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*HAYLA Fall 25 Tour Poster via HAYLA Electro-pop artist HAYLA kicked off her highly anticipated fall 25 tour this past weekend in San Diego. I had the honor of attending opening night, witnessing the dance-pop phenomenon in person. The singer is known for her infectious beats and stunning vocals, and her live performance lived up to the hype. The crowd instantly lit up the moment she took the stage, highlighting her massive influence. During her set, she takes her listeners through a journey of romance, heartache, and empowerment. This is an artist that you don't want to miss. Between the moody atmosphere and her fantastic vocals, she is a natural-born performer. The artist kicked off the night with an eerie intro that reels the listener in. The stage filled with smoke before she appeared, and the audience erupted. She opened the night with “Freefall,” with everyone singing along with her. Her incredible vocal control and flawless falsettos complemented the heavy bass and catchy synth. The intro perfectly captured her style and set the tone for the night. HAYLA’s energy was unmatched and spread to everyone in the crowd. Her effervescent stage presence invigorated the crowd and brought them to life. From the first song, she encouraged everyone to sing and jump along. She consistently checked in with the crowd, ensuring everyone was having fun. She even treated the audience to an unreleased song that explored a darker side of HAYLA. She knew how to keep everyone on their toes and anticipate her next move. Her crowd work made the show even more special, entertaining everyone in the room.  HAYLA’s vocals are insanely powerful, some of the best I have ever heard in person. There were moments when the crowd would stop singing to step back and admire her high notes. Her voice commands the attention of every ear they grace. While her electric sound is half the appeal, HAYLA would be just as entertaining stripped back to just her and a guitar. Her live vocals are exactly what her studio recordings show. But in person, they are even more impressive, leaving full-body chills that will keep the listener craving more.  HAYLA’s innate talent shone throughout her performance, showcasing everything from her voice to her stage presence. She is a must-see in the electro-pop scene, taking the world by storm. Recently, she released her song “FADED” with Nelly Furtado and continues to make waves in the industry. Buy tickets to HAYLA’s Fall ‘25 tour now to jump in on this incredible event. And follow her on all socials to stay up to date with any new announcements and releases.  Written By Karlee Skipper Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

As the seasons change, we find ourselves reflecting on the past year, on memories, both good and bad. Reflection often leads to some of the most impactful songwriting imaginable. Artists write about their loves, losses, struggles, and wins. And sometimes, when we’re at home with a warm drink, we just need one of those chill albums and a good book or a craft. So, in no particular order, here are 10 of those cozy, reflective albums to remind us to take a breath amidst our busy schedules. 10. Taylor Swift - Folklore (2020) “Folklore” is more or less the poster child of folksy, winter vibes. It’s arguably one of Taylor’s most narrative albums, telling the story of a fictional love triangle. While the perspective isn’t that of the artist, it still makes us look back on the events in our own lives. Each song portrays a touch of regret, as each character divulges more information to the listener. It’s the type of story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, eager to unravel more of the mystery. 9. Lizzy McAlpine - Give Me a Minute (2020) Lizzy McAlpine’s 2020 album, “Give Me a Minute” brings a moodier energy to the table. It reflects on tiny details and self-discovery. It’s about finding yourself when you thought for so long that you needed someone else. Lizzy describes the ups and downs of finding and ultimately leaving love behind, and then her hesitation moving forward. The entire album is so vulnerable, leaving our artist’s mind open like the most important page of a book. “Give Me a Minute” is a precious reminder that we all have rough times sometimes, but we always figure it out in the end. 8. Cat Burns - How to be Human (2025) The next entry is a very personal one. Cat Burns’ “How to be Human” describes Cat’s personal journey of self-acceptance. It tackles her struggles with grief, anxiety, and recent diagnoses of autism and ADHD. This album really speaks to us directly, as it pushes the very important concept that we don’t need to be perfect all the time. It’s okay to not be perfect. Take the time to grieve, but you will get through this. This message resonates so heavily in the music, a beautiful motivator for a dreary, winter day. 7. Jensen McRae - I Don't Know How but They Found Me! (2025) Jensen McRae’s “I Don’t Know How But They Found Me!” is another deeply introspective album, telling captivating stories of life’s most emotional moments. Jensen dives into those truly niche thoughts and feelings that we bury in our minds. It talks about the divide between our head and our heart in those relationships that we know are a bad idea but try to justify regardless. Of course, the album isn’t naïve. Jensen spares none of her fiery opinions on the places she’s been. The songwriting is exquisitely intentional. It calls out the negative subjects in riveting detail. You truly do feel alongside the artist, and that’s a sure sign of exceptional lyricism. 6. Isabel Pless - Workhorse (2025) This somewhat sad-in-a-good-way album describes emotional maturity from beginning to end. Isabel Pless’s “Workhorse” is a testament to finding your own independence and stopping the cycles of abuse from others. It mentions those moments where you feel like you can’t change a bad situation, but you can. It describes the lonely feeling of stepping out on your own and taking charge of your own life. Everyone loves to praise independence, but they don’t always see how hard it is. This is an album that builds courage while acknowledging struggle, and we’re so here for that. 5. Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes (2008) Now for something a little older. It wouldn’t be winter without a Fleet Foxes mention. Specifically for their very popular and frequently covered track, “White Winter Hymnal”. The eerie but cheery tune has turned many ears to the band’s discography, their namesake debut album being no exception. “Fleet Foxes” features unconventional, folksy song structures and addictive rhythms that keep you zen and fixated on the sound. The songwriting within focuses largely on nature, nostalgia, and growing up. It’s a bittersweet album that takes you back to your childhood while also helping you appreciate the little things around you. It’s definitely worth a listen. 4. The Postal Serve - Give Up (2003) The Postal Service’s “Give Up” became popular due to the notable single, “Such Great Heights” in 2003. However, you’d be surprised how many people haven’t listened to the entire album, and it’s a great album! The mellow, synthetic sound was uniquely groundbreaking at the time of release. It’s captivating in a way, or as some would say, it makes your brain happy. The lyrical theme across the album is love. More specifically, it’s about feeling safe to speak openly about love. Despite the groovy beat of “Give Up”, it holds a lot of emotion. While the album went platinum, it’s still the only album released by the band, which is a side project conjured by Death Cab for Cutie singer, Ben Gibbard. Regardless, the album’s staying power is strong, with its unique instrumental choices now delighting listeners for over 20 years. 3. Michael Clifford - SIDEQUEST (2025) Here’s a great one for the alternative fans in the room. 5SoS singer, Michael Clifford released a new solo project this year, titled “SIDEQUEST”. And we are pleased to report that this is very different from most of the music 5SoS has released. It’s a personal project, with many sections shedding light on the difficult social situations that come with being a well-known musician. It talks about relationships and how some people will just pretend to us for selfish reasons. The pressure of performing and making public appearances doesn’t help when you’re juggling your personal life at the same time. This album is a great eye opener to parents as well, describing Michael’s maturing and growth as a person after having a child. It’s a great reminder that even those we idolize are just people with the same struggles as all of us. 2. Leanna Firestone - Forward / Slash (2022) Leanna Firestone’s “Forward/Slash” is a thoughtful journey of the ups and downs of life. Leanna’s songwriting style feels as though you’re just having a cozy conversation with her. The stories in the music grab us as listeners and keep us there by being just so relatable. If there is any one word to describe this album it is “honest”, and I think that’s what makes it so charming. There’s no image here that Leanna is trying to project. She’s just telling the true stories of her life in song, and that just feels so cozy and beautiful. From falling in love to losing it, to thinking about the regrets of unrequited love, but still recognizing its inescapable draw. It touches on family struggles, mental health, and uncertainty. This is an album that tugs so tightly on your heartstrings that you can’t help but insert yourself into the narrative somehow. For an even deeper look into the mind of Leanna Firestone, her new EP, “An Evening With Leanna Firestone” is a soft, acoustic session of some of her most thoughtful songs. Definitely give both a listen! 1. Jonas Conner - Chattanooga Tapes (2025) Finally, we’ve reached our final album. This one’s for the country fans out there. While it’s technically an EP, I felt it needed to be mentioned. Jonas Conner’s “Chattanooga Tapes”, is a storytelling EP deeply rooted in Appalachian culture. It touches on the struggles of growing up, loss, addiction, and nostalgia. Despite the dark theming, the music is hauntingly beautiful. It’s the perfect thing to play on a chilly winter day when you’re stuck inside. The lyrics in each song feel healing, like a warm drink when you come in from the cold. It’s refreshingly personal and deeply reminiscent of traditional Appalachian artists. Bravo to Jonas on his debut EP! Go check it out! Sadly, we’ve reached the end, but hopefully we’ve given you a little inspiration for your next album. Remember that despite the dreary weather now, the sun always returns. In the mean time, we can always put on a record and reflect. Did any of these albums resonate with you? Feel free to tell us on any of our socials below. Written By Shelbi Baker Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Pop-punk band Haunter is back with their second single, “Strangers,” off their brand new EP GAME BOY. “Strangers” is a big pop anthem about falling in love and wanting to get to know your partner more. With glitzy synthesizers and an undeniably earworm chorus, the track is pure unabashed pop. Even more so, “Strangers” is just fun. It is a joyous celebration of those beginning stages of a relationship. It’s hard not to want to immediately start jumping up and dancing when you hear it. “Strangers” is an instant mood booster that showcases Haunter’s ability to craft great pop music. Haunter states they are “dedicated to creating substantial, thoughtful, uncompromising Pop Music,” and no better can that be heard than on “Strangers.” The track encompasses everything great about pop music. The vocals from singer Lucy LeNoir are confident and dynamic, and the production is pristine. The song just sounds grand. The band’s instrumentalists, Enoma Asowata, Mark Schroeder, and Mike Ray, are exceptionally talented performers who make “Strangers” sound as lively as it does. Haunter is making timeless pop music. “Strangers” takes inspiration from a myriad of times and places, from 80s synth wave to the modern-day electronic scene, and what results is an example of superb pop. Haunter is a four-person alternative pop band. The band officially started releasing music in 2020 and has since released a steady number of EPs and singles. In just five years, the band has garnered mass critical and commercial acclaim. On Spotify, they have over 13.8 thousand monthly listeners. Likewise, tracks like “Paralyze” and “Risk It All,” have amassed well over 500,000 streams. It’s clear the band is just getting started, and based on all their output so far, it will be very exciting to see where they go next. You can listen to “Strangers,” alongside the rest of Haunter’s discography, on all major streaming services now. Written By Lauren Nolan FOLLOW HAUNTER: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Colby!'s latest single "Rich Neighborhood" speaks to all women who have found themselves being treated as someone's fantasy. Its normal to have feelings for people. Some feelings will be more intense than others. Sometimes without realizing it, those feelings get misplaced. Rather than having someone fall in love with how you actually are, they fall in love with the idea of you they created in their head. For women experiencing this, it can cause a lot of different emotions from confusion, to sadness, and maybe even bitterness. Knowing that someone has assigned you specific roles in their head that appeals to them can be hard to come to terms with. What they want from you, see in you, and love you for, is all based on their own mind and not reality. With lyrics like "You push and push for false reality / Need me to play the part of who you want me to be" and "Trust me it's for the better that we're not together / All for the better" shows what it feels like to be treated as someone's mental fantasy rather than your own person. The song opens with beautiful instrumentals that has an almost whimsical vibe. When colby!'s vocals are introduced to the mix, it creates a layered and fun listening experience with the background music. The song's tempo slowly builds throughout the song and reaches its peak at the chorus. The sound of drums adds an additional energized beat that maintains the song's rhythm. Colby!'s vocals are a perfect mix of emotional notes and strong notes. She has a voice that lingers once the song slows and draws to an eventual close. After listening, the song leaves you with a mix of feelings similar to the ones in Colby's! voice. It takes the vulnerability of the song's lyrics and meaning and twists it into something that can be used as a strength. Colby! is a singer-songwriter who grew up in Fort Worth, TX, surrounded by live music. She spent her time exploring creative passions like singing, writing, baking, painting, and performing. Diagnosed with severe dyslexia at age 8, she spent three years in intensive therapy to learn how to slow her brain down enough to try to read. Creative arts helped er cope, and she started singing and writing at a young age. At 14, she began co-writing with her producer and brother, RJ Johnson, a Berklee College of Music grad. When not writing, she loves driving while singing at the top of her lungs. Her most immediate goal is to continue to create songs with her brother that people will want to scream in their car to, thereby possibly escaping from situations they do not find encouraging. Written By Kyler Griggs FOLLOW COLBY!!: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

"Ego Boost" by S øftbleach captures the stuck-in-your-head emotion of having an infatuating crush and wishing desperately to get up the nerve to confess your feelings. This invigorating track tells the tale of romantic tension and uses tantalizing rhetorical questions like "my cheeks are burning up/ did you do it on purpose?" A plea from the speaker for the confidence to make a move, this song stands in solidarity with all the dreamers who are stuck in the fear of the object of their affections not liking them back. Not a story of romantic resolution, this bold message remains perpetually in that lovestruck stage of longing. High distorted electric guitar strumming opens the track, twangy and high before percussion and high, airy vocals wash over the verse. The pace of the lyrics fluctuates from fast to slow and back again, switching off between lines and evoking the butterfly-like sentiments of the words in their speed. A pulse of bass electronic instrumentals punctuates the pre-chorus as the vocals descend in an alternating stress pattern that captures a feeling of movement in its sound. The instrumentals throughout the chorus feel busy, an homage to the speaker's fluctuation of emotion, with layered highs and lows while Darla Jade's vocals offer a grounding simplicity through the sound. This electropop song takes on the pulsing, bright, and somewhat frantic nature of human emotion in its sound. Søftbleach is an indie pop trio that embraces an alt-pop energy in their sound. The group performed their first ever headline show one year ago in December 2024, and has since played several supporting shows and a headline show in the wake of their new EP. Darla Jade fronts the band, bringing an energetic stage presence and experience in performances supporting artists like Ashnikko and Lucy Spraggan. Dustin Dooley, a multi-instrumentalist and producer, unlocks a transcendent sound with immersive melodies, and Jan Simson infusing their tracks with dynamic beats. Check out the links below to keep up to date with their music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW S ØF TBLEACH: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook

“Hurt Me Sooner” is the newest single from Jordan Anthony , a song about a relationship that ended poorly and still has a long-lasting effect on the singer even though it’s now over. Anthony wants to get back together with his ex, but he knows he shouldn’t because there would be too much tension due to how they feel about each other now. It wouldn’t be right, which is why Anthony is longing for the relationship, because it’s something he can’t have, and why he understands why, but he still thinks it isn’t fair. He would have preferred the relationship ended earlier than it did so that he didn’t fall in love as much and have to push down all of these feelings. “Hurt Me Sooner” has gradual buildup of its instruments that make the song all the more powerful than it already is. Starting with reverberated guitar chords that sound like piano notes, Anthony’s incredible vocals come in, where he switches octaves from the first verse, to the chorus, to the second verse, and back to the chorus again. As the song progresses, more elements are added in regards to the production, such as drums and more harmonies with Anthony’s singing voice. Listening to “Hurt Me Sooner” sounds like you’re running through an open field, and the way Anthony sings the lyrics along with the production style truly adds great emphasis to the meaning of the lyrics. Jordan Anthony is a music artist from Australia and is based in Los Angeles, California. He grew up with a passion for music before releasing his debut album ONE Word  in 2018. In 2019, he went on season 8 of The Voice Australia , where he was coached by Delta Goodrem . In the same year, he represented his home country in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest . He has released more music since then, including the singles “Broken Love”, “Higher”, and “Nights Like These”. Anthony has great talent and a magnificent stage presence, and is a captivating musician, whether it be through his songwriting or his performing skills. Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW JORDAN ANTHONY: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

“every universe” is the newest single from vera, a song about a love so strong it transcends dimensions and the test of time; sibling love. vera sings about her bond with her sisters and brother being so strong she knows they are meant to be siblings in every lifetime, and as she puts it, in “every universe”. no matter where they are or who they are, they’ll always find each other. When your family makes you feel that you are loved, accepted, and safe, and happy overall, you make your family the most important thing in your life over everyone else. vera accurately describes the experiences and emotions tied to that with her impeccable and talented songwriting skills. Like the title of the song, “every universe” sounds otherworldly. It’s sci-fi-esque synths that also are softly mixed together as part of the production really help emphasize the meaning of the lyrics. A song about metaphorically traveling to different dimensions, listening to “every universe” makes you feel like you’re doing just that. All of the elements of the production and instrumentation are ethereal, and create a beautiful musical masterpiece as they’re all combined. vera also has amazing vocals, and her octave switches supplement that feeling that you’re floating through space and time when listening to this single. vera is an extraordinary singer and songwriter from Canada. She began her music career in July 2023 with her debut single “summer insomniacs”. In addition to this and “every universe”, working with Kristen Ronning, she has released other amazing songs such as “wrong place, wrong timing”, “jar of pennies”, “hot & unbothered”, and “rose garden”. She has also published several music covers to her social media accounts, including ones of “Decode” by Sabrina Carpenter , “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)” by Ariana Grande , and “Be My Mistake” by The 1975 . vera is an amazing and very talented music artist! Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW VERA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Apple Music  | YouTube

If you're looking for a calming palette cleanser, look no further than Bre Kennedy's new single, "Looking For." The song has a hint of contemporary with a sliver of country, making it feel akin to songs by Carrie Underwood. Its slow start allows listeners to feel the music before the vocals take center stage. I was instantly struck by the deadpan tone in the starting lyrics, " I took a pill to make me feel like I’m alive, it always will." The lyrics hooked me, and the song started to pick up from then on. The music video has a simple, slow zoom in to her face, creating a calming viewing experience. It also helps to show that the song is about finding love within herself. There is an overall tone of self-empowerment throughout the song. It feels like a love letter to herself, and the chorus effectively drives that point home. "Running through an open door, it was me I was looking for. I was chasing that high Beggin for love that no one could find." I found it interesting that after the first chorus, the song maintains its consistent, hopeful instrumental. Kennedy does an effective job of conveying that positive message. It truly felt like one of those feel-good early 2000s songs on the radio. We all need a light, bright light in our day, and this song was definitely mine. Kennedy is based in Nashville and acclaimed for her storytelling and evocative performances. She has been featured for her work by Billboard and featured on key Spotify playlists, including New Music Friday and Today’s Singer-Songwriters. She has headlined sold-out performances at Nashville staples like Exit/In and The Basement East, and supported artists such as The Paper Kites. Kennedy is currently on tour with the rock band NEEDTOBREATHE. Her album, "The Alchemist," is scheduled for release on January 30, 2026. Listen to "Looking For" wherever you stream your music! Written By Deanna Moody FOLLOW BRE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

Self-aware and witty, Norah Hendriks' confessional lyrics expose the singer-songwriter's familiar poor dating patterns in her single "HABITS." Hendriks sings about the addictive pull and push of her short-lived romantic escapades with the uncommitted girls she chooses, who are, she says "dangling what we could be in front of my face." The repeating lyric "I think we should change" sums up Hendriks' feelings about these dynamics in her life. It's also a nod to her upcoming EP entitled I Think We Should Change This. Yet, she simultaneously acknowledges to listeners, "I pretend that I don't care 'cause I'm too scared to understand why I seek out these dead ends." In her own words, Hendriks describes the perfect scene for listening to the single to be " walking down the street at noon, from someone else’s house, hungover but energised, hating your life but loving it more, and laughing at yourself..." Blending classical influences with modern pop arrangements, Hendriks delivers something bold and honest in her most pop-leaning song to date. Staying true to her staple classical instrumentals, the song introduces Hendriks' vocals against a track of lush strings before adding crescendoing percussion. Transitioning into a more upbeat pop sound, the arrangement adds keys and electric guitar tracks that mirror the singer's quickening vocals. The range of the singer-songwriter's voice and musical genre is reflected clearly in the unapologetic single. "HABITS" is a fun, sexy sonic exploration of the allure behind possibly baneful and certainly disappointing relationships. Previously known under the musical alias Noor, the Dutch singer, originally from Amsterdam, is now based in London. The singer-songwriter split her music, putting out her newer, English-language songs under the name Norah Hendriks while her Dutch music remains under Noor. With a combined average of over 43,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, Hendriks' poignant lyrics and luscious sound resonate across a wide audience. Inspired by a mixture of classical and jazz music, the pop persuasion of her new EP is experimental and fresh. Recently playing her first headlining show in London this past September, Norah Hendriks is quickly solidifying a place for her affecting music. Written By Azalea Withrow FOLLOW NORAH HENDRIKS: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

One thing that current pop music has really adopted is being more vulnerable about what their feeling than we've seen in the past. When I was growing up, pop music always had this energy that was pretending to be vulnerable but when you listen closer to the lyrics, they weren't actually talking about anything in particular. Harry Lyon is changing that narrative by pouring their entire heart into the lyrics like the ones we hear in "Porcelain." This song unpacks the ideology and struggles of finding romance and dealing with it in the modern age and truly how fragile things can become between two people. Click here to listen to "Porcelain" "Porcelain" starts off with a ticking electric guitar sound before Harry's voice so delicately layers over it, meshing the two perfectly. Harry's voice has a perfect mix of gruffness while being incredibly smooth. The biggest thing to highlight throughout this song are the harmonies. The harmonies in the chorus make it sound so much bigger than what the music is giving it. In the bridge, Harry also shows off the use of these same harmonies alongside a gentle piano part giving the song a completley different sound than any other part of the song. All tied perfectly with a bow by having lyrics that are emotionally intelligent and represent the fragility of relationships. Harry Lyon is a singer songwriter with an impressive background. Starting when Harry was only 14 years old, they were signed to RCA records with their band Red Faces allowing Lyon to tour the UK supporting various artists. During the pandemic, Lyon took the music degree and put it to good use by falling back in love with guitars and synth's bringing us to the music that we're obsessing over now. Now that college is out of the way, Lyon is taking their touring experience stright to the roads starting off with their song, "Porcelain." Stream on all platforms. Written By Breanna M. FOLLOW HARRY LYON: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

Blending a complex, well-thought-out tale with multiple layers of genre, Bea Stewart comes in full force with “Chill Girl”. The first track off her recent EP, Wish It Was You, “Chill Girl” sets the tone for the project and hooks you from the start. Backed by hard-hitting drums and a guitar that sounds as if it’s carrying you down a stream, Stewart’s vocals emphasize the personality behind this work and the confusing nature of a now-fragmented relationship. Stewart puts every detail of her pain into “Chill Girl”, refusing to shy away from showing how this change impacts her. Instead, she channels this into a power that fuels the track and sets it apart from other pop projects. Stewart allows “Chill Girl” to ebb & flow naturally, allowing it to be an authentic telling of her story. With a laid-back, warm, and inviting sound alongside lyrics that seem to reach out and grab hold of your heartstrings, it’s clear that Stewart knows how to show dynamic and multifaceted musical talent in unique ways.  Upon first listen, I felt as if “Chill Girl” was a song I had somehow heard previously, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia. Stewart showcases vulnerability in a way that seemingly speaks directly to the audience, putting this experience fully on display for herself and others to connect over. While heartbreak and the ending of a relationship are not new territories of discussion within music, Stewart tells a story of heartbreak in a way that delicately and brilliantly shows that this situation cannot be labelled as entirely happy or sad. “Chill Girl”, much like its overall sound, cannot be pinpointed and invokes a cathartic listening experience. “Chill Girl” at times reminds me of a classic, 90’s country track, and at other times brings me to the thought of an indie, guitar-led song played specifically near the presence of an outdoor fire. While Stewart describes looking forward to the day that she cries “bout someone new”, “driving off into the sun”, and “skipping stones and giving roses”, until then, it’s reassuring to hear an artist pledge to be authentically themselves and give themselves grace within an emotionally difficult situation. Rather than attempting to be something she’s not, Stewart channels her unique qualities to create art that is undeniably hers and stems solely from her life. Born and raised just outside Belfast, Northern Ireland, singer-songwriter Bea Stewart brings influences of Irish folk music that she was raised on to her own music. With strong values of honesty and sentimentality in her work, Stewart bases the core of her music on truthful storytelling and vulnerability. In being authentic and vulnerable, she hopes to help people process their lives as she processes her own. Upon releasing her debut EP in 2023, Things We Never Say Out Loud, Stewart sold out shows while touring across the UK and Ireland, garnering the attention and support of notable music & radio platforms. Across platforms such as BBC Introducing, Radio 1, Spotify, Apple Music, etc., Stewart gathered over a million streams before the introduction of her 2024 EP, Sorry I’m Sensitive . With the support of music platforms such as BBC Radio 1, RTE, and more, she is on a path of success in poeticness, honesty, and pure talent. Now on a sold-out UK tour following the release of her latest EP, Wish It Was You, Stewart is building upon her reputation as one of the most exciting new singer-songwriters in the UK.  Written By Madison Spies FOLLOW BEA STEWART: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Photo Credits: Julianna Brooks The Texas trio Waterparks consisting of lead singer and guitarist Awsten Knight, lead guitarist Geoff Wigington, and drummer Otto Wood, is back on the road with their new thrilling show, The Prowler Tour. Their sold-out Houston date at House of Blues Houston left fans enamoured by the band's willingness to always overfill expectations. As the Houston show was the hometown show, fans from all over traveled for this specific date which left everyone feeling joyous and comforted by familiar faces. The night consisted of screaming, crowd surfing, circle pits and more, creating a space of pure chaos for fans to completely unwind while singing along to their favorite songs. If there's one thing to expect from a Waterparks show, it's a loyal fan base that is willing to camp out too early for a show. While it may seem a little boring to wait outside in the Texas heat for long hours, this is where the community aspect of this fanbase begins to awaken. Internet friends get to talk to each other in real life and crafters go along the line giving free gifts to other fans. It's a sweet aspect of concert culture that makes the long day move quickly. One thing that never changes about a Waterparks tour is the existence of the VIP meet & greet portion of the show. Lasting from 3 PM to 6 PM, the band always makes an effort to not rush, chat with and earnestly listen to each fan, which not every artist is willing to do on every tour. "Ahhhhh I'm so scared ahhhhh!!!!!!!!!!" "Wow not bad," "Hi," were the replies from the band when asked for a comment. As odd as these quotes are, any Waterparks fan will understand how on brand these comments are, even down to Awsten Knight expressing he wanted 17 exclamation points for his comment. After anxiously waiting for the VIP portion to end and for doors to open, our first opening act of the night, Jhariah, instantly shines bright and makes such an impactful impression that you're left itching to save their entire discography in your library. Jhariah's theatrical style fits in with the lineup perfectly and their music left the audience fully energized and prepared for the next act who has an equal knack for dramatics. I Don't Know How But They Found, fronted by legendary Dallon Weekes, was our second opener of the night. IDKHOW is always a pleasure to see live, maintaining the vibrance of the previous set with fan favorites like "Choke" and "Do It All the Time." What was also nice to see is IDKHOW bringing out Jhariah to perform with them on their classic "Nobody Likes the Opening Band." A nice way to bring the two acts together before the audience enters their final wave of suspense. With two sensational opening acts, the crowd starts to feel hot and exhausted. Those fans who have been waiting since the early hours of the day are beginning to question their actions. You ask yourself, "Is there any energy left in me to keep dancing?" This question is immediately answered when all the lights go off. As soon as music begins you find your mind in a colorful trance, and you're reminded of why you committed to waiting for so long. The band begins their night with "Blonde," lead single from their sophomore album Entertainment , and it immediately electrifies the audience. With this tour, the band has taken a more structured approach, naming it "The Waterparks Show" which is a trend we've seen other artists implement in their live shows. For the Prowler Tour, Waterparks has sectioned off their set into chapters; happiness, sadness, anticipation, and anger. To separate each section, pre-filmed transitions were implemented. After their three song intro, the band began their happiness section with the band's classic "Stupid for You" and ended with "Funeral Grey." During this section the fans were given the option to choose between "Peach (Lobotomy)" and "Telephone" and the former was the clear winner. Throughout the setlist there were multiple chances for fans to vote between two songs to be played that night. This idea is not necessarily new for a Waterparks show, however the abundance of it throughout the night really sold the interactive nature that Waterparks is playing with. Moving on to the sadness section, fans chose "Not Warriors" over "Gloom Boys" which was to be expected considering "Not Warriors" is a strong fan favorite as it gives the audience the chance to scream the lyric "I think you saved my life" as loud as they can. In between the sadness and anticipation chapters, the band included an acoustic section that consisted of surprise songs "Snow Globe" and "You'd Be Paranoid To (If Everyone Was Out to Get You)." Additionally, the song "21 Questions" won over "Lucky People." During the anticipation chapter, the band performed their two most recent releases "If Lyrics Were Confidential" and "Red Guitar," along with two unreleased songs "Prowler" and "Any Minute Now" that will be featured in their upcoming album that's still in the works. Having a whole section dedicated to this future release is a great way to get fans excited and anxious for the future of the band. During anger we heard an older fan favorite "Tantrum," along with "Real Super Dark" and "Turbulent," but the night ended with "Like It," a song from the band's 2021 album Greatest Hits. A surprising way for the band to close out the show, a happy surprise of course, and this led to a wave of crowd surfers, and you can't pick a better way to end the night. When thinking about what makes a waterparks concert so great, it comes down to a combination of attention to detail and the encouragement of unapologetic chaos. We see this in the set with the enthralling visualizers complimented by the immersive light show and the specific musical arrangements shifted for a live performance that allows for fans to fall in love with the music all over again. The chaos aspect is very true to the bands nature, they know how to play along with the audience whether it's asking them to cheer on certain members of their crew or singling out fans to record special messages for other members of the band. This being the hometown show made it extra special and you can feel that energy in the air from all sides to make sure this show is the best it can be. If you ever wonder why Waterparks has a fanbase that's so loyal, it's because they put in 110% effort to make sure this is the best night of anyone's life, whether you're a longtime fan, a newer fan, or someone who got convinced to go at the last second. So, if you think you need a night to express all your pent up emotions and to listen to sensational music, pick up a ticket to the Prowler Tour and let loose. Written By Chantal Charles Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.