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  • Review: "Goldstar" - Julianna Joy

    Artist Julianna Joy brings us an ambitious and risk-taking anthem, "Goldstar" that breaks the boundaries of traditional pop music and creates a cool and whimsical scene. The song is incredibly unique and stays energetic even while it discusses difficult subjects. What makes "Goldstar" stand out so much is the way all the elements used are mixed together. The production on this track is eccentric and listeners can't help but feel addicted to the song. What adds to the enjoyment of this song is its slight humorous nature. "Goldstar" knows how to have fun, even if the subject matter is not so fun. Throughout "Goldstar," there's a clear attention to detail in the way this song has been recorded and mixed. The intro is so cool and it certainly excites listeners about what to expect for the rest of this journey. The bass line absolutely rocks as it drives itself into listeners' heads. There's a nice balance between the joyous comedic nature and the animosity of the lyrical content. This makes the song transparent while also keeping the energy alive. The chorus really emphasizes this, as the upbeat nature almost makes you want to dance, you still get a sense of the anger the speaker is presenting. Julianna Joy's sweet voice beautifully wraps "Goldstar" as she has such a smooth and angelic singing voice. Overall, "Goldstar" is such a phenomenal song because it pushes boundaries of pop music and infuses elements of hip-pop in a way that's not always heard.  Julianna Joy is an artist originally from Chicago but is now based in Los Angeles. She released her first single "Nevermind" in 2019 which gained a lot of traction. In 2020, she released her debut EP "Cherries" which has gained over 6 million streams over the years. After her second EP "Garden of Eden" was released, her music began to be featured on notable platforms such as the Zane Lowe show, Spotify's Fresh Finds, and more. In 2023 she opened for artist Xana on tour. Julianna Joy's debut album, "Somebody Call The Firemen" is expected to be released in Spring of this year so look out for that as she's an artist you don't want to miss. Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW JULIANNA JOY: Instagram   | Spotify  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

  • Review: "I'm with you" - Joseph Linley

    Hitting the ground running with an uplifting debut single, Joseph Linley has officially joined the music industry. Releasing “I’m with you” January 31st and already amassing over 7,000 streams, Linley has only just begun. Explaining that he has had this lyrical idea for some time now, Linley wanted to write a song that is heartfelt and hopeful. The idea behind “I’m with you” is an ode to the loved ones in Linley’s life that struggle to feel supported or happy- he declares that he will always be by their side and will always have their backs. Explaining that as he has grown, he has released the importance of a 'darkest hour friend', he vows to always be this friend to others. The lyrics behind this song are exactly as they appear. The first verse calls out to those who are hurting with a melancholic piano line following behind. Linley sings, “I can see it the things you’re trying to fight / And the hurt you hide behind that vacant smile”. He goes on to then promise that despite these negative feelings, he will not leave them alone with these troubles. In the chorus, he sings, “So won’t you / Step out from among the shadows / I know you have your demons that hold you / But I’m with you yeah I’m with you”. The soundscape opens up into a ‘coming of age’-esque sound, with an uplifting bass chord and light piano notes. Growing up in a musical home in Cape Town, South Africa, Joseph Linley knew from a very young age he was destined to be in the music industry. Now aged 26, it was time to turn his dreams into a reality and get to work. He wrote the lyrics of “I’m with you” with his brother, Will, who also is a musician. Will helped use his expertise and knowledge to turn Joseph’s words into a full fledged song, and the brothers bonded even closer throughout the creation of this track. Make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for more work from Joseph Linley. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW JOSEPH LINLEY: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube

  • Review: "Two Weeks Before Valentine's" - Laurel Mitchell

    Heartbreak rarely makes sense to anyone. You don’t see the wreckage coming, or if you do, you convince yourself it’s all in your head because you’re still so in love that things have to be fine. You’re left to question where it went wrong and question your inner self and the world around you. With Valentines Day right around the corner, Laurel Mitchell released her new single “Two Weeks Before Valentine's” about a personal relationship from two years ago. She said this song was her stream of consciousness as she processed the heartbreak and tried to understand it was out of her control. It takes time to understand why we endure pain, but there’s always a reason for it all. This song is an indie-pop contemporary that brings so many tears within one single listen. “Two Weeks Before Valentine's,” captures how disorienting it is to think someone loves you in the same way you love them, but then they leave. “Every time you looked into my eyes, and I thought that you’d always want me.” Laurel put so much heart into every lyric and her vocals carry so much emotion that it’s impossible not to break alongside of her. As a huge fan of sad songs, I immediately fell in love with how soft the production was to allow the track to feel incredibly intimate and personal. It’s as if we are reading a page from Laurels diary, or our own if we’ve been in similar situations. “Truth be told you did lots of things right, right up until two weeks before Valentine's.” To all the broken hearts spending this Valentine's Day alone, this is the perfect song to listen to and understand every emotion you feel is normal. The hurt is temporary and one day you’ll look back and be thankful you weren’t with this person in the long run. Laurel Mitchell is a 25 year old indie singer-songwriter based in Virginia. She’s started songwriting around 12 and has been evolving her talents for years. She heavily draws inspiration from artists such as Maggie Rogers, Phoebe Bridgers and Lizzy McAlpine. To Laurel, music is a powerful way to make listeners feel seen and understood so she writes about her life and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Her debut single “no goodbyes” was released in 2022 and this year she will be releasing her debut album. She is incredibly gifted with her ability to understand the fragile moments in life and lay them bare for people to pick up and find comfort in. Laurel Mitchell is a must listen to artist so check out the links down below to get to know her and prepare for her new album. Written By Emylee Herring FOLLOW LAUREL MITCHELL: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

  • Review: "IDK These Days" - Caroline Romano

    We've all had a point in our lives where it seems like anything and everything that could go wrong, does. The stress starts to become too much, and even the littlest things start to become bothersome. It feels like you're not the same person anymore and you don't know if you'll ever get out of this funk. You're just angry and bitter towards the world, and you don't know how to make it stop. "IDK These Days" by Caroline Romano perfectly represents this highly relatable state of frustration. When someone asks you how you are, what are you supposed to say? You could say that you're fine, but it would be obvious that you're lying. Sometimes it's just best to say, "I just don't know these days...". "IDK These Days" takes a minimalistic, but very gorgeous approach in it's instrumentation, that way we can focus on Caroline and the fantastic, relatable story-telling within her lyricism. The main instrument throughout the song is acoustic guitar, with a moment of gentle, weeping electric guitar for an interlude. Caroline sings with heavy, raw emotion as she flows through a run-on melody, like a stream of consciousness just exploding from her heart. You can hear the pain and desperation in her tone, and it really pulls at your soul. Caroline Romano is a singer/songwriter based in Nashville, Tennessee but is originally from Mississippi. She debuted in 2017 with her single "Masterpiece (feat. Jacob Whitesides )" at only age 15. In 2020, she caught her big break when she released a collaboration with R3HAB , "I Still Remember", which charted on Billboard 's Dance Charts. She went on to release her debut album, "Oddities and Prodigies" in 2022 and has gained a loyal fanbase, having over 74k Spotify monthly listeners. Over the past few years, she's opened for artists like Grayscale and Smallpools , as well as performed in well-known Nashville venues like The Basement East and The End . Caroline is currently set to release a brand new EP on February 21st, titled "How The Good Girls Die". "IDK These Days" is just one track to be featured on the EP, so if you enjoyed this song I suggest following Caroline below and pre-saving her EP! We know you'll love it. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW CAROLINE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube | X | Website

  • Review: "Crawl Out Of My Mind" - KARINA

    Sometimes crawling out of the one thing that we can't leave behind is a feeling we get when our minds have become a crowded room. Then other times there is an emptiness that leaves us to want to crawl to a place where we can truly have a life worth living. The anxiety we get from just our minds alone makes us ask the question, how can we escape the unescapable? When the mind takes over and our hearts start to race, we'll do anything to still try and escape the confinement our minds have on us, even if we have to crawl away. KARINA takes us through the battle of the overwhelming impact anxiety can have as we continue to try and leave our minds behind. A peaceful, strumming of a guitar pulls us into the soft and heavenly vocals of KARINA as "Crawl Out Of My Mind" begins. KARINA describes the feeling of wanting more, yet then at times she wants the complete opposite as the overwhelming anxiety starts to take control. The mind takes over, and everything feels like it's controlled by the endless thoughts that can't leave her head. The chorus grows into a more upbeat tone as she questions how she can escape the overbearing thoughts that won't go away. The mind continues to take over, and nothing will make the dread it has caused to leave as she tries to escape the tension it has built. As she reflects on her heart and mind racing, the bridge of the song is right by their side as it picks up the pace. Her voice emphasizes the pain and emotion she has in these times when she tries to win against the nerves. KARINA's "Crawl Out Of My Mind" is the song that will truly power us to outrun the thoughts that try to bring us down. KARINA is an artist from Williamsburg, Virginia, who was inspired by Hannah Montana when she was young. KARINA has made her mark in the music industry after just a couple years since her debut in August 2023 with multiple singles and her debut album. She does not shy away from topics like mental health and highlights the pain and emotions that many may feel they shouldn't show. She embraces the art of music through her lyrics and message that she is not afraid to share with the world. KARINA's other most recent single, Burning Daylight, continues to show her undeniable talent in the music industry and creates anticipation for all her new music to follow! Written By Nini Alano FOLLOW KARINA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

  • Review: "Dance Around It" - Annabel Gutherz

    There's always a fear of the unknown when falling for someone, not knowing whether it'll last. Annabel Gutherz expresses this fear in her latest single, "Dance Around It," showing us what it's like to surrender to love despite the subtle doubts lurking in the back of your mind. Sharing the inspiration behind the song, Gutherz states, "This song captures the bittersweet joy of being deeply in love while quietly fearing its fragility. It’s about cherishing the beauty of the present while grappling with the ‘what ifs’ that loom in the background. It’s a dance of vulnerability and courage, choosing to love fully even in the face of uncertainty." Diving into an essence of nostalgia, Annabel Gutherz's "Dance Around It" takes modern pop melodies and effortlessly blends them with elements of classic rock. The mid-tempo ballad leans into intimate expression, featuring a lush instrumentation that complements Gutherz's introspective lyricism and poignant storytelling. Gutherz holds nothing back as she shows off her vocal prowess, letting her soulful voice soar over a compelling mix of contemplative guitar riffs, ethereal synths, and rich harmonies. It's certainly an honest love song for the ages, released just in time for Valentine's Day. Having a gift for crafting timeless, relatable music, Annabel Gutherz has been on the rise since her 2018 debut single, "Legends." The Montreal native is a graduate of the esteemed Berklee College of Music, holding a baccalaureate and master's degree from the school. Since the release of her 2021 debut album, Loose Ends , Gutherz has continued to elevate and grow her career, collaborating with industry giants like Bleu McAuley (Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato) and Bonnie Hayes (Bonnie Raitt, Bette Midler). Her most recent testament to success, Gutherz orginal songs have been featured on CBS during the Big Ten College Football broadcasts, cementing her position as an emerging artist to watch. Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW ANNABEL GUTHERZ: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

  • Review: "Ghost of the Past" - Alban Ramosaj

    Channel yourself through the flow of emotion over time with “Ghost of the Past” from artist Alban Ramosaj. This song is emotionally captivating & heavy, immediately pulling in the listener. Ramosaj begins the track with light strumming of both a guitar & banjo as he dedicates the song, by the very first line, through a delicate voice to the song’s subject. Ramosaj seemingly dedicates the song to an ex-lover who he’s now lost, referencing how they see a different time of day compared to him, that his memories are fading & finite, and overall, he simply cannot stay with this person. While the nature of this track appears all-around melancholic, Ramosaj embeds bits of hope within the song and provides details that show how the decision he’s made is for the best. One line in particular, “I’ll love you till the end of time”, indicates how there are no feelings of resentment and/or negativity felt toward the other person and that the ending of this relationship was best for both people involved. This detail not only sets the track apart from breakup-type songs but adds layers to it, showing a mature perspective and ability to write from a complex point of view. Much similar to the essence of the lyrics, the tone of “Ghost of the Past” is one that displays maturity and range. Ramosaj’s use of banjo, guitar, etc., allows the song to breathe in areas that shake the song up, keeping you on your toes and hooked. Through the use of these instruments and twinges made to his voice in certain sections, Ramosaj creates a blend of country, pop, and indie in sound. Although, no matter which section of “Ghost of the Past” you’re exploring, you are consistently being fed feelings and sounds of comfort & familiarity. Through its honest lyrics, knowledge of and play on differing genres, and catchiness, “Ghost of the Past” feels like a song you’ve had in your music library throughout time. Ramosaj demonstrates emotional connectivity and respect, all while telling the tale of heartbreak – a topic that’s touching and well-known. His musical and lyrical style in “Ghost of the Past’ is one that fits familiar narratives and everyday human emotions, easily connecting to listeners and staying true to the music-making process. Alban Ramosaj is a Kosovan-Albanian award-winning singer-songwriter based in New York City, USA. Ramosaj rose to prominence in Europe, dominating both spheres of music and musical expression (music videos, modelling, etc.). With his Albanian hits, “Thikat E Mia” and “Theje”, Ramosaj quickly attracted attention in the music industry and a devoted following in Europe. He additionally directed award-winning music videos, showcasing his range of talent and evoking personal artistry. On top of his music career, Ramosaj has also modeled for Dolce & Gabanna in their Spring/Summer 2018 campaign. Now based in New York City, Ramosaj is now navigating a new chapter of his career through making an English debut EP – “Heartbreak Motel”. This EP is different from Ramosaj’s past material, following more of an Americana folk/indie sound and stories from the heart to reach wide stretched audiences. Written By Madison Spies FOLLOW ALBAN RAMOSAJ: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

  • Review: "Call It A Draw" - Uwade

    Photos: Shervin Lainez Design & Illustration: Sarah Kennedy Flowers: ASMITE Artistic Direction & Vision: Anna Caradeuc , Aja Pecknold Smith , & Alex Dziura "Call It A Draw" is the leading single off Uwade 's upcoming debut album Florilegium . This song is a one-sided compromise between Uwade and the person she is too scared to call back, saying that her not talking to them is "call[ing] it a draw" for their relationship. It seemed to being going good at the beginning, but has now turned sour, and to the point where she can't interact with them without fearing she will fall for them again or bad memories will arise. This alludes to the song's title also meaning that because this person was toxic to her, she will be toxic back. This is detailed further in the bridge, where she wants to experience the relationship again at its first stages, but also doesn't want to based on their breakup that was mostly likely rough. The drumline is soft and somewhat muffled throughout "Call It A Draw", which is complimented by the guitars that share a similar vibe. This even stays consistent with the occasional drum fills. Uwade's vocals are impeccable, managing to simultaneously sound as those they are at both ends of the octave scale. Her singing voice is a flawless fit for the production of this song. "Call It A Draw" is like if the season of autumn was a piece of music. It perfectly matches the overall vibe of Florilegium , and it makes complete sense that it would be on an album with an aesthetic themed around flora. Its instrumentation makes for the perfect leading single. Uwade is a music artist born in Nigeria, and grew up singing in Charlotte, North Carolina. She attended Oxford University and Columbia university, where she studied music. She has also toured with the band Fleet Foxes in the past. She has made other extraordinary music alongside "Call It A Draw", including her songs "Nostalgia", "Out of My Mind", and "The Man Who Sees Tomorrow". Her album Florilegium comes out on April 25, 2025. She is set to embark on several tour dates starting in March 2025, and will perform in the United Kingdom and throughout the United States. Uwade is an amazing and incredibly talented music artist! Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW UWADE: Instagram | Spotify  | Apple Music  | Facebook  | YouTube

  • Review: "Love Yourself" - Amber Ais

    Amber Ais has released her new single "Love Yourself", a song in which she encourages someone to better themselves. Ais explains that she is in love with this person, and is dealing with unrequited love, but also recognizes that this person leads an unhealthy lifestyle. She loves this person so much that she finds it more important that they start focusing on improving their quality of life and fix how they treat other people and themselves instead of them being together, even though, deep down, that is all she wants. However, since Ais' feelings are not returned, she accepts that they won't be in a relationship. “Love Yourself” is the perfect crossover of pop and RnB, as well as added alternative elements. This is present in the main guitar chords and vocals for the pop and RnB genres, and the drums and background guitar chords for the alternative genre. Ais has an incredible singing voice; it’s very distinct and she has a large vocal range. The way in which she sings brings out the emotions conveyed in the lyrics adds a lot of personality to the song. The harmonies on “Love Yourself” are impeccable, and the melody is very original. The producers of the song did a fantastic job mixing and producing, and Ais’ vocals truly match the vibes of the overall sound. Amber Ais is a music artist based in Nashville, Tennessee. Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, Ais grew up singing and decided to begin a music career in high school. She went on to earn a songwriting degree from Berklee. She has released other amazing songs throughout her career in addition to “Love Yourself”, including “Shy”, “Be Together”, and “Don’t Make It Hard”, and in 2022, she released her debut album Coming of Age . She has performed live before, including at The East Room in Nashville in August 2024, and has collaborated with other artists, including 5pacenew5. Amber Ais is an incredible and very talented music artist! Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW AMBER AIS: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

  • Album Review: "Forgiving Spree" - Slowly Slowly

    Australian indie-rock band, Slowly Slowly, has recently dropped their 5th studio album, "Forgiving Spree", which is said to be their most made-for-the-stage project yet. TRACKLIST Forgiving Spree  Gimme the Wrench  How Are You Mine?  Hurricane  All Time  Love Letters  That’s That  Meltdown Masquerade  Born Free Slowly Slowly is a 4-piece indie rock group with just a bit of infectious pop flare. The band consists of frontman Ben Stewart, Alex Quayle on bass, Albert Doan on lead guitar, and Patrick Murphy on drums. They debuted together in 2015 with their single "Empty Lungs" and began making a name for themselves in the local Australian music scene. Two of their previous albums, "Race Car Blues" and "Daisy Chain", made it on the ARIA Charts . Throughout the past decade, they've played hundreds of live shows, including their own sold-out headliners, as support for artists like Red Hot Chili Peppers , Amy Shark , and Ocean Alley , and at music festivals such as Good Things Festival , Splendour in The Grass , NYE On The Hill , and Groovin The Moo . Their brand new fifth studio album, "Forgiving Spree", not only is specifically crafted to be perfect for live shows and to get a crowd going, but is one of the most emotional and vulnerable projects to come from the band so far. Taking influence from artists like The Killers , Bruce Springsteen , John Farnham , Gang of Youths , Stand Atlantic and Pale Waves , Slowly Slowly has a sound that mixes anthemic catharsis with energetic edge. Let's get into these tracks. Forgiving Spree  We kick off the album with the title track, "Forgiving Spree". This song sets the tone and in Ben Stewart's words, "provides a purpose" for the album. It's about the act of forgiveness in order to move on and benefit your own well-being, whether or not the forgiveness is necessarily deserved or not. Stewart sings of a string of bad luck in life, and how forgiving the ones who have done you wrong doesn't mean you have to ever face them again. You can put it in the past, and finally heal. Do it for yourself, not them. "Forgiving Spree" has a great mixture of emotional relatability while staying danceable and high-energy. It has a nostalgic, 80's pop/rock groove with just the right amount of grit and distortion to add some heaviness. The chorus has a melodic rhythm, a stunning harmony arrangement, and catchy lyrics that get you hooked and ready for more. Gimme the Wrench  Next, we have "Gimme the Wrench", which is inspired by a scene in the award-winning film written by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon , " Good Will Hunting ". During this scene, the lead character is asked to pick between 3 items in which he will be punished with - a belt, a stick, or a wrench. To prove his strength and put himself to the test, he purposely chooses the most painful option - the wrench. Stewart wrote this song in the midst of chaotic but promising new beginnings, both within the bands career and within their personal lives. Although it was stressful and scary, they were ready to take on whatever was going to be thrown at them with pure determination. "Gimme the Wrench" has mellow verses with smooth vocals and a gorgeous picking pattern on the lead guitar; then once you hit the chorus, you get rock'n'roll power chords while Stewart shouts the title, really emphasizing the perseverance behind the song. How Are You Mine?  "How Are You Mine?" is about finding that type of love that brings you back to life, and sometimes you just can't bring yourself to believe it's real, but it is. As someone who used to be such a dejected person, you don't understand how someone so wonderful could want to love you and be in your life; however, because they gave you a chance, you feel like a weight has lifted off of your shoulders. Being able to love and love right has given you the opportunity to be the person you were always meant to be. In short, "How Are You Mine?" celebrates finding peace and solidarity with someone after battling with yourself for a long time. This song features a mixture of nostalgic grooves to keep you moving, with guitar and drums taking the lead. Stewart sings powerfully with a bit of a classic tone. The repetitive chorus leaves room for you to sing along, and yes, it definitely gets stuck in your head so get ready! Hurricane  "Hurricane" is a very vulnerable and personal track written by Ben Stewart, telling the story of finding out his wife was pregnant the day before their wedding, then to suffer a miscarriage four months later. To have such a beautiful and joyous day turn to such tragedy was very painful to deal with; but in turn, Ben was able to create this song along with producer Lucky West , and share his story. By the end of the song, Ben sings of how even though him and his wife have had to go through so much, at the end of the day they still manage to stick together and stay themselves. "Hurricane" is a mid-tempo, emotional punk/rock ballad, with slight synth-pop elements. The key is to focus on the story-telling and lyrics, along with the beautifully crafted melody and raw vocals. All Time  "All Time" is about two people who are literally soulmates; actual twin flames. Have you ever met someone and felt like you've already known them your whole life? The connection was so instant and you have this weird gut feeling... kind of like deja vu, that you've already met them before? You can just tell in your heart that this person has been the one by your side in every life you've had; and they will continue to be the one now and in every life for the rest of eternity. "All Time" has a two-step beat and soft, dreamy electric guitar. The lyrics are so clever and story-driven, it adds to the addicting nature of this song. The melody is easy to follow, but is an ear-worm to say the least. Everything about this song keeps you on your toes and wanting more, wishing that it would never end - hey, almost like the love story they're singing about. Love Letters  The story behind "Love Letters" all began when Stewart was teaming up to write with songwriter and producer Courtney Ballard . They started having a conversation about how nobody sends love letters anymore, and then it sparked inside Stewart's head how the songs he writes for his wife are in a way, love letters, but ones that you can listen to. Thus the song "Love Letters" was written with Stewart's wife in mind, and how she's able to have his love letters with her wherever she goes. This song is a banger and a half, with romantic and sensual verses that transition into an energetic chorus with strong electric power chords, flawless vocals and a repetitive but super catchy lyric/melody mixture that is easy to sing along to; and trust me, you'll want to. There's even a bad ass, draw dropping guitar solo that you won't be ready for. That’s That  "That's That" is a danceable breakup song with lots of confidence and attitude, except there's a moment you realize it might just be a mask to cover up the pain. It's a lot easier to pretend that you don't care whenever someone breaks your heart than it is to show them that they've hurt you. This song has a very heavy 80's pop influence with a rawness to the instrumentation. The drums stand out greatly, with a groovy, popping bass and a mixture of both bright and heavy guitar. The melody, vocal style and stunning harmony arrangements are giving nostalgic boyband vibes in the best way possible. The song builds emotionally and dynamically, having this realness to the sound quality that you don't often hear anymore these days. I just love it. I also can't fail to mention the saxophone solo, which gives the song more life and 80's thrill than you could ask for. Meltdown Masquerade  "Meltdown Masquerade" is a song Ben Stewart wrote, calling out his younger self and poking fun at all the times he had unnecessary dramatic and emotional moments out of immaturity. I think this is something we can all relate to and admit to at a point in our lives. It takes life experience, growing up, the determination to be better and most of all, courage, to admit when you've been in the wrong or have made a mistake. Going full circle to "Forgiving Spree", you also have to learn to forgive yourself, and in return, love yourself. "Meltdown Masquerade" takes a dark alt. rock approach in it's soundscape, with syncopation in the chorus that gives a slight jazz / funk feel. Born Free Last but certainly not least, we have the closing track, "Born Free". Fair warning on this one - please go grab your tissues now. Stewart wrote this song after having several deaths within his family; and with pure soul and raw emotion, he created a masterpiece. This song is so impactful and important that Ben Stewart believes it'll be the song they choose to play at his funeral one day. "Born Free" is a stream of pure poetry and consciousness. For the first four minutes of the song, it's very mellow with soft, distorted 90's guitar and highly emotional vocals, just about on the edge of tears through out. Then, we reach a major climax point, where we go into a full-blown heavy rock soundscape while Ben continues to sing the refrain with tenderness. The track ends with a voice recording that captured Ben and his wife in the moments after he grabbed his guitar and this song just flowed right out of him. To say I was blown away by this album would be an understatement. To leave me speechless is a rare occurrence. Trying to find the words to describe the amount of talent that went into this just wouldn't ever be enough. Not only are the members of Slowly Slowly just naturally good at what they do, but you can feel their love and pure passion radiating from the music they are creating. "Forgiving Spree" has unskippable tracks, each one so detailed and perfectly crafted with intention for listeners to love without a doubt. It has everything a music lover could ask for - emotion, great lyrics, catchy grooves, fantastic vocals, and a full band instrumentation in each and every song. Like mentioned earlier, this album was made to play live, which is exactly what Slowly Slowly is gonna do with it. After playing a lineup of music festivals, Slowly Slowly will be embarking on their first ever international headlining tour in Europe. Make sure to check out their social links below and see if there's a show near you! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW SLOWLY SLOWLY: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube | Website *Sponsored Post - Discovered on SubmitHub. A contribution was made to help create this article as part of a promotional campaign.

  • Concert Review: Kelsea Ballerini - The Patterns Tour in Duluth, GA

    Kelsea Ballerini broke into the country music scene as a bright-eyed 19-year-old from Knoxville, Tennessee. After over a decade of hard work, her efforts have paid off. Fresh off the release of her 2024 record, “Patterns,” Ballerini embarks on her first-ever arena headlining tour. I saw her on the fifth night of her 30-date tour at the Gas South Arena in Duluth, Georgia. Before Ballerini’s set officially started, the screens lit up with a graphic of a happy blue heart from her single, “Heartfirst,” off the “SUBJECT TO CHANGE” album. The heart addressed the audience with a set of rules to, “be kind, don’t throw things, and most importantly, let it all out.” Ballerini’s music and live performances are a safe place for her fans to let out all of their pent-up emotions. As the heart said next, “Did you really  go to a Kelsea Ballerini concert if you still have your voice the next day?” Excitement was high as Ballerini started the show with the titular track to her album, “Patterns.” Her vocals were strong and clear, commanding the stage as all eyes were on her. To begin, she sat silhouetted upon a mountain of suitcases, representing the metaphorical baggage she sorts through in her latest album. The stage remained dark as Ballerini’s name came up on the screen while visuals of her played behind her.  When she moved down to the front of the stage, a spotlight came up to shine upon Ballerini in her geometrical gold dress. She looked gorgeous with her long, wavy blonde hair flowing as waved to the crowd. She then started playing “Baggage,” which has become a fan favorite from Patterns. A song about moving forward in a new relationship after the end of an old one, the heartfelt and relatable lyrics clearly connected with the audience as they yelled them back to her. From there, she went back a decade to play her debut hit single, “Love Me Like You Mean It.” Released when Ballerini was only 19, this song opened the door for her launch to stardom. The love for this song has only grown stronger as time has gone on, and it was clear that some OG fans were there to show their support. The energy of girl power and sisterhood was high the entire night. However, all of the men around me seemed to enjoy the show as much as the women they came with. Soon up was, “IF YOU GO DOWN (I’M GOIN’ DOWN TOO),” an anthem of female friendship and a promise to be a true ride or die for your girls. Though I went to the show by myself, I didn’t feel left out seeing the other women grab their girl friends and promise to be there for them until the very end.  After another throwback with “Hole in the Bottle,” Ballerini exited the stage for a few minutes as glowing lights descended from the ceiling and the visual of a spinning carousel appeared on screen. Ballerini returned to the stage in a skin-tight, glittery catsuit and shimmery black heels. She strutted down the catwalk with the confidence of a born performer, which, of course, she is.  Her stage presence shined as she sang, “Blindsided,” a song detailing the feelings of anger and betrayal that occur after a breakup. Since its release, this song has resonated with fans who have taken Ballerini’s words and projected their own experiences on them. This was clear as the noise level rose with fans screaming the words as loud as they could. “So, we have some female rage in here, huh?” Ballerini asked as she started another angry anthem with, “Miss Me More,” followed by, “We Broke Up.”   Things calmed down with “Two Things” and “Mountain With A View/Interlude.” Next up was “WAIT!” This song is my favorite from “Patterns,” and I have been waiting to hear it live since the album was released in November. It completely exceeded my expectations and was the highlight of my night. Ballerini exited the stage a second time and returned in a glittery black romper and an acoustic guitar. Her band had also exited the stage, letting her have a moment alone with the audience. She spoke about the evolution of her career and her gratitude for the love and support her fans have shown her throughout the years. She also spoke about her dog, Dibs, who was sitting backstage with her partner, Chase Stokes. Fans know the love Ballerini has for her dog, especially as she played the song she named him after. After a few more throwback songs, Ballerini went back to playing songs from “Welcome Mat” and “Patterns,” ending the set with “How Do I Do This?” She exited the stage in a shower of confetti as the crowd cheered. But that wasn’t all. The stage lights came up again to reveal Ballerini in a dramatically fluffy black jacket. For her encore, she sang “Penthouse (Healed Version)” from “Welcome Mat.” She hit every note, crushing every high note with ease. As the title suggests, Ballerini has long healed from her past experiences. However, she still managed to express the raw emotion that comes after a brutal breakup. The energy was palpable as she ended the night on a high note. As she exited the stage for the last time, I wished she could play her entire discography. The evening felt like a night of self-care surrounded by 13,000 other people who needed it as much as I did. Though it can feel like the weight of the world gets heavier each day, Ballerini reminded us all to “check it at the door” and enjoy a night of catharsis through music. If you need a night that feels like a sleepover with your closest friends, Kelsea Ballerini is your girl. Her music has held me through the best and the worst times, and I look forward to seeing her again in the future. Ballerini’s talent is undeniable, and her vocals sound the same, if not better than they do in studio versions of her music. With her captivating stage presence and ability to make a seemingly personal connection with everyone in the audience, she is a superstar, she is finally getting the recognition she deserves. If anything, her live performances just prove that a headlining tour was long overdue.  Written By Tessa Brainard Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

  • Review: "I Still Think Of You" - EEVAH

    In this smashing new hit, EEVAH gives us a glimpse into grief and the guilt that comes with the grieving process. The heart-wrenching yet relatable lyrics help bring the point of the song home. Some of my favorite lyrics from the song are, "The brightest memories that sting as they fade out / The whitest flowers they bought and then laid down / You would have smiled at it all if you saw that / I lie awake and think of that." These lyrics personally resonate with me. In my past experience with grief the reminiscing is the hardest part. Towards the end of the song, we're give a clear picture of all the emotions that come with grieving when the song says, "I hang my head in shame / Should I hang everything up again / And I didn't see it coming then / It still hurts me when I think of when you left me." There's a level of rawness exposed by the artist that helps the listener connect. Everyone has or will experience grief within their lifetime, and this song perfectly displays what it looks like to sort through those feelings. I would say we're met with a melancholic, yet dreamy, tone. The lyrics are rather nostalgic, holding lingering emotions regarding someone from the artist's past. This conveys a bittersweet feeling within the song. The overall production of the song helps deliver an intimate tone. This helps tie the mood together, which appears wistful yet reflective. It evokes emotional vulnerability with an underlying sense of warmth. The instrumentation adds a hypnotic feel, adding even more emotional depth, which furthers the wistful mood. The synthesizers, guitar, and soft drums pull the song together by making the emotions appear more vivid. The minimal use of percussion helps the song feel intimate rather than dramatic, allowing the listener to connect by focusing more intently on the vulnerability expressed in the lyrics. EEVAH comprises Nicole Hope Smith (vocals, bass), Faye Clayton (drums), and Embrace guitarist Richard McNamara. EEVAH combines moody atmospherics with indie pop, creating something fresh for listeners. Their previous singles have received plays from BBC 6Music and BBC Radio 1. EEVAH has supported artists such as Everything Everything, Duran Duran, and We Are Scientists. Last year, they embarked on their debut headline tour. EEVAH continues creating music that helps bridge the gap between lyricism and infectious, stadium sized anthems. The song "I Still Think of You" comes from the upcoming EP "I Didn't See It Coming" which is set to be released May 23rd. If you're looking for something vulnerable, unique, and raw, make sure you check out EEVAH. Written By Destiny Rundquist FOLLOW EEVAH: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube

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