Singer-songwriter Taylor Felt is back with her latest single, “TANLINES.” “TANLINES” is a dark pop, vampy anthem about living life to the fullest. The song is a smooth blend of synthwave and pop-disco. With its high-tempo electro-inspired instrumental and the absolute explosion that is the chorus, “TANLINES” is a track destined for the clubs and late-night party jams. It’s impossible not to want to dance listening to “TANLINES.” Taylor Felt just released an electric song perfect for the upcoming summer. “TANLINES” is an enigmatic song. This is in part due to Taylor’s incredibly strong presence on the track. Taylor Felt is a dynamic and captivating performer, and she really makes “TANLINES” come to life. Not only is she a co-writer, but Taylor’s vocals have a special way of capturing the song’s essence. She is a singer chock-full of personality. “TANLINES” is a very vibey song. From the dark-pop aesthetic to Taylor's rebellious attitude, the track is effortlessly cool. Taylor Felt is one to keep an eye out for. The singer-songwriter has rose to high prominence with her multi-million social media following and various viral moments, such as her performance of the National Anthem before a San Francisco 49ers game. She was even selected to represent TikTok as an official ambassador at the 2020 Grammys. Her debut EP, “Dead Flowers” reached over 250,000 streams on Spotify in its first month alone. While one of her first ever tracks, “Once in a Blue Moon,” released back in 2021, now has over a million downloads on the streaming platform as well. While other Taylor songs including “MIRROR MIRROR” and “wasting ur breath” haven reached similar heights. “TANLINES” is the latest single off Taylor’s upcoming EP, “ELECTRABLOOM” set to release July 9th of this year. And if the song is any indication, the EP is going to be a must-listen. You can stream “TANLINES,” along with the rest of Taylor’s discography on all major streaming platforms now. Written By Lauren Nolan FOLLOW TAYLOR: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

Music artist imstillFranci tells a story of someone hesitant with expressing his romantic feelings in her newest single "RUDE". She acts as the voice in the back of his head, constantly encouraging him to make the first move with his crush before other people do so before he gets the chance. imstillFranci reiterates that the girl this guy is after is beloved by many, and it would be "RUDE" of him to not present himself as the same and blow her off. His arrogance is clouding his judgement and the singer warns him that this is going to make him less appealing to his love interest. A bass guitar-driven song, the production and instrumentation of "RUDE" are both charming and exude lots of swagger. Altogether, the whole single is very catchy, especially the "la la la"s that imstillFranci sings at different points of the duration of "RUDE". Her vocals fits perfectly with the vibes of this song as well, both lyrically and sonically. "RUDE" carries so much personality with every element of its distinct soundscape, from the snaps and baseline to the way imstillFranci incorporates the theme of the lyrics with the theme of the production style. imStillFranci is a virtuoso from Bucharest, Romania, and grew up and is based in Berlin. Her love of music began at a young age, with inspiration brewing from the music she listened to and made with her family. She began her studio career in November 2024 with the release of her debut single "King". Since then, she has continued to add amazing songs to her discography, one of them being "Peace Without a Fight", which is set to be a track off her upcoming first EP. imStillFranci also was an incredible supporting act for the tour headlined by Austrian musicians Abor & Tynna. Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW IMSTILLFRANCI: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

Love is one of the most powerful emotions. It has the power to create warmth and happiness, but it also can create more negative feelings. Sadness and pain is often viewed as an unavoidable extension of love. Whether good or bad, love can often feel intense and all-consuming. In "Driving In The Dark," Taylor Bickett shows what it's like when the intensity of love becomes addictive and destructive. Bickett's lyricism is deeply moving from start to finish, sharing a vivid story on the cycle of heartbreak. The lyrics give off this strong sense of undeniable passion, but there is also very clearly some pain intertwined with it. Lyrics like "Your kiss is like a razor / I'm breaking like my skin," "We both leave with claw marks on our bodies / I still have blood under my nails," and "We fan the flame to save the spark / Maybe that's just who we are / Always driving in the dark" lays out everything into the open, showing the intense push and pull cycle of love. "Driving In The Dark" is nothing short of a masterpiece. Throughout the song, there is a wistful vibe that creates a cathartic listening experience. There is a steady, consistent thrum of a guitar in the background that pairs perfectly with Bickett's emotion laden vocals. The song opens on a calmer, slower note and slowly builds until we hit a high point full of energy at the chorus. The song's progression fits the title, feeling like you are slowly gaining speed and speeding down a road with the windows down as you release all your pent up energy. Bickett's voice adds another layer of beauty that makes the song have its own distinct sound. Both powerful and emotional, her vocals alone have the ability to compel and tell a story that lingers in your heat. Nashville-based singer Taylor Bickett has been writing music for as long as she can remember, with many impressive projects and achievements that make her an unforgettable artist. Taylor Bickett's most recent song "Driving In The Dark" is a part of her upcoming debut album "Nothing I Can't Undo." The album will be released on July 17th and features 11 new tracks. One of Bickett's previous songs released in 2022, “Quarter Life Crisis”, was a major hit, first introducing the world to the talented singer. “Quarter Life Crisis" went viral on the app TikTok shortly after its release and has accumulated over 35 million streams on Spotify. Bickett's 2023 EP "grown up and lonely" was one of her first great successes that first introduced her music to the world. Taylor Bickett is set to begin her first headline tour this fall. To see if Taylor Bickett will be performing in your area, tickets can be purchased here! Written By Kyler Griggs FOLLOW TAYLOR BICKETT: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

Photography & Creative Direction: Aidan Cullen Do That Again is the newest album from the incredibly talented musician Malcolm Todd. The second album but third full-length installment in his discography, he sings more alternative, emotion-fueled love songs, whether these emotions are passion and/or regret. T R A C K L I S T Jean Skirt Obsessica Free.99 Breathe I Saw Your Face Difficult Love Malcolm In The Middle Ain't That The Truth Gun To My Head X's & O's Lonely Song Good Bye Do That Again With several tracks from his 2024 mixtape Sweet Boy gaining him lots of recognition early in his music career, its not just those songs that make Malcolm Todd the amazing musician he is known as today. Born into and raised in an artistically-inclined family, he would begin to passionately pursue music after receiving a bass guitar as a birthday present. This would then lead him to develop his signature sound that separates him from other alternative artists, while still paying homage to those who inspired him during his musical journey. Malcolm released his eponymous debut album in 2025, and has now released his sophomore album Do That Again. Jean Skirt "Jean Skirt" proves that Malcolm is 3/3 with album/mixtape intro tracks. "Earrings" from Sweet Boy is a rapid anthem about uncertainty with an ex - "Harry Styles" from Malcolm Todd is an orchestral ballad about questioning the validity of fame - and now everything has come back around with a passionate song, both lyrically and sonically, to start off Do That Again, which is filled with elements that resemble these same vibes. Obsessica Red flags are ignored on both sides of a relationship in "Obsessica". The title of this track suggests how Malcolm carries his approach to different romantic partners, listening to his heart instead of his brain and disregarding any signs that a relationship wouldn't be ideal. Even as he closes out the song, he says names of different girls to amplify this message. The production of "Obsessica" is very influenced by 90s and 2000s indie rock, with the song emphasizing bass guitar and loud drums that beam through headphone speakers. Free.99 Vociferous musicality continues from the last track to "Free.99", where Malcolm sings about missing a past significant other, while still acknowledging the poor relationship they were in. By the end, although it wasn't healthy for either of them to be together, he still feels empty, confused, and isolated now that they are no longer together. The melancholia that defines the songs of one of the lyrical and musical categories Malcolm is known for is heavily represented throughout this song, also due to the composition of the chords and synths. Breathe The lead single of Do That Again, Malcolm surprised fans with cover art containing animal print and a whispered, sybaritic, and spoken-word intro, supplemented only with soft hi-hats. Then, the song cleverly flows into another lo-fi hit, where his dignified singing voice and delicate backing vocals are strung out and perfectly compliment the vibes of the overall theme and lyrics. Malcolm sings about yearning and feeling true happiness when he is with his partner, who he is often apart from, and wishes that they could spend more time together. I Saw Your Face While he has already sang about breakups on Do That Again, "I Saw Your Face" reintroduces the lyrical theme of yearning for a former significant other. While still maintaining of one of central themes of the albums, Malcolm switches things up from the distorted synths of "Free.99" with somber electric guitar chords, symbolizing how it feels like his whole world is crashing down on him from how much he misses his ex. Alongside this is emotional singing that also tells this story through the means of not just the songwriting, but the vocals and production as well. Difficult Love In "Difficult Love", Malcolm admits he is attracted to relationships when they aren't easy and straightforward, but when they require work and contain toxicity. He knows that this is unhealthy, but he sings about how he can't help but getting back together with an ex that reciprocates the same feelings towards romance that he has. The combination of Malcolm's distorted vocals and soft rock-esque guitar chords provide more unique production for this album, which has also been a key element of his post projects, and shows why he is such a distinct figure in the music industry. Malcolm In The Middle The production and instrumentation of the seventh track of the album is meant to portray childlike joy and whimsy, aptly titled "Malcolm In The Middle". The lyrics mostly articulate the same thing, but Malcolm still sings about how he is somewhat unsure about his relationship. In the verse and bridge, he details the happiness he has with being with his significant other, but in the choruses, he shares bittersweet feelings regarding this person and how is he not completely positive if their relationship is going to last. Ain't That The Truth On the eighth track of the album, Malcolm expresses his frustration towards someone that didn't prioritize the relationship they were in like he did. He hints at this person cheating and not taking his feelings seriously, often expressing the desire to be with other people. Like the other songs in Do That Again, the composition and melodies of "Ain't That The Truth" are very distinct, and how there are twist and turns with the tempo and volume of the production to create different emotions and vibes during the length of the song. Gun To My Head The title of track nine of Do That Again perfectly defines Malcolm spilling his guts and showing his true feelings and emotions, and being vulnerable with new and old listeners of his when it comes to his love life. "Gun To My Head" comes off as an upbeat, alt-pop song, but how Malcolm sings in regards to his current situation in terms of romance shows how conflicted he is. He feels as though no matter how long he is apart from his ex, he cannot rid of the memories and happiness he felt in their relationship from his head, causing him to regret the break up. X's & O's The intense bass and matching synths create an atmospheric experience when listening to "X's & O's", the tenth track of Do That Again, as Malcolm provides more early 2000s vibes with the melodies and harmonies that flow throughout the stunning production of this track. Guitar chords and distorted vocals take charge, with the choruses being the central, overarching elements of the song, where Malcolm continues to articulate his sentiments on love and relationships as a whole by writing in regards to an ex partner. Lonely Song "Lonely Song" consists of the quarter-life crisis Malcolm is going through, and how he feels comfort in newfound love due to how dejected he feels. He wants to try to pursue a new relationship instead of following his old habits of not taking romance seriously enough. He explains that he feels immensely out of place as his music career advances, and is upset that he can't share it with someone else, and this leads him to have this point of uncertainty in his life. The beat switch also signifies him wanting to change his life for the better for himself. Good Bye The guitar-driven twelfth track of the album, "Good Bye", presents itself as the last of Do That Again, but is actually the penultimate song, in which Malcolm wishes a sorrow farewell to an ex that he regrets leaving, but felt as though he had no choice but to do so. He reminisces on when the relationship made them both happy, but still reminds listeners that the good times have faded away, and how heartbroken he is from this. He sings about what could've been had they stayed together as well, to add fuel to his own fire and give even more emotional depth to "Good Bye". Do That Again The album concludes with the title track to reign in the warm summer upon us, as Do That Again was released at the start of it. Although a new season means for more memories to be made and new opportunities to arise, Malcolm sings the album's title over and over, suggesting he wants to stay behind and try to reignite past relationships, feeling as though he is unprepared to begin new ones. These feelings are very relatable to many, as its not easy to let go from what once brought you comfort, even though you know its not what's best for you. The ability to confide in one's own music is often hard for many artists to do, but Malcolm Todd does this flawlessly, which each track of Do That Again feeling like not just an impeccable song, but diary entries exploring his life and romantic relationships. He opens up about what others may not feel comfortable doing, providing a sense of relatability within his music for listeners to empathize and connect with on an emotional level. Malcolm also shows his phenomenal instrumental skills on yet another project of his, presented in all thirteen tracks of this astonishing record. Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW MALCOLM TODD: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

"Four Words" by Ilianna Viramontes is a heartfelt love song. Taking listeners through a desire-riddled confession, this light-hearted track shows just how all-consuming love can be. Hyperboles poetically impress a deep feeling of connection into the meaning of this song with the words "I want to live in your mind" and "In a million dimensions, in a million spaces, I'd find you every time." The speaker of the song is wholeheartedly devoted, with urgency pulsing through her lovestruck and ongoing pleas to move forward in their relationship. A picture of romance, "Four Words" takes on the immersive emotions of a new relationship. Chord progressions on the acoustic guitar offer a heart-warming opening to this intimate love song. Ilianna's smooth vocals are conversational through the verse, gently gliding into an airy, breathy, and beautiful voicing of the chorus. Her singing carries a lovestruck daydreaming atmosphere into the track, sliding easily through highs. As the tune progresses layers of acoustic instrumentals and vocalizing blend harmoniously into a light, romantic sound. The song comes to a close with instrumentals growing quieter allowing the final lyrics to be graceful and unaccompanied. Fans of Lizzy McApline will love the way this track flows, with an authentic softness to the sound. A California native and Nashville-based singer and songwriter, Ilianna Viramontes first made a mark on the music scene on NBC's The Voice. From turning the chairs of music icons Miley Cyrus and Blake Shelton, to studying music at Berklee College of Music, Ilianna's vocal prowess and multi-instrumental talents continued to flourish. In 2025, she released her EP, For A Reason, showcasing her emotional lyricism exploring coming-of-age experiences. She regularly takes the stage at venues across Nashville including The Basement East and The Browery Vault. Check out the links below to keep up to date with her music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW ILIANNA: Instagram | Spotify

Recently, things have been feeling a little too stressful for the beginning of summer. The end of the year makes sense to be crazy due to the holidays but I've always loved the apprach of summer for longer days and warmer weather to remind me to slow down a bit. This year, it's been taking me a bit longer to try and set those roots down to go slower. The music that I surround myself with is definitely a big part of that too. As soon as I played "Sermon" by David Wimbish and The Collection," I realized that going back to my folk-loving roots might be the answer the choas that's been the beginning of summer. "Sermon" brings a much calmer vibe than the songs in the past couple weeks I've reviewed which is always a nice change of pace. The 12th song off their next, highly anticipated album, "Sermon" sets the tone for a Lumineers or Mumford and Sons style of folk music that screams fun summer nights. The song's blend of a perfect mountainous voice with an acoustic guitar throws us into the headspace of bonfires and beaches. Something that David Wimbish and The Collection are perfect at is creating folk music that is created in the modern world but feels like it's from the era of Jim Croce and Simon Garfunkel. "Sermon" is the perfect song of the summer. David Wimbish is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from North Carolina. After four albums and touring with their original band, The Collection, David has started a new journey as a solo artist. Stepping away from the alternative roots that drove The Collection, David has taken a different approach with the solo music which fans have been all about. With songs massing over 11 million listens on Spotify, "Sermon" brings us the warmth of summer vibes. David also has alternative versions of other fan favorite songs from previous albums so there's something for everyone. Written By Bre Macomber FOLLOW DAVID WIMBISH AND THE COLLECTION: Instagram | Spotify | Facebook | YouTube

Estella Dawn has released her brand new single, “Japanese Boots.” an intimate investigation into falling for someone who seems too perfect. An indie-pop release, “Japanese Boots” looks to Dawn’s writing abilities as the song unfolds within the snapshots Dawn writes about throughout the stages of falling. Whether it’d be through Dawn capturing the feeling of “wishing on people like stars” and not knowing the color of anything due to her being distracted by her partner, Dawn puts out one of her best lyrical pieces to date yet. On top of that, Dawn also allows for the production to steer the way so that the lyricism shines more; “Japanese Boots” is a soft, atmospheric, and acoustic guitar-led production, only allowing for Dawn’s vocals and lyricism to shine even more. “Japanese Boots” captures a somewhat niche topic within the songwriting space; rather than someone who hurts us, “Japanese Boots” centers on someone who may be great, but may seem too perfect due to past experiences. Throughout the song, Dawn notes different snapshots that feel real and places listeners within the emotional world in which Dawn and her innermost thoughts, something that I really commend Dawn for. It’s easy to just write about thoughts without experiences, but Dawn turns her thoughts into snapshots in the relationship she’s experiencing with her partner. Those snapshots help listeners connect with Dawn, drawing them in further into a discography that features highlights, but “Japanese Boots” may just be my favorite highlight so far. Estella Dawn is a Kiwi singer-songwriter. Hailing from New Zealand, Dawn also is a producer and multi-instrumentalist, creating a visionary catalog that’s both genre-bending and unafraid to take risks. With over 30 million streams across her discography, Dawn’s work ethic and creativity don’t go unnoticed by her eighty-five thousand monthly listeners on Spotify. With discography highlights such as “Detached,” an alt-country anthem, her cover of Radiohead’s “Creep,” and now romantically-fearful “Japanese Boots,” there’s no doubting that Dawn’s discography will continue to grow both with new songs and with new listeners. If readers would like to keep up with Estella Dawn’s newest releases and show dates, they can follow her on social media, linked down below. Written By Abby Mornhinweg FOLLOW ESTELLA DAWN: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube

Photography: @rob.seeley_ In her newest single "Choice I Would Choose", B.Miles executes her spectacular songwriting abilities with intricate and detailed stanzas about a past relationship. In each verse, she time travels and reflects on the defining moments she spent with her former significant other. Then, in the chorus, she returns to the present and sings about her complex feelings regarding the relationship and how it ended. While she presents some of the aspects of the relationship as flawed, she expresses how she would still take this person back if given the chance. "Choice I Would Choose" begins with a lo-fi beat with elements of reversed synths; something that you would hear in the video game Life Is Strange (which is also about rewinding time and making choices!). This seamlessly transitions into the first verse, where we hear the amazing vocal talent of B.Miles, which extends into the rest of the song that now implements acoustic guitar chords as well. Listening to "Choice I Would Choose" takes you on a journey, both with the lyrics and the unique mix of pop and alternative production, and defines B.Miles as a brilliant storyteller and virtuoso. B.Miles is a music artist from Pasadena, California and is based in New York. She began her studio career in August 2015 with her aptly titled debut EP Twenty Fifteen. Since then, she has spent the last eleven years releasing more amazing music, such as her albums In Order of Appearance, Different Pages, and Time Doesn't Heal. It Hides. In addition to her musicianship, she is also an incredible live performer and has released captivating music videos, showing even more of her artistic creativity. With nearly 50,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, its clear that B.Miles is an exceptional visionary in the music industry! Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW B.MILES: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

When a relationship ends, that should be it. Wrap it up, pack up your things– it’s done. But that doesn’t always happen, and Lily Crow’s latest single “rub it in” highlights what happens when neither ex-partner is willing to give it up. You both keep replaying conversations in your head, pointing fingers at each other, and it all comes to a head when one of you calls the other. “rub it in” is an indie pop rock track that will fit into any of your breakup playlists, dark and moody with just the perfect amount of introspection and intensity. Crank this one up to 11 and get ready to shout it out of your car windows this summer. And try not to think too hard about calling your ex back, no matter how much they rub all your so-called “mistakes” into your face. “rub it in” is one of those songs that should be an instant add onto any of your breakup, heartbreak, or related playlists. There’s a certain moodiness that makes it perfect for singing along, delicately grunge with just the right amount of rock to create a super distinct track. I love how the soundscape sounds almost cyclical as Lily’s vocals hold a steady beat, like it’s referencing the lyrics. The songwriting captures the feeling of being trapped in a relationship that should be over, and asks “why’s it never ending?” as the song closes out. It’s an awesome way to finish a track that discusses that caged sensation, unable to escape a person who continually comes back to you to tell you about all the ways you supposedly messed up the relationship. Lily Crow is a singer-songwriter who was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs. Her music is all about heartache, self-reflection, and growth, blending elements of 2010s bedroom pop and 90s indie rock. Vulnerable and honest, Lily’s tracks invite audiences to explore their emotions through relatable lyrics and catchy hooks. With a similar sound to artists like beabadoobee, Dora Jar, and Juliana Hatfield, Lily first got her start in 2023 with her debut single “i have feelings too.” She’s since released an array of other tracks, as well as a debut EP in 2024 entitled pretender. “rub it in” is Lily’s latest release, and if you enjoyed it, be sure to give her discography a listen, and drop her a follow on her socials! Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW LILY CROW: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok

Launching her career in an unforgettable way, Ella Quynh has delivered her highly anticipated debut single, "Iconic." The track captures a feeling many of us have experienced as Quynh spins the epicness of a first crush into a captivating music moment that'll resonate with audiences across the globe. Shedding light on the inspiration behind the song, Quynh shares, "'Iconic' is about that first-crush feeling where everything feels cinematic, intense, and a little irrational. You know it might not last, but in the moment it feels huge — and I wanted the song to capture that honestly." An iridescent, shimmering ballad, Ella Quynh's "Iconic" is bound to take your breath away as she wraps teen angst and butterfly feelings into a pop-rock dream. The track blends 2000s nostalgia with modern twists to create a timeless soundscape, featuring a compelling mix of bright pop melodies, guitar-laden instrumentals, and driving drums. Quynh gives an enthralling performance throughout "Iconic," showcasing her powerhouse vocals as she belts out the song's thundering choruses. Perfect for a variety of pop enthusiasts, Quynh's "Iconic" is a must-listen for fans of acts like Paramore, Avril Lavigne, Lights, and Tori Kelly. Hailing from Southern California, Ella Quynh is a young pop artist on the rise. The 16-year-old singer-songwriter has quickly cemented herself as an exciting new voice to watch as she's built a loyal fanbase with her online covers and high-energy live performances. Already enjoying a plethora of achievements, Quynh has signed with Yellobird Records, gone viral on TikTok with over 1 million views for her music trailer, and premiered at No. 11 on the New Music Weekly "Indie Music Singles Chart." Quynh has also proven herself to be a seasoned live performer, playing at notable venues like The Garden Amp, Chain Reaction and House of Blues Anaheim, Great Park Live Irvine. Though she's just getting started, Ella Quynh is certainly an artist you don't want to miss and we're excited to see where she goes! Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW ELLA QUYNH: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | X | YouTube

Learning to fall in love again after heartbreak is no easy feat. You’re walking a tightrope you laid out for yourself and taking every step so carefully to avoid falling fast. You want to fall and it seems so tempting but the past haunts your previous steps. Chilli Chilton released her new single, “Please Don’t” about the fear of learning to love again. It’s catchy with drums that make your feet tap and guitar riffs that have you moving your head to every beat. It’s upbeat yet under the surface holds desperation, sadness and yearning for something as easy as it is good. It’s truly a track that will have you fighting between dancing and crying at the same time. “Please Don’t” is truly for the ones who have been broken time and time again and have lost faith that love even exists. Chilli Chilton vulnerably begs in this song for this person not to hurt her like all the ones before. “Don’t break this heart, another hit and it might never start again.” As someone who got her heart broken a year ago and is now taking the leap with someone new, I resonate with this song so deeply. Everything feels good, but you can’t help but impend doom based on previous situations. It’s tough, it’s scary and it’s a risk, but none of us are alone in trying. Take a listen to “Please Don’t” if you’re rolling the dice on someone new and let it be a reminder that it’s okay to be afraid. Chilli Chilton is a pop singer-songwriter paving her way into the industry one song at a time. For her, music is her own personal diary that her listeners get to listen and relate to. She shares all about love, heartbreak, life and the epitome of being a young woman figuring it all out. Growing up comes with many lessons that are important to learn, but can burn in the process. That’s why I love artists like Chilli who so easily share their own experiences for us to find comfort in. Her debut single “9000 Miles,” was released in 2025 followed by “Over It Now” and “Catch Me If You Can.” Her discography is growing and so is her listener base so follow the links down below to watch Chilli shine. Written By Emylee Herring FOLLOW CHILLI CHILTON: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

In her latest single, Dani Stocksdale tells an interesting story of heartbreak, one that is all too familiar. “Pretty Thing” discusses the feeling of falling for someone “who was terrified of ruining the relationship by taking it further, but gave in anyway and ended up treating something fragile too carelessly.” The track plays with themes of hope and excitement, and then leads to betrayal and snarky comments about the way he let her down. The soundscape of “Pretty Thing” is like a “glittery middle finger”, as Stocksdale puts it: upbeat and fun but layered with lyrics that are not afraid to call out his bluff and be honest about the way he has hurt her. The track opens right away, without an intro to distract from Stocksdale’s hurt. Straight to the point, the first verse details how he likes to beat around the bush, but Stocksdale will come right out and say the hard hitting truths. With this style demonstrated in the song itself, the listeners right away get to view their relationship dynamic, and how different they are. Layered over simple guitar strumming, the song picks up in the pre-chorus and chorus, with synths and drums joining the charge. In the chorus, she sings, “You can say you didn’t do it (uh huh) / Make it feel all better (uh huh) / Like I’m just a pretty thing that you didn’t wanna break / But you had to find out and touch it anyway.” Neither of them wanted their story to end this way, yet the break was inevitable. Dani Stocksdale is a 25 year old indie pop artist with goals of lyric driven songs with ‘dreamy cinematic production’. Born in South Florida and now based in Los Angeles, music has always been a huge part of her life and upbringing, putting on shows to family and friends as a little girl. She attended NYU’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music and truly finding her voice. With a similar vibe to artists like MUNA and the Japanese House, Stocksdale’s lyrics are what makes her stand out as an artist. “I love to come up with lyrics that tickle the intellectual side of your brain”, she states. With multiple singles and an upcoming debut EP, Stocksdale’s music is real life stories about her coming of age, and highlights the life of a girl in her twenties trying to find herself. Make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for more music from Dani Stocksdale. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW DANI STOCKSDALE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube