Comparison is the thief of joy, but in relationships where it feels as if your worth is based on how your partner views you, your appearance, and your personality, it can be hard not to fall into a comparison mindset. Kylie Rothfield's latest song "Lover Like That" on her debut album reveals the many complex emotions that can come from being in a one-sided relationship like this. Rothfield opens the song with a hard-hitting lyric: "Crying in the bathroom of your party. Will that make you want me?" With that one lyric, Rothfield immediately sets the tone of the song, expressing the complicated thoughts of wanting and hoping your partner will care if they see your hurting. Every lyric is impactful, making the entire song feel like a story being told that hooks listeners. Other lyrics like "Looking up the price of a plastic body" and "Kiss me like a vintage backseat barbie" are particularly powerful, reflecting issues with body image and struggles to meet unrealistic beauty standards. When you are in a one-sided relationship with a partner who doesn't feel as strongly as you do, it's easy to look at yourself to try to find the issues. But these issues don't lie within you and cannot be mended by changing yourself to try being a perfect, ideal "lover like that." In "Lover Like That", Rothfield's unique musicality and natural talent shines through. From the very beginning, there is a guitar that adds such interesting, beautiful layers to the song. The song sounds like a pop ballad, but with the electric guitar, it has its own uniqueness that makes it unforgettable. There are moments when the guitar and drums and other background instruments pick up in pace, but there are also moments where they seem to slow. Everything from the music to the lyrics feels like a very intentional, masterful way of communicating certain emotions to listeners. While listening, its like you are going on an emotional journey with Rothfield. The tone and textures to her voice only adds more to the emotional heaviness of the song, making it memorable. Even after you finish listening, the emotions, sadness, and feelings of exhaustion from striving for perfection or approval from a detached romantic partner still linger. Kylie Rothfield is an accomplished singer-songwriter and guitarist with a voice that is timeless, powerful, and unforgettable. Rothfield crafts songs that masterfully blend elements of soul, blues, and pop. Her passion for songwriting began in her hometown of Danville, CA, eventually leading her to Boston when she was accepted early decision into Berklee College of Music. In 2012, at the age of 19, Rothfield moved to Nashville, Tennessee to continue pursuing a career as an artist. Her incredible voice also caught the attention of singer Alicia Keys , who described her as "a blossoming, powerful flower with so much heart, so much talent, so much emotion and vocal power." Rothfield has over 1 million combined streams on Spotify and Apple Music, and recently signed a management deal with Arianna Soto and DVG Records in 2024. Kylie Rothfield recently released her first full length album on May 9th, 2025, and will be performing the album at her release show June 1st at The Goldfish in LA! Written By Kyler Griggs FOLLOW KYLIE ROTHFIELD: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Rue Vega stuns audiences with her emotive, culturally relevant debut single, "I Wish You Knew." Birthed in the middle of a shift at Abercrombie, Vega's chorus, "I wish you knew how beautiful you are," stands as the centerpiece of Vega's heart-stirring message. Using the women in her life as a reference, Vega sketches their shared stories like the art pieces they are. She uses herself and those around her as muses to fearlessly tackle issues of self-image and rigid beauty standards. Vega uses her experiences to capture the times when it feels like we can never be good enough in the eyes of our toughest critic: ourselves. Accompanied by a moving visualizer, Vega's commentary on society, self-criticism, and image sheds light on the realities of so many women who are struggling to see their own worth. "I Wish You Knew" beautifully vocalizes the thoughts we hesitate to admit to ourselves and the surrounding beauties in our lives; it reminds us that in the midst of the "impossible beauty standard," it's up to us to redefine beauty not only for others but also for the one we face in the mirror. "I Wish You Knew" is an exceptionally powerful ballad that outlines and restructures our ideas of inner and outer beauty. The piano presence is extraordinarily poignant and firm, serving as an emotionally resonant and concrete foundation for the song. The lyrics of this piece, coupled with tight harmonies, add intricate layers of detail and craft to the listening experience. The gradual build-up to Vega's impassioned, orchestra-backed deliveries is felt throughout the listener, fully captivating our senses and gracefully drawing us into the track's emotional charms. In roughly 3 minutes, Vega  balances delicacy and yearning with intensity and insistence, demonstrating her range and capability as a new artist. "I Wish You Knew" serves as both a meaningful display of Vega's deeply genuine desires and an empowering anthem that comforts the soul. At just twenty years old, Rue Vega is emerging as a new, colorfully distinct voice in pop music. While "I Wish You Knew" is her first official debut single, the multi-instrumentalist has been writing for years, with many personal, narrative projects in development. As a key element of her authentic brand, Vega emphasizes that she is "not the cool girl," breaking away from industry stereotypes and making music for those who live in a world of solace, hopeless romance, and unattended parties. Vega transposes her experiences into heartfelt melodies, sharing them with the world. Her vulnerability and unique sound allow her to connect with many audiences on a deeper level. For more updates on Vega's journey, follow the links down below and stay tuned! Written by Pejah Carr FOLLOW RUE: Instagram | Spotify  | YouTube

We always hope that justice is always served to the people who wrong us. There’s a power in knowing one’s true nature. When coerced into keeping someone’s treatment of them a secret for fear of repercussions, though, there’s only hope that one day that karma will serve them the justice we so badly want to happen. Scars are not the reward of our reapings from these relationships, rather a reminder of everything that recurred during it and the memories we hope to heal from. When it’s all over, we can only hope that karma, whether real or not, will be served to them in due time. This hope and the knowledge that these people “will burn,” is exactly what Noble touches on in her new single, “Burn in Hell.” Noble aims to “tell [her] own story” of the relationship she shared with this person, who not only “lied and manipulated / all because of his fears,” but ruined her own reputation by going to everyone with his own story first. Yet, she stands strong with her “proof and evidence,” and knowing that someday, her partner “will burn” and face the repercussions of their actions. This message inspires listeners and, even with Noble’s soft vocals, she stands strong. With her anger against the acoustic instrumentation, Noble’s experience is the centerpiece of the song. With the knowledge that she didn’t deserve any of this treatment, the best way to describe it is the artist’s name itself: noble. Noble is an Dutch singer-songwriter. At only 23 years old, she’s begun to make waves within the industry. “Burn in Hell” marks her first single in 2025. With themes of self-discovery and healing, Noble marks her path to growth with songs. With a childhood rooted in northern Belgium and the Netherlands, Noble’s intimate songs will have listeners wanting more to discover from the artist. With singles like “All I Wanted” and the newly-released “Burn in Hell,” they’ll surely be satisfied. Noble’s honesty and depth shine through her discography, with her voice shining through. Listeners can keep up with her new releases on her social media, linked down below.  Written By Abby Mornhinweg FOLLOW NOBLE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Falling in love is the most magical thing to ever take place in someone’s life. Whether it’s your first love or your third love each time it happens the feeling is always different. You experience so many different things with each person nothing is ever the same. But like most people we all have that one relationship where the love and feelings were there. It may have been the wrong time, or it may have even been the right time either way we sit and ponder about what could have been. REYA RIU’s new hit single “Say It” delivers us messages of going for whatever the chance may be because life is way too short to live in fear and regret.   “Say It” is such a sincere song that captures the act of speaking out whenever the time feels right perfectly. The whole track was so dreamy with her vocals, you could feel how deeply these emotions were. Especially with lyrics like “Some rules set me free some confine me” and “Say it when you have the chance.” She captured the moment of regret and second thoughts amazingly and turned them into such a touching song. Paired with the lyrics were the instrumentals and sounds, they were so soulful and gentle in every moment. From the vibrant synths to the slow drums and piano, I couldn’t get enough of this track!   REYA RIU is a brand-new artist from San Francisco, California. She released her very first single on May 9, 2025, titled “Say It.” She is a singer/songwriter who attended the University of Berklee College of Music. She may have just made her debut into the music industry with an expressive and meaningful track, but she is not new to the world of performing. With a background of performing internationally in India, Canada, and Europe she has already made quite the name for herself. “Say It” has so many musical elements to the entire song from the genuine lyrics to the unique sounds making it the perfect alternative pop track. Check out her social medias below and stay in the know of her latest releases.  Written By Julissa Garcia FOLLOW REYA RIU: Instagram   | Spotify  | SoundCloud  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Maya Kuriel’s new single, Alibi, is a mid-tempo dark pop song about how love makes you do crazy things. Ever found yourself in a relationship with someone you would commit a crime for? If not, imagine yourself in a high speed chase in a sports car you can’t afford. You’re in the driver’s seat going 100 miles per hour down the highway and your lover is in the passenger seat in a shootout. There’s no time to escape, but you manage to lose them. Once both of you are safe, you grab your partner and kiss them passionately because near-death experiences always lead to a deeper, romantic connection... in movies. That’s the type of steamy scenario Maya’s referring to. Alibi kicks into gear with lyrics that set the stage for the entire song. Once you hear “Stepping over shattered glass, but I kinda like the mess we made”, you know what time it is. Other lyrics throughout the song such as “When it all goes up in flames, I’ll take it straight to the grave” and “So don’t tell them I’m your witness, the crimes we committed, if we going missing, you know why” intend to further explain the lengths she will go to be with this person. Maya’s beautiful tone, smooth transition between octaves, and her ability to hit all the high notes makes the song pure gold. This song is an easy listening experience and a must listen for anyone who loves pop music. Maya Kuriel is a 26 year old singer-songwriter hailing from Seattle, Washington. Now, she is living in Los Angeles and pursuing her career in music. She began singing at the age of four and writing/recording music at the age of 16. She is influenced by Billie Eilish and Olivia O’Brien and inspired by their lyrics and dark production elements. Her debut song, “Intoxicated”, was released in February 2020. She went viral on TikTok later that year with “Bittersweet”. This was followed by her 2021 debut EP, 21 Years to Realize. While consistently releasing music over the past five years, she pursued a Songwriting and Music Production degree and graduated in 2023. Her education has been pivotal in evolving her sound and elevating her music career. Keep her on your radar because I truly believe she has all the tools to become a successful popstar. Written By Jazz FOLLOW Maya Kuriel: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube | Soundcloud | Website

Cover Concept & Design: @svbih & @martinuhrecky Final Cover: Charlie Engman Creative Direction: @sianrowe_ “ Fancy That is the sophomore and newest mixtape from dance-pop singer-songwriter and producer PinkPantheress . T R A C K L I S T Illegal Girl Like Me Tonight Stars Intermission Noises Nice to Know You Stateside Romeo PinkPantheress has made waves in the music industry with her fun pop hits ever since the release of her debut single “Break It Off” in 2021. For the past four years, she’s been leading female producers in the 21st century, first revolutionized by Bj ö rk , and continued by the “Boy’s a liar” artist with her masterful and creative sampling. Born Victoria Beverly Walker, PinkPantheress is from England and grew up with a talent for all-things music, and taught herself how to produce and sample music only two years before her music career set off. She released her debut mixtape to hell with it  in 2021, and her debut album Heaven knows  in 2023. Illegal "Fancy That" wastes no time diving right into the first track, a burst of sound filling your ears the second you hit play. PinkPantheress introduces herself as you hear electrifying disco-esque synths. This continues as the drums join the song, fast-paced and containing different elements, the artist's signature sound. In the latter half of "Illegal" the production breaks down as she explains how she feels unsure about seeing someone. She likes hanging out with them, but only for certain amounts of time before she wants to be on her own again. Then again, she says the line "But tell me why my heartbeat is in a rush", followed by audio of her breathing to replicate panic or the sound of a heart beating. Girl Like Me The disco and 80's music vibes don't dissipate yet as "Illegal" flows into "Girl Like Me", a track with different synths that still sound like they came from the same era. This is also expressed through the piano notes in the production, and the beat is upbeat, as is the rest of the song. PinkPantheress is trying to keep a relationship alive, but is struggling to. Mentally weighing the pros and cons of her significant other, she is beginning to realize that they won't last, and that this person isn't an adequate partner. If she were to break up with them, which she most likely will, she knows they won't be too affected by it. Tonight The mixtape's viral leading single, "Tonight" pulls from songs of drum and bass, popularized in the United Kingdom, where PinkPantheress is from. Identifiable from the fast-paced wobbling synths and her rapping, that and the genre of pop are intertwined flawlessly, creating a unique and original sound. Unlike the last two tracks, the lyrics of this song implicate that she is attracted to someone and wants that person to initiate the relationship. She has liked them for longer than they have liked her, and can now recognize that feelings of romance are being reciprocated. Stars More wobbling synths can be heard on the next track, "Stars". The lyrics imply that PinkPantheress is associated with someone who is addicted to drugs. They seem to involve themselves with the wrong crowd, also selling drugs, and they might be secretly under surveillance by authorities, causing them to be paranoid, which is affecting their and PinkPantheress’s relationship. This is more explained in a “phone call” that occurs during the second part of the track. The song samples a male singer as part of the hook, possibly criticizing this person’s involvement with drugs. PinkPantheress has amazing storytelling skills and they are represented greatly in “Stars”, amidst sci-fi-esque synths and sound effects and a distinct bassline. Intermission A potential divide between the storylines in this mixtape, “Intermission” is aptly short, featuring production from the song it precedes, “Noises”. Distant sound clips of voices can be heard among the production, a very ethereal and transcendent combination of synths that then transition into an expeditious beat, but then changes once more into a slower tempo with funky guitar chords. This won’t be the last time that the faster beat is heard, however, as it makes a return shortly after the start of the next song. Noises Vibes of paranoia from “Stars” are brought back for the sixth track in the mixtape, except this time they become true. Briefing the events of a home invasion, the lyrics of this song connect to “Stars”, as the person selling drugs is the one that broke into PinkPantheress’s house and is demanding she pay them. The lyrical content concludes with her being robbed, and the person seemingly getting away. Alongside the production, strings can be heard, which have been a frequent addition to the other tracks as well. The sound effects in “Noises” are very unique to most pop music, including a synth that sounds akin to a doppler effect or an underwater sonar detector. Nice to Know You Poetry and spoken word are just some of the elements of “Nice to Know You” that make it one of the most distinctive tracks on Fancy That . The tempo is much slower than the other songs and is not about romance, but instead about the loss of a friendship. This could relate to what happened in “Noises”, with the robbery being symbolic for it, and it being the final straw that caused the friendship to end. Looking at it in a different light, this song might have a different meaning, which is the loss of friendship between PinkPantheress and the person who sells drugs. Obviously, having her home invaded by them would enact this. Fun fact: The title is similar to “Nice to meet you”, a track from Heaven knows . Stateside The penultimate track contains electronic/dance breakdowns and fun synths and melodies. Aligned with more disco synths, PinkPantheress sings about falling for an American, and notices he treats her differently than the men from the UK she has dated. Through metaphors, she describes that she has never fallen this hard for someone before, and is also surprised that she is finding this love with an American. Compared to the tracks earlier in this mixtape, it’s clear that she’s not been treated right or didn’t have interest in the men from the UK she was involved with, but now that she's in the U.S., things are different for her. Romeo The closing track is where the mixtape comes full circle and PinkPantheress finds her true love, but because she calls him “Romeo”, the love will not last. However, she is blinded by her attraction and therefore doesn’t know this yet. The production is hyper and carries the romantic vibe that the lyrics also have. Singing melodies switch quickly in different parts of the song. In a way, the powerfulness and intensity the track sonically exudes shows that this is the conclusion to a body of musical work. This is also the end to the storyline of the mixtape, one that was filled with hardships relating to finding the right person through people who she discovered were not. My closing thoughts on Fancy That  are that it is a fantastic mixtape and another artistic masterpiece from PinkPantheress. The first project I listened all the way through of her’s was Heaven knows , and it really feels as though she’s gotten even better at making music, and I didn’t even think that was possible considering she’s been releasing impeccable work throughout her whole career. When it comes to singing, writing, producing, and performing, her skills are unmatched. Her ability to sample music and make songs of her own with them still sound unique but also pay homage to the original music is incredibly impressive and a feat not many others have accomplished. Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW PINKPANTHERESS: Instagram | Twitter | Apple Music | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Situation-ships are hands down the most complicated form of a relationship. You’re practically dating, but it’s not defined or labeled. Casual without commitment, but it’s a dangerous game when you’re one who falls easily. EMI WIDE just released her  heartbreaking summer anthem “End Me” about how confusing and frustrating situation-ships can be. It’s an adult contemporary track bringing all the vibes of artists such as Tove Lo and Upsahl. EMI took her own personal experience and wrote this catchy pop tune for anyone out there who can relate. If you're out there in a situation-ship, this song is for you to dance your tears away. “End Me” is a vulnerable pop track highlighting the internal emotions of unrequited love. EMI found herself in a casual involvement with someone that ultimately led her to heartbreak. She held onto the hope for more, but this person shut down any actual connection beyond physical. “You left your heart and emotions by the door.” Nothing hurts more than the continual disappointment of wanting something more with someone who only offers you enough to feel satisfied for a moment. It’s an addiction that feels impossible to walk away from, but walking away is so necessary. “Cus you got me hooked, but now I need to get out.” If the person you’re head over heels for doesn’t feel the same, it’s time to close that door and never look back. We deserve to receive the love we give and anyone not willing to do so is a waste of your time. EMI WIDE is a twenty five year old Danish singer-songwriter. Her music has powerful productions with rebellious energy that draws you in the first second. She’s created her own authentic sound with candid lyrics and catchy melodies that blend together seamlessly. EMI has proved how talented she is with her music and has performed at multiple festivals in Denmark and Sweden. In 2020 she released her debut single “Walk Out,” and in October of 2022 her debut EP “Girl is Gone” was released. The EP received positive acclaim with both radio and media coverage. Her single “aint a nice girl” found its way to the Danish Radio P3’s Upcoming list and stayed put for five weeks straight. EMI WIDE is an upcoming talent you don’t want to overlook. Check out her socials down below to stay up to date on her future shows and releases. Written By Emylee Herring FOLLOW EMI WIDE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

“Love and Let Go” by WESLYNN is the perfect song to reminisce about your past and look forward to moving on and experiencing new and better things. We go through so many different stages in life where we meet new people, or we continue moving forward with the same people. We find new things that we enjoy like hiking or reading and we find new careers that we fall in love with. Every single day is a chance for us to start over, but everyone hits an age or turning point in their lives where our past doesn’t fit us. We look forward to finding new things and starting new beginnings. But that’s not to say that we aren’t thankful for those past experiences because we are but rather, we are grateful that we lived those things and begin to find more.   The track opens up with such an infectious retro sound, it reminded me of an early 90’s comedy movie opening up. The beginning sound set the nostalgic and reminiscing mood for the entire song. I absolutely loved these lyrics. They were so honest but yet real in every possible way. They were also super inspiring with lyrics like “Everyone finding themselves” and “You got to love and let go.” Not to mention how powerful the vocals were he sang with such passion, and you could just feel the happiness and relief behind every single lyric. I enjoyed how this track was centered around that classic retro music genre. I thought all the sounds and instrumentals mixed together made for such a remarkable song.   WESLYNN is a trio band with many talents hailing from Phoenix, Arizona. These talented singers and instrumentalists met in high school and bonded over their love for music. Jared Geyer has amazing vocals with talents on the keyboard and bass. Kevin Holmes plays the groovy drums, and Greg Olin creates the amazing mixes as well as plays the vibrant guitar. The band has been releasing music since 2014 with their first EP titled “Dark Days.” Since then, they have released on and off delivering fantastic tracks with their latest “Love and Let Go.” I strongly recommend giving their new single a listen as it is so inspiring to anyone who listens. Written By Julissa Garcia FOLLOW WESLYNN: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube  | Website *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Layla Grace debuts her brand new single titled “Perfume” which is about the jealousy a ton of relationships all too often face. When you are in a relationship there are so many people who try to sabotage and get in the middle. They make up the biggest rumors or lies about those in the relationship. Leaving the couple to wonder what the truth is and what isn’t. Ultimately in the end this leads to the breakup or downfall of a beautiful relationship. There are so many people in life who see a great relationship and want exactly that from those same people. It’s a heartbreaking thing but often those who are getting in the middle have no sense of love.   Layla Grace has such a euphoric voice she is so gentle with all her lyrics, but they are so powerful. I loved how this song had the smallest instrumental intro and immediately went into the relatable lyrics. She delivers her voice perfectly with the instrumentals moving between high and steady tones. I thought the instrumentals were amazing. They gave off such a nostalgic mood making this song outstanding. The steady guitar being played paired with the snappy drums gave this track that feeling of heartbreak but also that something is better to come. I could not get enough of this entire song, I immediately added it to my summer vibes playlist!   Layla Grace is a brand-new artist from Darlinghurst, Australia. She is a singer/songwriter paving her way into the music industry. “Perfume” was released on April 14, 2025, and since then she has already accumulated 500 monthly listeners. Her new track is filled with honest and relatable lyrics fitting right into the amazing genre of indie pop. In all the music she creates she hopes that everyone can relate to it and I for one did just that. I cannot wait to hear what else this new and talented artist has for us next. I highly recommend giving “Perfume” a listen and following her social medias below. Written By Julissa Garcia FOLLOW Layla Grace: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

At all stages of life, no matter how much life experience people have under their belts, everyone tends to hold some fear over growing old. Aging and entering into a new stage of your life full of unknown experiences and new responsibilities can be intimidating. Aside from that, just the simple realization that you are growing older and going through so many different personal changes is enough to make anyone a bit anxious. Rowan Murphy's latest single "Getting Old" talks about all of this in a way that is so unbelievably relatable it feels comforting. "Getting Old" almost feels like it could be dedicated to the youth of Gen-Z who are actively still dealing with growing pains as they enter adulthood. Rowan Murphy expresses so many of the struggles that come with growing old that aren't always so openly talked about, especially because of social media. There are so many external pressures that make the natural process of growing old almost feel unnatural - like it is something that should be avoided. Growth happens at different rates for everyone, but comparisons can make it seem as if others are growing quicker than you while time and your youth slip away. In her song, Rowan Murphy clearly shows the emotional toll and struggles that come with getting old. Rowan Murphy's distinct sound can best be described as touching. The vocals, the music, and the lyrics all create a sound that is deeply emotional. In a sense, it feels as if the pretty sounds of the piano, acoustic guitar, and Murphy's voice are all reaching out to listeners. It has a melancholy tone, but immediately draws you in and keeps you listening. It feels like the kind of song that you can't help but get emotional to while listening. At the same time, though, Murphy's vocals keeps you grounded in the listening experience even as you process the emotions you feel. Rowan Murphy's voice and sound reminds me a bit of another indie singer, Billie Marten . Murphy's voice is powerful with the way it can make you easily feel her emotions. Indie folk singer-songwriter Rowan Murphy is a gifted visionary from Ireland whose music combines introspective lyrics with soul-stirring melodies. Her music captures the delicate balance of innocence and wisdom. At 18 years old, Rowan's heartfelt performances and poetic storytelling showcased a maturity beyond her years, earning her comparisons to the greats of enduring and modern folk, as well as alternative pop. Rowan Murphy is classically trained in piano and very accomplished with the guitar, which adds to her unique music that blends folk, country-infused roots, and indie-pop sensibilities. As the latest signing for 67 Management , known for their work with Sinéad O'Connor , and Nettwerk Music Group , Rowan is stepping onto the global stage with a sound that resonates across generations. Her debut recordings introduce a profoundly human and introspective sound, reflecting the raw beauty of youth and the wisdom of old souls. Written By Kyler Griggs FOLLOW ROWAN MURPHY: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

So much of the classic media set in the past is supported by beautiful compositions that perfectly match the time period of the piece. Pride & Prejudice, for example, has famously been adapted into both a television show and film with memorable and masterful classical music fitting the story's 1800's setting perfectly. Artistically contrasting this common practice, some music supervisors for film and television have made a creative choice that adds an interesting flavor to the pieces. They take away the barrier of 'era-appropriate' music to unlock the timelessness that even the newest music can hold. This act of anachronism — where corsets and quills meet radio — unleashes the atmosphere of a modern day composition upon a historical plot and can add depth to the media as a whole. The stark comparison between on-screen historical portrayals and contemporary compositions stimulates the mind, allowing audiences to bridge the gap between time periods and shift their focus to the attitude and meaning that songs can offer. In media with clothing, atmosphere, architecture, and even language that is a distinct representation of the past, music differing from these elements' time period brings audiences closer to the story with the connection of familiar sounds and lyrics. In the 2001 film A Knight's Tale , following William Thatcher in his honorable deception and labor to become a knight despite not being noble-born, uses contemporary songs despite the medieval setting. Queen's "We Will Rock You" blends music with artifacts of the time as in the film, the clanking of armor is synced to the iconic percussive beat. The film also uses songs like David Bowie's "Golden Years" during a dance scene, and "Low Rider" by War in a montage of training practice with a fun instrumental melody and percussion adding excitement to scenes of jousting and sword-fighting. The way modern music brings its spirit into period pieces is truly enthralling for audiences, and can be increasingly observed on the screen with more recent examples including The Decameron and The Great . Photo Credits via Escape Artists In 2024, Netflix released their limited series The Decameron , a piece set in Italy in 1348. The plot follows nobles and noble-adjacent people escaping to a countryside villa in their attempts to avoid the black plague. Modern music is used throughout the plot, most often to the effect of pre-2000's pop. It elevates the drama in the show, emphasizing traits of both the characters from vastly different walks of life and the fast-moving darkly comedic storyline through sound. The Decameron involves murder, lies, desire, and surprise reveals; such a thrilling tale necessitates an equally as thrilling soundtrack. Music supervisor Ruth Barrett delivers exactly that. A dramatic string motif throughout the show helps foster a bridge between music and time periods, while contemporary songs make their appearances at the most opportune moments. Photo Credits to Netflix via Tudum Less than halfway through the first episode of The Decameron, noblewoman Filomena's lack of compassion leads her servant Licisca to a breaking point. Depeche Mode's "Master and Servant" plays just after Licisca pushes Filomena off of a bridge. The moment is cathartic and the lyrics of the song mirror the genuine experience and dynamic between the two characters. Words like "you treat me like a dog" aptly echo as Licisca rides away appearing somewhat in shock. The way the song accompanies the scene comes across as though the tune follows the character's internal monologue. While the track carries a sound that is the very essence of the 1980's, the low, distinctive vocals and iconic synthesizer sound fosters the feelings of disbelief and exhilaration portrayed in the scene, despite its setting of over six centuries prior to the song's release. Across its eight episodes, the music choices continue in a similar and punchy fashion as the plots follow struggles with identity, romantic entanglements, and other forms of cinematic chaos. In the second episode, Nefile—a noblewoman grappling with sexuality and religion—runs off and falls in to a well holding a burnt suckled pig. This bizarre and frantic act is accompanied by Type O Negative's song "Christian Woman", with the lyrics "a cross upon her bedroom wall, from grace she will fall" foreboding the subsequent action. In the third episode, the discomfort of forced laughter and unwanted parlor games is set to the tune of "What Have I Done To Deserve This?" by Pet Shop Boys. The track's title and lyrics echo the sentiments of the characters. At the same time, the groovy synth tune that blends atmospheric singing and speak-singing, making it a lively background to the montage of scenes and activities on the screen. Throughout the series, songs including "Just Like Honey" by The Jesus and Mary Chain and "The Chauffer" by Duran Duran offer exciting, often comedic, sometimes ironic, and exceedingly climactic musical support to the scenes. The Great , a comedic historical drama television show based on Catherine The Great, takes place in 18th century Russia. This Hulu three-season production was initially released in 2020, and uses music to support its many shocking and captivating plot points and character choices. Similarly to The Decameron , it blends renowned modern songs with original compositions in its score. Primarily in the precise selection for end credit songs, the show explores music that echoes the goals and relationships shown in each episode. This allows instrumentals that feel era-specific throughout the show to blend with the contemporary songs, letting lyrics and tunes to transcend the era of their creation and uphold overarching messages. The show reveals its protagonist's journey from beginning an uncertain marriage in Russia to becoming a wise and fair leader. This journey is supported by the choices of music supervisor Maggie Phillips , who strategically captures the spirit of the plot in her selections for the show. Patti Smith's cover of the song "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" aptly closes off the first episode, foreshadowing the power and change that is to come in the story. Photo credit via Prime Video Continuously throughout The Great , end credit songs speak to the audience as much as they do the characters in the show. In the third episode of the second season, the song "Don't Give Up" by Noisettes plays. Its title is repeated with powerful vocals in the chorus, supported by heavy and energizing electric guitar. This comes after Catherine is experiencing the grief from sacrifices she has made for the sake of gaining control of Russia in the hopes of revolution and enlightenment. With its empowering message, the Noisettes song uses lyrics like "when the system's wrong, gotta tear it down". These words articulate the truth of the protagonist's situation as the tune encourages perseverance. Music adds power to any production. With countless films and television shows set across periods of history, creativity and flexibility in soundtracks adds a necessary spice to the genre. As A Knight's Tale , The Decameron , and The Great so masterfully demonstrate, this variety in sound livens up a story with unexpected ventures into different eras. While some instruments or turns of phrase do not match every moment across history, there are so many ideas and themes in songs that do. Songs can step past the barriers of 'era-appropriate', be it something as profound as a message of strength or love, or as trivial as a beat that matches the charming or silly energy of a scene. As film and television continue to evolve, audiences can only imagine what music will accompany 2000's media in a hundred years. Along with encouraging anticipation for soundtracks to come and audiences to feel more engaged with stories, t he use of contemporary songs in period pieces wonderfully exhibits the timelessness of music. Written By Hanna Kowal Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

As time goes on, memories fade more and more, making the details of past times harder to remember. For some memories, this is a blessing, but for the good times, it's a sad feeling to have those moments slowly slip away. Me Nd Adam capture this in their latest indie single, "Waco, TX," reflecting on what it's like to notice how memories get diluted the more you try to recall them. The bittersweet, nostalgic track reminisces over time spent in Waco, TX, evoking a feeling of longing and desire as the lead singer begs to go back to that Texas city and relive the fond memories they formed there. Matching the song's focus on memories and longing for the past, "Waco, TX" has a timeless sound that feels like a compelling mix of modern indie rock and '80s pop. The track's shimmering synth-laden soundscape is a tough one to resist, featuring lushly layered instrumentals and addictive melodies that captivate listeners from the first note. Delivering wistful lines over the track's ethereal synths and driving guitar riffs, the lead singer's gritty vocals round out the sound on "Waco, TX," creating the perfect indie composition that could hang with acts like Tame Impala , The Airborne Toxic Event , and Cage The Elephant . Hailing from Austin, Texas, Me Nd Adam are an indie alternative rock duo comprised of members Vince and Adam. The group formed from a friendship between the two members as they bonded over a mutual interest in music. Each bringing their own contributions to the project, Adam composes the duo's music on acoustic guitar and Vince, a multi-instrumentalist, produces the tracks. Me Nd Adam's live shows are accompanied by guitarist Ian Green, keyboardist Marcell Coleman, and drummer Sam Shahin—a lineup that will be featured on their forthcoming studio album, A Chain Reaction of Pointless Disasters . Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW ME ND ADAM: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube