be sure to listen to the five other great tracks on “pinksoak.” You can also catch her along with many other performers at her worship concert set for April. Written By Julissa Garcia FOLLOW Cera Gibson: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube | Website *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator
- Review: "heartbreak stain" - NJ
In a new single released March 20th, NJ details the hardships behind going through a breakup. “heartbreak stain” highlights NJ’s own personal journey, as she states that she wrote this track after finding items that belonged to her ex in her apartment after they already broke up. She sings about even having his favorite cereal still in her pantry, even though she has let the milk go stale. The soundscape of this song is calm and melancholic, with simply an acoustic guitar line and NJ’s soft vocals. She goes back and forth between supporting herself and feeling okay being on her own, and regretting the breakup along with wanting him back. The chorus follows the journey of taking herself out for a date, of picking a table for one, of spending her time in her own mind alone. She starts the day by cheering herself up and convincing herself that she will have a great time just on her own, but by the end of the day she finds herself doubting her healing journey and thinking about her ex. She wonders if he is moving on, or if he misses her as much as she misses him. The last line of the chorus that gets repeated with haunting and emotional vocal harmonies layered under is “So I’ll set the table and pray / You miss me too”. Despite having the same acronym as the state, NJ is a singer songwriter based in Atlanta, Georgia. Born and raised in Cincinnati, her love and passion for music has been evident since the start. She began to write her own music in 2019, after being involved in musical theater, band, and choir for her entire upbringing. As she has grown in her own musical career, she has progressed from writing mainstream pop songs to focusing on her own personal experiences and diving into the “indie acoustic guitar” world. She is releasing her debut album shortly, which will include “heartbreak stain” and her other latest single, “the beast”. Make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for more music from NJ. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW NJ: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "you don't exist yet" - Savanna Leigh
Savanna Leigh’s new track, “you don’t exist yet,” has been released. Focusing on the yearning for a partner who doesn’t “even exist yet,” there’s a helpless nature in wanting to imagine what life would be like if the perfect person did exist at this point of Savanna Leigh’s life. Imaginary scenarios, like “getting along with [her] friends” and it not being “too late for [the right partner] to start to sing along,” make the anticipation of finding that person worth it. The waiting period, as much as it drives every person crazy, is intoxicating. There’s hope in the chase, hope in the period that the person will be worth the wait and that “[Savanna Leigh] won’t have these songs” anymore. I loved this song. The feeling of waiting around for the right one getting old is not only relatable to myself in this current moment, but almost everyone at some point in their life. The understated production builds on the theme of knowing there’s a person out there for you, the beat slowly building up during the bridge and chorus like the hope and happiness that come from the imaginary scenarios with the right person. The verses are slowed down, with the loneliness drowning in and reality setting in–the right person isn’t there quite yet, and the wait isn’t over. It can be defeating, but the hope Savanna Leigh projects across the song is infectious, creating optimism for not only herself but for the listener as well. Savanna Leigh is an American singer based out of Nashville. Her songs fill the empty space–where there aren’t any words to describe the emotions, her songs fill that void. Her last tour highlighted the most recent work Savanna Leigh’s put out, “ reminders of you ,” which also inspired “you don’t exist yet.” With a discography full of indie-pop and vulnerable lyrics, Savanna Leigh has over 35,000 listeners on Spotify and over 33,000 followers on Instagram, surely to grow over time. With new music on the horizon for 2025, “you don’t exist yet” is a great way to begin 2025. You can keep up with Savanna Leigh, whether it’d be new releases or concerts, on her social media linked below. Written By Abby Mornhinweg FOLLOW SAVANNA LEIGH: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "Starcrossed" - Kings Elliot
“Starcrossed” is the latest single from emerging alt-pop artist, Kings Elliot, released on March 21, 2025. The dreamy track narrates the ending of a love that was never meant to be. It takes inspiration from the 1950s, blending contemporary sound with a retro style. Fans of artists like Laufey and Madison Beer, you will be drawn in by the way that she masterfully blends nostalgic and modern influences into heartfelt ballads, emotional vocals shining through. Whether you are stuck in a star-crossed relationship or not, this track about losing a love that was doomed from the start is definitely a must-listen. On “Starcrossed,” Elliot crafts a theatrical ballad about love, loss, and longing. Her strength in poetic, emotional lyricism stands out with lines like “Call it a curse / Or a fault in the sky / But we’ll never get to decide,” “Tortured by desire / As our love dies in the open / Promised we’d survive / But our words fade as they’re spoken,” and “But we’re built just to break apart / I know we’ve already lost / It’s not us, we’re just starcrossed.” She takes us as listeners through accepting the inevitability of her ill-fated relationship meeting its end. This sentiment is backed by lush vocals and vintage sonic influences. Kings Elliot is a London-based artist, born in Switzerland. Her music is a catharsis for exploring her personal thoughts and fears, especially with her battles with borderline personality disorder, depression, and anxiety. She crafts immersive worlds that welcomes anyone in search of a place to belong. Her first release, “I’m Getting Tired of Me,” came out in 2020. Since then, she has amassed over 100,000 monthly listeners on Spotify alone. If you enjoyed “Starcrossed,” make sure to check out the rest of her discography. You can also keep up with all the latest information on Kings Elliot and her music by following the social media links below. Written By Sydney Gray FOLLOW KINGS ELLIOT: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "Dreamers in the Dark" - Vasilikí
Chasing after your dreams is typically a difficult process with many ups and downs. Chasing after something intangible – like a love that once was or a particular feeling from a snapshot in your memory – is arguably even more difficult. Vasilikí gives listeners a glimpse into this in her song “Dreamers in the Dark". Throughout the duration of the song, each line reflects a strong internal yearning for someone or something. This overwhelming, fiery yearning is held inside and the only chance to fan the flame of those emotions is in the dark when you can freely dream. However, reality tends to be somewhat different than dreams and internal desires. In the pre chorus, the lyric “We took so many steps ahead, we felt unsure about ourselves. Too many promises we didn't keep” is beautiful and painfully relatable. Even while romanticizing the lingering remnants of love, feelings of doubt and broken promises make internal desires remain as they are: dreams reserved solely for the dark. “Dreamers in the Dark” has a noticeably unique, dreamy sound. The music in the intro of the song feels nostalgic, immediately setting the tone for the entirety of the song. Her voice is almost siren-like. It feels a bit mysterious and laden with haunting emotions that makes it impossible to stop listening to every lyric she sings. Vasilikí's tone is velvety, deep, and soft but bold. In “Dreamers in the Dark", her sound is reminiscent of the singers MARINA and Lana Del Rey , but possesses a unique quality that makes it very distinct. There is a hint of a vintage vibe to her tone that adds to the overall sense of nostalgia the song gives. Vasilikí's voice feels like it belongs in a glamorous black and white movie. While listening to her sing, her ethereal voice transports you to this dreamy, old Hollywood-esque mindscape that you never want to leave. Singer-songwriter Vasilikí was born and raised in Athens, Greece, but moved to New York at nineteen to pursue a music career. Vasilikí is a triple threat who sings, has a dance background, and previously studied acting. She has lived in Athens, New York, and LA. Vasilikí has put all of the experiences she gained and emotions she felt into her music while continuously developing artistically in these three cities. Her first single was an alternative dream pop version of “Cheri Cheri Lady” by Modern Talking. This single was the world's first introduction to Vasilikí, and garnered some attention and created radio buzz in Greece. Her second single “Harley Queen” gained support from various outlets like Le Future Wave, Obscure Sound, She Makes Music, and many others. Her latest single “Dreamers in the Dark” was released on March 21st, 2025 and is another example of her incredible talent, versatility, and striking sound. Her love for music and her multicultural background is deeply embedded in all of her songs, making them true works of art that shows her artistry. Vasilikí is an unforgettable singer and once in a lifetime performer that is truly a rare gem that everyone should be on the lookout for. Written By Kyler Griggs FOLLOW VASILIKÍ: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "Prettier" - Chayce Kennedy
Hiding who you are from anyone who doesn’t truly know you can seem exhausting. It’s almost like you are living two separate lives, but you are feeling the overbearing weight of them both. Hiding who you are is one thing but when you involve your feelings and emotions it becomes even worse. We all too often think we can’t be who we are or express who we are through our styles, because they aren’t what everyone else does or wears. But that is certainly not the case being different and standing out from the rest makes you unique, it makes you different and it makes you beautiful. Chayce Kennedy’s “Prettier” gives us these same messages of overcoming self-doubt and living life how you want to live without anyone’s judgements. “Prettier” is an amazing track that has such an important, raw, and intense meaning behind it. The song starts off with undeniably relatable lyrics that have a slow pace to them. Then the track shifts in tone with high vocals and strong instrumentals. My favorite part about this track is the overlap of captivating melodies with vocals towards the end. While the entire song was so great, this verse, “But when I hit rock bottom / No one knew what to look for”, I found to be extremely powerful. Each time she sang that verse it had such an effective tone to it and made me fall in love with this track. The talented Chayce Kennedy is a music artist from Penticton, BC, Canada. She has had a love for music since a very young age and continues to make music each day. Through her songs we hear such powerful and personal experiences making her stand out from the rest. Her passion is to create music that is honest and relatable to help those who listen to her in any situation. In 2021 she released her first single “Hold Me Again” with many great singles to follow. Chayce Kennedy is an amazing artist, and I can’t wait to hear more from her! Written By Julissa Garcia FOLLOW Chayce Kennedy: Instagram | Spotify | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator
- Album Review: "Ruby" - JENNIE
Cho Gi-Seok Blackpink superstar Jennie has finally released her debut solo album, “Ruby,” on March 7th, 2025. Inspired by Shakespeare’s concept of the seven stages of life, this album allows her to voice her personal life, emotions, and experiences through her own musical vision. Jennie has described the album as a perfect way to reintroduce herself as an artist and showcase who she really is. Jennie displays her versatility and wide range of performance abilities by exploring a wide range of genres such as pop, R&B, and hip-hop. TRACKLIST Intro : Jane with FKJ like JENNIE start a war Handlebars with Dua Lipa with the IE (way up) ExtraL with Doechii Mantra Love Hangover with Dominic Fike ZEN Damn Right with Childish Gambino and Kali Uchis F.T.S Filter Seoul City Starlight twin Jennie was born in Seongnam-si, South Korea, before moving to New Zealand at nine years old. In 2010, she auditioned for YG Entertainment after finding interest in the label. She soon became a trainee in the company, and after six years, she was announced as the first member of the soon-to-be popular Korean girl group Blackpink on June 1st, 2016. Jennie was known for her strong rapping ability, stage presence, and charisma on and off stage. In mid-October 2018, she made her solo debut with the single “Solo," a hip-hop, pop-based track. She was also the first member to have their solo debut under YG Entertainment. In December 2023, Blackpink announced they would go on a hiatus to focus on their solo endeavors. Shortly afterward, Jennie revealed her own record label/management called Odd Atelier to promote her solo work. She then signed a partnership deal with Columbia Records. She was signed as a solo artist under the label, soon releasing her lead single “Mantra” and announcing her debut album “Ruby” in January 2025. Intro : Jane with FKJ The album opens with a beautiful, twinkling intro that opens up Jennie’s story as if it were an actual play. Produced by FKJ, a well-known French multi-instrumentalist, this intro is a great starting place for where this album will take us and the journey of Jennie herself. It’s stripped back, mostly just her vocals and laughter throughout the track. The song feels like this is just the beginning of Jennie and the world she will open us to. It’s refreshing and shows a side to Jennie that we might not be used to. What I also love about the intro is how it ties in with the ending track “twin” and can act like a whole cycle once repeated. like JENNIE The second track and the fourth lead single from the album “Ruby” is “like Jennie”. This hard-hitting, hip-hop track has a metallic beat that perfectly encapsulates Jennie, showcasing her rap skills and unique, fresh style. The song lyrically describes how Jennie is one-of-a-kind and that no one can replace her, let alone be her. Lyrics such as “Who wanna rock with Jennie? Keep your hair done, nails done like Jennie, who else got 'em obsessed like Jennie?” specifically highlight her cultural impact within the fashion industry and how people are inspired by her style. She also sings, “I think I really like, haters, they don’t really like, ‘cause they can never be, JENNIE, JENNIE, JEN-“ which ultimately claps back at her haters, saying the only reason they hate her is because they are jealous of her. Jennie has also said in an interview. However, in an interview with Variety , Jennie talked about the lyrics in “like JENNIE," saying, “I don’t think I’m necessarily saying, like, be like me, or you wanna be me… I want this to be a confidence boost for people and to just have fun, really.” She wants this song to be everyone’s anthem and to replace their name with “Jennie” and be confident in themselves as well. start a war “start a war” is the third track of Jennie’s “Ruby” and is one of her most authentic songs from the album. The song is a powerful, chilling drum-led ballad where Jennie discusses how powerful her love for someone can be, to the point she would go to war for them. The chorus says, “Ever since the day we locked in, I was gonna be down bitch, If I need to start a war, I’m gon’ try for you, I’ll fight for ya, go off for you, I’ll start a war,” we can see how much Jennie cares for this person and that she would do anything to protect them. In an Apple Music exclusive “Ruby” self-talk, Jennie says “start a war” is “…all about loyalty… I was thinking about how far you’d go for someone even when things aren’t perfect…” Handlebars with Dua Lipa “Handlebars” is the fourth track of “Ruby” and was the fifth lead single for the album. The song is a mid-tempo, R&B-inspired track, and the title uses the analogy of love to crashing a bike. Jennie and Dua describe how hard-hitting love can be sometimes and that it can consume your whole life, even if you have been hurt before. With the lyrics “Over the handlebars, hitting the ground so hard, If I’m alone fallin’, fallin’, fallin’, we ain’t gotta talk about it,” we can see that the two are so infatuated with this said person, to the point that even if it is one-sided, they are just going to ignore it. In her self-talk with Apple Music, Jennie explains, “…even when you’ve been hurt, and you’re scared of rejection, you’re still somehow fearless and still going for it. I think it’s that feeling of being invincible because you’re so full of love, and no matter what happens, you can always get back up again.” Dua and Jennie’s voices melt on this track together and with Dua’s discography and similar love songs such as “Handlebars," it makes perfect sense why Jennie asked her to collaborate. with the IE (way up) “with the IE (way up)” is the fifth track of “Ruby," sampling Jennifer Lopez’s notable “Jenny from the Block.” Jennie was inspired by JLO and many popular classic songs from that era, so she wanted to make something similar. The early 2000s-inspired hip-hop track is feisty and shows off more of Jennie’s rapping skills; it also displays who she is as an artist and the meaning of her name, Jennie. In her self-talk, she says, “We were talking about the name Jennie and who I wanted to be in music, and I think it came very natural for me to think of wanting to make a new version of the song.” ExtraL with Doechii The sixth track of “Ruby” is “ExtraL” with Doechii and is the third lead single for the album. This song highlights Jennie’s pop style of music while incorporating Doechii’s signature sleek hip-hop style. The beat is hip-hop-infused with a pop chorus, which suits both artists well. The song is about Jennie and Doechii flaunting their wealth and celebrating their success as women. Jennie specifically says in a lyric, “You sit too far down on 'em charts to even ask me who’s in charge,” which references her own record-breaking chart history with Blackpink and as a soloist. Doechii, in her rap, discusses how she doesn’t make her decisions based on male opinions, saying, “I'm not here for pleasin' the men, not here to reason with them.” With Doechii’s rising success, especially after her Grammy win, and Jennie being her own boss, it makes so much sense why these two are on this track together, and they do nothing but devour. Mantra The seventh track of “Ruby” and the first lead single is “Mantra,” a dance-pop track with some R&B elements and a Miami bass beat. This song is a female empowerment anthem and is supposed to be fun, carefree, and a love letter to one’s self. In an interview with Vogue , Jennie describes the song as a “fun, upbeat anthem that celebrates girl power and inspires every woman to shine in her own way with confidence." Jennie claims this song was the perfect one to open up her new era, and I definitely agree. It was a great way to showcase how this new era of herself. which was all about self-discovery and self-love. I feel like a song like “Mantra” was needed to showcase that openness of self-love, specifically a woman’s love for herself. Love Hangover with Dominic Fike “Love Hangover” is the eighth track of “Ruby” and is the second lead single. The song is a mid-tempo, pop song inspired by Diana Ross’ 1976 song of the same name. It also has some elements of retro soul added to it as well. The song describes a toxic relationship, where Jennie sings about constantly going back to her lover and cannot resist them. The lyrics, “We say it’s over, but I keep fucking with you, and every time I do, I wake up with this love hangover,” claiming that she is struggling to fight her attraction. Dominic Fike seems to act like the toxic lover in the situation, saying, “One minute, we’re growing apart, and next I’m in her apartment, just watching her get naked and not thinking with my heart.” This indicates that the partner in this relationship could not reciprocate the same feelings and could view their relationship as more surface-level. I like Jennie’s and Dominic’s chemistry in this song, and I like how they showcase two sides of the relationship. I also enjoy how this song continues “Handlebars” and that concept of one-sided love. ZEN “ZEN” is the ninth track of “Ruby” and is an introspective track about Jennie and her road to enlightenment. Here is where we get to see Jennie feel her truest form, and with the over-the-top, intense production, you can feel that this song is building up to something. She starts with a point of reflection and acceptance and then becomes truly zen. She is content with who she is and knows who she is as a person at heart. Jennie has also stated that this song was the foundation for the album and this realization of self. In her self-talk, Jennie says, "Once I finished the song (ZEN), it really helped me pull together the rest of the album. This song is a reminder to embrace your individuality and own your shine.” This song, to me, is absolutely breathtaking, and the whole aura of the track is something you never really hear in today’s music, so that uniqueness really stands out. It’s intense, it’s in your face, but it’s elegant. Damn Right with Childish Gambino and Kali Uchis “Damn Right” is the tenth track of “Ruby” and is a smooth R&B track with a compelling baseline. It reminds me of a Chloe and Halle track, but it fits with Jennie incredibly well. Her soft and delicate voice matches Kali Uchis’ whisper-like vocals. Jennie once again speaks on her confidence and how she is proud of who she is in a more sexy manner. Jennie explains in her self-talk that “Damn Right” is about “…also standing your ground and knowing your worth… I was in a place where I just wanted to remind myself and everyone else not to settle for anything less than what they deserve.” Childish Gambino, similar to Dominic Fike, seems to give another perspective on viewing Jennie and how he is enamored by who she is as a woman. His vocals are full of soul and blend together with Uchis’ and Jennie’s pretty easily. F.T.S The eleventh track of “Ruby” is “F.T.S,” a soulful ballad with a chant-like chorus throughout. This song is about letting everything go and finally cutting off the toxins in your life, specifically people. With lyrics such as “Whatever happened to freedom and honestly? What matters to you, you, you, it’s not that deep to me, fuck that shit,” seems to be where Jennie is realizing that her values and other people’s values aren’t aligned. Instead, their values are the ones bringing her down. In her self-talk, she says, “I was really feeling a need to cut ties with things that were holding me back, and it’s a total anthem for freedom for me. I think it’s also about moving forward without looking back, and I just really wanted to release all the negativity and focus on what’s next.” Filter The twelfth track of “Ruby” is “Filter,” a trap, R&B track, and is about being real and having no filter with yourself. Jennie highlights that there will always be this standard of perfectionism within the music industry, but it is always better to be authentic. Specifically, in her self-talk, she says, “I wanted to remind people that it’s okay not to be perfect…and I love the drop that we have in the hook of the song. It just makes me feel free, and I think it goes perfectly with the words when I’m saying ‘No Filter.’” Seoul City “Seoul City” is the thirteenth song of “Ruby” and is a soulful-midtempo R&B track that is sexy and alluring. On the one hand, this song describes the more physical aspect of love and wanting to be so close to a person, to the point where you can feel their soul. It also describes the city of Seoul, how alive it can feel, and how culturally impactful it is. When you hear “Seoul City," you can picture the nightlife of Seoul and be with your lover within its streets, being close to one another and falling in such a deep trance with each other, but also with the city itself. Starlight “Starlight” is the fourteenth song of “Ruby” and is an alternative pop track, and it seems to be an homage to Jennie’s fans. The song explains how, throughout her whole career, the ups and the downs, her fans have always seen the starlight within her and have always stuck by her. The song is sweet and sincere; you can see how much she cares for her fans. Jennie also describes the song as sharing a different version of herself with her listeners in a new light without all the glitz and glamour. twin “twin” is the fifteenth and final song of “Ruby," an acoustic pop-ballad. Like the intro, it's stripped-back, with only Jennie’s vocals, a guitar, and a piano. In the song, Jennie describes how she is drifting apart from someone she loves and talks about their strong bond. The track is bittersweet, and you can tell Jennie feels her emotions throughout the song. In her self-talk, Jennie herself describes “twin” as a song about “…a deep, unbreakable bond with someone who just gets you, you know? And with that kind of connection where nothing can pull you apart, no matter how far away you are… I was actually thinking about a friend in my life who I felt that with, and I kind of wanted to capture that feeling of soul, deep connection…” The song is heartfelt and bittersweet, and it’s a perfect way to close out the album as the guitar and piano fade away, only leaving Jennie’s raw vocals, which connect back to the intro of the album. “Ruby” by Jennie is such a well-crafted and well-rounded album. The amount of layers and depth within each song is so well done, and the production of the whole album flows beautifully. You can clearly tell how much this album means to her and how each song has its own special meaning to Jennie. I love how she wanted to completely strip herself away from the Jennie we think we know and showcase this whole new side to her. It’s been great seeing all the members go independently and create their own solo works, each having a distinct sound and overall identity. Of the four, I would say Jennie’s album is my favorite because it all comes together effortlessly. My favorite songs currently are “like JENNIE”, “ZEN”, and “Damn Right”. I am so proud of Jennie for having the courage to make the album she wanted to make and not let anyone stop her from doing so. Written By Laylah Little Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.
- Review: "Backwards" - Matthew Orgel
Rejection is never fun, but at least Matthew Orgel’s “Backwards” knows how to turn the feeling into a dance-worthy song. Orgel’s confidence does not only shine in his vocals and music, but also in confessing his feelings. He overlooks this person’s flaws and sees a bright future together. However, they shut him down. Orgel expresses this pain of welcoming imperfections for someone who will not do the same. The irony is not lost in this catchy rhythm as he dives into the bitterness of rejection. It feels like his efforts have gone to waste. He sings, “I keep trying, and I keep regretting.” It’s hard to keep putting yourself out there when love feels like a setback. “Backwards” features synthesizer leads and arpeggiated chords that echo early 2000s pop icons like Katy Perry and Lady Gaga . His voice is unforgettable and mesmerizing. He shows an impressive range of vocals in the chorus. The second verse stands out as he fills the track with subtle effects, pauses, and reverberations. He immerses listeners in the experience. The melody offers the perfect songs for unwinding after a long day. The beat, combined with the lead synthesizer, creates a tune that recaptures that confidence. Because Orgel knows what it’s like to get shot down, but he knows how to own that confidence again. As awful as rejection is, Orgel makes something good out of it. Beyond his latest track, Orgel has released multiple singles and EPs with catchy, unforgettable music. He released his first single “ Hardest Goodbye ,” as a collaboration with Lauren Clark in 2020. His impressive vocals are evident from early on. Originally from Long Island, New York, he is studying at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. A pianist since the age of four, Orgel has cultivated a significant social media following, attracting the attention of industry figures like Tyler Johnson and Meghan Trainor . He continues to show that he can capture emotion in a range of music in each new release. Written By Taylor Sheridan Lempke FOLLOW MATTHEW ORGEL: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "Cut The Cloth, Didn't I" - Tonia
Some artist use technology as a clutch meaning that in this day and age, it can be common where artists don't actually know how to play instruments themselves but know how to produce great music. Tonia has twisted this concept by making technology and music work side by side in a beautiul way. In Tonia's new single "Cut The Cloth, Didn't I," she talks about the insecurities that follow the questions surrounding if there is anything worth salvaging in a relationship. Tonia shows off her lyrical intelligence with lines like, "I don't know what we can save" and my personal favorite at the top of the song, "The maps ripped at the sides." It shows off her descriptiveness in the lyrics that are also so beautifully relatable. Tonia has really outdone the ideas that we have behind using technology in music in this song. The textures in this song can be heard right in the beginning with the strum of the guitar. It's almost like someone is playing an acoustic guitar right next to you an things start off pretty relaxing and slow. Jumping into the chorus is when we get this growling sound that sounds like a trombone but it adds such a fluffy cool sound to what starts out as a simple song. The rhythm of Tonia's voice and the vocal track altogether feel very much like a beachy, flowy vibe all coming together in an incredibly unique way. Tonia is an alt-pop artist who loves to write about self-worth, friendship, and most importantly - what its like navigating life in your twenties. She has a talent for combining what she describes as "fuzzy" guitars, complex harmonies all working together to make her sound increibly unique. Once she moved to Liverpool, she has hit the ground running bein labeled as one of LIMF Academy's "Most Ready" artists and is also apart of independent label 3Beat's roster. Tonia's latest single which just came out on March 19th, 2025 sounds like exactly what she needs to keep this momentum going and listeners definitely don't want to miss out. Written By Breanna M. FOLLOW TONIA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
- Review: "Just Pretend" - Cece Benz
“Just Pretend” is the latest single from Cece Benz, released on March 14, 2025. The acoustic track recounts her experience falling in love with her best friend, having to watch them be in love with someone else, and wishing that they would realize how great they could be together. It captures the tension of wanting to be with someone, but knowing that you'll have to walk away from it. If you have ever been in a similar position, this track will resonate with you deeply. For those looking to add a new artist into their rotation, Cece Benz has certainly cemented herself as one to watch with this release. On “Just Pretend,” Benz wrestles with feelings of longing and resentment, simultaneously wishing her best friend happiness and heartbreak. She sings about fantasizing about them being together, feeling like she always comes second to this other girl, and wondering if they ever wish that they were dating her instead. This experience is emphasized with lyrics like “I know I’m not making it up / We could never be just friends / But if you can’t ignore it, I’ll fake it / Together, we’ll just pretend" and “I hope she’s everything you want / Hope she breaks your heart like you broke mine.” Driven by acoustic guitar and gentle vocals, "Just Pretend" is a vulnerable narrative about wanting to be with someone that you cannot. Cece Benz is an emerging singer-songwriter from Atlanta, Georgia. Her music blends acoustic, indie pop, and soul influences together. Her musical journey began at 12 years old, in which she began writing and performing original music. Her debut single, “Growing Pains,” released in 2023. Over the last two years, she has put out a few more singles, her first EP, and gained over 1,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. If you enjoyed "Just Friends," make sure to check out the rest of her discography. You can also keep up with all the latest information on Cece Benz and her music by following the social media links below. Written By Sydney Gray FOLLOW CECE BENZ: Instagram | Spotify
- Review: "Colorblind" - Gillian Krystal
In the heat of the moment, we find ourselves too enwrapped to stop. Although the correct answer is clear and the disastrous outcome is nearly inexorable, we seem to speed through the flashing lights that yearn for our attention. The burning red lights scintillate for our regard in an attempt to rescue us from the bedlam that awaits ahead of us. However, they render futile as we dismiss the obvious predicaments that will undeniably seize our hearts due to the recklessness of our negligent actions. “Colorblind” by Gillian Krystal is a song that resembles the true meaning of standing oblivious to the unmistakable red flags that billow in the winds for our attention. Yet, we choose to stand oblivious, diving head-in on something that is doomed and has been registered as utter destruction, focusing on the pure exhilaration we feel. The song carries imposing lyrics like “running through traffic lights” and “flashing red, looks like I’m colorblind” which truly capture the essence of being unwilling to differentiate between doing what’s right and wrong. Click here to listen to "Colorblind"! The song opens up resembling something that sounds almost cryptic and enigmatic with the low-pitched bass guitar strings that set the stage for the song's underlying tone and its message. As Gillian’s voice settles in, it acts as an additional instrument, complimenting the bass guitar and blending into a cadence rhythm that mimics something both alternative and pop, two genres that undeniably pair well, especially with the use of Gillian’s innately talented voice that truly pulls the mixtures of sound together in a steady dance. As the song builds up to its chorus, the instruments pause as Gillian sings the lyrics of a catchy chorus, almost as if creating a pathway for listeners to truly listen to the lyrics, giving it the spotlight it needs to get the message and point across to listeners. I take it as a method musicians use to add more emphasis and make the song that much more meaningful and memorable. With lyrics that mesh well with the mix of sounds, it’s not only easy for listeners to enjoy a song like “Colorblind” but with the meaningful lyrics and imposing emotions this song instills in listeners, we can relate to the lyrics. The lyrics don’t even have to resemble a certain love, they could be just about any scenario that perhaps, in hindsight, isn’t a very wise decision. Gillian Krystal, the talented musician behind such an imposing song and lyrics, is a singer who is originally from New York. Gillian actually had an early start in music, listening to influential artists like Nat King Cole and Etta James, who were inspiring to a young Gillian, as her inspiration evolved into something for a love for musical theatre. After college, Gillian finally discovered her fevered passion for singing and songwriting once she picked up a guitar. Before leaving her full-time job, Gillian would play at local spots in New York, until she left her job in pursuit of her music career, leaving for Nashville. It’s clear her passion for music is most vehement, stopping at nothing to seek her desire to be a musician. Gillian also has great plans for the year 2025, releasing 3 whole singles and will even be playing shows in LA, New York, and Nashville! As Gillian continues to create music, I can’t help but look forward to her future projects! Written By Rosalyn Sanchez FOLLOW GILLIAN KRYSTAL: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube


















