Search Results
5440 results found with an empty search
- Review: "Stop Myself" - Cheska Moore
It’s been a while since I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing one of Cheska Moore’s singles, but I gotta say this one is definitely a new favorite! “Stop Myself” is the latest single by the UK artist. It’s sexy and sultry, and the perfect accompaniment to any spicy romance book you may have on your “to be read” list. I went ahead and listened to this while re-reading “Icebreaker” by Hannah Grace, and it made the experience so much better. The song is about craving the attention about someone you can’t have, and needing to stop yourself because you know there’s no chance for a connection to develop. That’s a feeling that I’ve come to understand all too well. You can practically hear the desperation bleeding from Moore’s voice, which only draws me in deeper to the song and its meaning. I especially love the lyric, “I feel that heaven’s / Getting away from me / Getting afraid of what I might do / If you were close to me”. It’s obsession at its finest, and impeccably translated on the page. One thing I love about Moore’s voice is the slight grittiness that you hear. I’m not sure if that has to do with the details added during post-production, but it suits her extremely well. It’s unique, and a sound that I don’t hear very often from most artists. And speaking of the production, it’s incredible! This is the kind of song that I think would go insane at a club or EDM rave! Most of Moore’s songs have this stellar level of production added, and I love it. It’s extremely well done, you can tell there’s a lot of love and talent put into every song. Last time I reviewed one of Cheska Moore’s singles, it was back when she released “Psychos In Love”. I can definitely tell that she’s grown a lot as an artist since that release. Moore is a UK-based singer and songwriter whose career first began in 2019, with the release of her hit single, “Boy Who Tried.” Then, in 2020, she began to get more attention online with the covers she would post. She covered hit songs like “Believe” and “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”, which helped her go viral online. Moore has around 57,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, and that’s just at the start of this year. She is bound to skyrocket as an artist come the end of 2025. “Stop Myself” is streaming everywhere online, now, so go be sure to check it out! Written By Isabel Mays FOLLOW CHESKA MOORE: Instagram | Spotify | Website | YouTube
- EP Review: "Living & Breathing" - Alex Runo
Award-winning Swedish singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer, Alex Runo, has released his long-time anticipated debut EP/mini-album, "Living & Breathing". TRACKLIST No Good Gone Living And Breathing Paper Love White Flag I Am More Than This White Flag - Live Studio Version Alex Runo is not a new name to the industry. Growing up on listening to artists like Sam Cooke , Stevie Wonder , Aretha Franklin , Marvin Gaye and Otis Redding , Alex Runo grew to love the raw classic sounds of soul, funk, rock, blues and gospel music. Writing songs and performing live became his passion. He dedicated almost 2 decades of his life touring with other artists such as Shirley Clamp , Uno Svenningsson , Robin Stjernberg , and Lisa Miskovsky , as a backup singer, guitarist and bassist. He has written and produced songs for/with Asian superstars like Evan Li, EXILE , TVXQ , and Cho Yong Pil , having gone multi-Gold, Platinum and winning multiple awards for various projects. Working out of Studio 3 at RoastingHouse Music in Sweden, Alex decided it was time to put some of his own music out there for the world to hear. He released his debut single "Underdog" in 2020, and has continued to tour for the past several years with artists like Måns Zelmerlöw , Carola , Jill Johnson , and Tingsek . Alex's music is a unique fusion of his classic muses, with a modern pop twist that can cater to anyone's tastes. “I write music that I hope makes you feel something, whatever that feeling might be." - Alex Runo No Good Gone We kick off this project with "No Good Gone", an empowering track about fighting your inner demons and not giving up on yourself no matter how bad things get. Stay optimistic, because anything is better than nothing at all. Just keep searching for a light somewhere in the midst of your darkness. There is always hope. My personal favorite lyrics in this song is, "Six feet under water, sure makes it hard to breathe, but six cents and a dollar somehow bought me relief". "No Good Gone" has a nostalgic, Soul-Pop and RnB soundscape with a super funky groove. After each chorus, the song breaks down into a holy-like interlude, with a gorgeous vocal arrangements and organ. For the duration of the song, Alex sings between a powerful falsetto and grit, with a distortion effect to add to the classic quality and tone. The song weaves dynamically and emotionally, creating a perfectly crafted hit. Just when you think it's over, it busts out into a final 25 second, groovy instrumental outro. Living And Breathing Next, sitting at track number two is the title track, "Living And Breathing". This song is about being madly, deeply in love with somebody who you know isn't good for your well-being anymore, but you just can't help the way you feel about them. There's something inside you that knows you should let go, but you also have this unbearable feeling that you can't live without them, regardless of toxic behavior. Alex sings, "‘Cause there’s something magic in the madness that you bring / I know I’m living & breathing when I’m with you" . "Living And Breathing" starts with just piano and Alex singing with soft and soulful emotion. The song builds with guitar and gentle drums, with slight electronic production elements to add some experimental flare. At the end, we get to experience an explosion of energy and passion as Alex belts flawless high notes, with new heartbreaking lyrics to bring a conclusion to the story. Paper Love "Paper Love" compares the fragility of relationships to the nature of paper. Paper can be both sturdy and easily destroyed. You can fold it, crumble it up, twist it... it'll be wrinkled and damaged forever but it's still intact; almost like a heart - but make one wrong move and it can rip or tear - that, you can't fix. If you put a flame to a piece of paper, it'll be gone within seconds; just like that one final disagreement right before a breakup that changes everything for good. "Paper Love" has a wide mixture of keys and synths, creating an electronic influenced soundscape with layers upon layers of beautiful vocals and cathartic harmonies. The song builds with drums and bass, eventually leading to a climax with horns, giving the song some of Alex's signature soul and blues flare. White Flag "White Flag" is a validating song about how giving up doesn't make you weak. Sometimes, stepping away is the bravest and smartest thing to do. In the end, that is what makes you the bigger, better and stronger person. This song gives heavy, classic soul rock vibes. It's very empowering, with strong and gritty lead vocals, singing a melody with plenty of satisfying blues notes. The electric guitar shines on this track, adding just the right amount of distortion and darkness. This song has a rhythm and beat and a background vocal riff that makes you want to both clap and sing along. It's very anthemic and a perfect crowd-worker. I Am More Than This I'm not gonna lie to you, this one brought a tear to my eye. "I Am More Than This" is about recognizing your worth, and wanting to do something about it. It may take a long time and lot of effort to get to where you want to be, but you're not going to sit around and let yourself be stuck anymore. It's time to take action, and live the life you've always wanted and deserve. "I Am More Than This" is a slow, emotional ballad with a swaying groove. It features gentle electric guitar, keys, drums and horns to give it that classic soul atmosphere. The melody is crafted to be cathartic and powerful, perfectly conveying the message it was meant to send. White Flag - Live Studio Version Lastly, we have the live version of "White Flag", which was recorded and filmed at the Wikman Drum Studio in Stockholm, Sweden. This was a part of a band project by a few of Alex's best friends, called " Therapy Sessions ", in which they invite new artists to come play with them live for each show. Alex got to be in the premiere episode, showcasing his never heard before song at the time, "White Flag". This version is significantly different in a very good way. It gives a whole new mood to the song. It's both mellow and energetic; it's dynamically diverse, having it's highs and lows to really draw out the emotion. An extra saxophone and trumpet were added to create a 3-piece horn section, adding a jazzy tone to the soulful mix. The duration of the track is over 2 minutes longer, with a gorgeous and cathartic instrumental break before the last chorus. There's a reason why soul music has it's name; because it comes straight from the soul . Alex Runo is a natural, and when you listen to his music you can tell that these songs just flowed right out of him, purely and effortlessly. The best music is made with raw human emotion, and this EP is exactly that. The style is such a big fusion of sounds all ages and backgrounds know and live, that really anybody could listen, connect, relate and appreciate it. If I had to do some comparing, I'd say if you're a fan of Ed Sheeran , Bruno Mars , Justin Timberlake , and/or Sam Smith , I have no doubt you're gonna love Alex Runo. Alex is all about performing live, so make sure to follow him below to keep up on when he will be performing near you! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW ALEX: Instagram | Facebook | Spotify *Sponsored Post - Discovered on SubmitHub. A contribution was made to help create this article as part of a promotional campaign.
- Review: "RUN" - Moniah
London-based artist Moniah’s latest release “RUN” is a bold and refreshing electronic pop single deep in both bold rhythm and sincere exploration of her freedom and identity. “RUN” details a past relationship that wasn’t supporting Moniah’s personal growth. She moves past this partnership to further her own self-discovery and personal freedom outside of this person. Despite “RUN” being about a relationship coming to an end, Moniah stays positive that this will not be enough to hold her down. She details aspects of the relationship with lyrics like “Drag me through the dust, then run to Vegas”, displaying the disappointing treatment she’d been receiving. After, though, the lyrics “Meet me on the field / I’m there / I’m there” play, telling the ex-partner and the listener that she is up for the challenge of being hurt and doubted. This track is both personal in Moniah’s own experiences while having the relatability to anyone who has had to leave a relationship that was no longer beneficial to them. In the moment, it’s hard to say goodbye despite knowing it’s what’s best for you, but the aftermath always plays out in your favor. Moniah, and anyone else who has been in a similar position, now has the freedom to discover and grow parts of themselves that were once being held back by someone who wasn’t in their corner. Moniah knows how to pull from her own emotions and create an amplifying and uplifting track that resonates with her audience. Click here to listen to "Run"! “RUN” is an electro pop track that encapsulates everything that Moniah set out for it to do. In her words, “RUN” is her “most fearless song yet” and “...fun, electrifying, and unapologetically bold”. Truly an electrifying dance pop single, this track maintains an energetic pace from the start that slowly builds to a chorus that will magnify the room. Although “RUN” is high-energy, Moniah never falls short to keep up with the momentum. Combining her soulful voice with the pop beats of this single make for a highly satisfying synth-pop experience. Moniah states that this track was carefully crafted for an unforgettable listening experience, and she hits the nail on the head with this feat. Beginning in the R&B scene, Moniah’s music trajectory has turned to pop to create exciting, genre-fusing art. Despite the change in direction of her music, Moniah’s super-charged voice remains at the forefront. Passionate and expressive, Moniah is able to take her raw songwriting and turn it into a refreshing pop track that is sure to excite. Moniah blends a number of influences within her music with artists like PinkPantheress and Beyonce . Through her influences she is able to create her own unique brand of pop. “RUN” is her latest release coming after her single “HARSH REALITY”, a slower yet still incredibly introspective piece. Her upcoming debut EP is set to release this Spring. Written By Navi Madrid FOLLOW MONIAH: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube
- EP Review: "Dead Inside" - LEW
LEW - Dead Inside via Instagram LEW underwent a complete rebrand in 2024. The now pop-rock singer-songwriter once sang country music under her legal name, Lauren Weintraub. In the final quarter of the year, she announced her new stage name LEW — her initials — and the fresh sound change. Alongside this announcement, she released her lead track from Dead Inside, “ Army.” While I have adored LEW since her country days, I instantly re-fell in love with this new persona and the fiery music that came along with it. Dead Inside is a skip-less EP that encapsulates this new sound while maintaining the artist’s signature cheeky lyrics. Through the five new songs, the singer takes the listener through a vivid story of love, heartbreak, and pain. Track List Army Hideous Pressure Points Jared Dead Inside LEW is a multigenre singer-songwriter born in Boston and now based in Nashville. She moved to the music city in 2014 releasing country-pop songs. She has performed at the Grand Ole Opry and several country music festivals. In 2023, I had the honor to see her as a supporting act for Tenille Arts at the Troubadour in Los Angeles. I went in completely unknowledgeable about who Lauren Weintraub was, but I left a fan of the phenomenal singer whose voice gave me goosebumps – something that doesn’t happen to me often. The artist has received impressive achievements, including a nomination for “TikTok Songwriter of the Year” at the 2022 iHeartRadio Awards and being named a HITS Magazine “One to Watch” in 2022. LEW is heading on a mini tour to promote Dead Inside . Head to her website to snag tickets and don’t forget to follow on Social Media to stay updated with all new releases and announcements! Army LEW kicks off her flawless EP with the lead single, “Army.” The fiery track exposes her ex-boyfriend for his toxic behavior while showcasing the singer’s mesmerizing vocals. The first time I heard the song, I couldn’t stop replaying it (and if I’m being honest, months later, it’s still on repeat). The song is a perfect pop-rock anthem that would satisfy any fan of Paramore . LEW’s lyrics are undeniably clever. She kicks off the song immediately calling out his 32+ red flags, including disliking The Beatles and loving things “that are a little bit illegal.” The pre-chorus hints at the hook when she sings, “My friends all say I dodged a bullet, but it’s worse than that.” In the chorus, she breaks into everything she dodged: a year of bad sex, him wishing she was his ex, and her waiting up for him to never call her, just to name a few. Then, she ends the chorus with the cheeky hook: “My friends say I dodged a bullet, but they don’t even know it // No, I dodged a whole damn army.” When I first heard the hook reveal, my jaw dropped to the floor. The unique switch from dodging one single bullet to an entire army brought chills to my spine, solidifying LEW’s title as one of my favorite songwriters of all time. Hideous LEW continues her project with another masterpiece that highlights her impeccable songwriting. The pop-rock anthem is electrifying, upholding the fiery soundscape of the album while simultaneously maintaining individuality and uniqueness. LEW showcases her vocal range with beautiful falsettos and lovely melodies, earning “Hideous” my top song on the EP. The song is tongue-in-cheek with lyrics that explore inner and outer beauty. She tells her muse they “belong in a magazine” for their gorgeous looks. However, in the chorus, she once again builds to a clever hook. She sings, “Whatever’s up there // Gave you that face, that charm, that hair // But they missed a few parts // Must have run out of hearts.” These lines reveal that her subject is gorgeous, but while they were being made, they were not made complete — like the Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz . She continues with the hook: “What a downside, from the outside you’re the prettiest // But inside you're hideous // And ain’t that the shittiest?” These lyrics were so well written, building vivid imagery of a beautiful man built from a higher power. But his looks are ruined by his horrible personality. LEW holds nothing back in the first two songs on Dead Inside , and she continues to come for blood in the next two. Pressure Points “Pressure Points” is the emotionally vulnerable song of the EP. The heartwrenching ballad explores the singer’s pain after falling hard and putting all her trust in someone, only for them to rip her heart from her chest. Throughout the hauntingly beautiful track she confesses she let this person in, revealing the most deeply intimate parts of herself. In the pre-chorus, she sings: “Showed you all my scars and all my secrets // ‘Cause it made me feel strong to wear my weakness” before going into the devastating chorus: “I gave you my heart // And now you’re using it against me // Showed you my cards // For you to turn and be the enemy // I gave you my trust // Because I thought that you’d respect me, and protect me // But you wrecked me.” These lyrics reveal the truth that the one person LEW thought she could trust the most turned out to be her biggest downfall. With all of the lyrics of the song, the hook heavily drives this concept home with “Must be your drug of choice // To press on my pressure points.” The singer not only believes the subject did this on purpose but also that they enjoyed the suffering they caused. They are an emotional sadist who gets off on the misery of others. LEW perfectly describes this bait and switch, making “Pressure Points” the most shattering song on the EP. Jared Jared, if you’re reading this… RUN. Dead Inside ’s next track ruthlessly calls out LEW’s ex-boyfriend. The song breaks the fourth wall as the singer tells her subject that he is “lucky nothing rhymes with Jared.” Otherwise, she would be compelled to write a deadly anthem that exposes his awful behavior and the damage he left in his wake. The second verse dives deeper into this with hilarious quips about what she would say if she could write his name into the song, including the line: “I couldn’t out in my song today // I couldn’t find the words // Call me immature // If it had worked // I would’ve killed you by the second verse.” This is exactly what the singer is doing, making the song even more legendary. However, the lyrics are not the only aspect of “Jared” that leaves listeners in awe. LEW’s stunning vocals hit impressive notes in the chorus as the singer belts the song's (and ex-boyfriend’s) name, astonishing her audience with her range. The song scratches an itch that words cannot even explain, bringing me back to the night when I was introduced to LEW. Her vocal range is on par with some of the industry’s biggest and brightest names, making her one of my greatest recommendations for the next artists to watch. Sending unsolicited EP recommendations to my friends be like..... Dead Inside LEW closes out the EP with the title track – a song that deviates from the four other songs. While the previous tracks focus on anger and sorrow from heartbreak, “Dead Inside” brings a fresh perspective on the singer’s outlook on love. While she admits that the world around her is burning (and let’s be real, LEW’s EP couldn’t come at a better time – we all need a positive distraction), she is not as cynical as she once was. Before, she thought she was “dead inside,” but she is falling for someone new. The butterflies are swarming in her stomach, and she cannot help but think of her muse night and day. It is terrifying because all she has ever experienced is heartache. But now, she is wondering why she was ever jaded about love because this new person has let her open up her heart. Alongside LEW is singer-songwriter Knox harmonizing perfectly, making the beautiful love ballad a perfect way to end the project. It shows a different side of the artist and a glimpse of what's to come in the future – hope and healing. With only five tracks, Dead Inside by LEW packs a big punch. The EP is full of impeccable tracks that leave listeners craving more from the artist. She has big plans in store for the future, now that she has found her sound and leaned into the style she feels is most authentically hers. Each song is uniquely its own while forming together to create one cohesive project. If Dead Inside is an indication of what LEW will release in the future, I know it will be on my top album list. No, but seriously, my friends appreciate my music taste. Written By Karlee Skipper Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.
- Review: "GO TO HELL" - KAYKO
A love song for the emos, KAYKO has released his latest single, "GO TO HELL," proving that falling for someone can be unavoidable. The pop-punk/pop-rock track takes us on a journey of unescapable love, narrating the singer's inner turmoil as he grapples with falling for someone even when he didn't want to. Released on January 24, "GO TO HELL" comes out just in time for the Valentine's Day season, giving listeners a relatable anthem for those moments in life when you're adamant you won't fall in love with someone until you meet that one person that changes everything. Easygoing and breezy, KAYKO's "GO TO HELL" is a shockingly sweet and cheery single compared to its edgy title. The track blends elements of pop-punk, indie, and pop-rock together to create a modern emo soundscape, reminding us of acts like All Time Low , BOYS LIKE GIRLS , and We The Kings . Matching the immersive feeling of slowly falling for someone, "GO TO HELL" features a mix of dreamy synths, explosive guitar riffs, heavy hitting percussion, and powerhouse vocals, giving us an addictive sound we can get lost in. A Nashville-based writer and producer, KAYKO has been on the rise since he was eyed by Katy Perry for his talent and accidentally found his way onto Season 22 of American Idol . KAYKO is an alternative pop artist, drawing on influences from pop-punk, synth-pop, and musical theatre. He has independently garnered over 1 million streams on his music and surpasses 10 million streams for his writing credits. Some of his popular songs include "TIME OF YOUR LIFE," "WHAT IF?," "Poser," and "Crash & Burn." Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW KAYKO: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "More Than Need U" - BABO BABY
Photography: Ela Kallo “More Than Need U” is the newest single from BABO BABY, a song detailing when yearning still doesn’t fully convey the love you have for someone. It’s a feeling that fully takes over and operates the gears in your mind. Enter the butterflies in your stomach and you’ve got a full blown crush, but that’s not what BABO BABY discusses in “More Than Need U”, but rather the next level above that. When this person is all you can think about. When you feel like you can’t breathe when you're around them. When your worst fear is that they may not even like you back. These are the emotions he conveys in this song. The love is so strong it consumes every aspect of your life. The production of “More Than Need U” consists of a classic disco beat, inspired by a mix of 80s disco and pop and vaporwave. An ambient synth is layered upon fun claps and bass, making this song perfect for a nightclub playlist. It’s also very fitting for the moment in a TV series or movie when two characters who have the best chemistry finally get together, especially with the elevating instrumentation styles at certain points in the song. Overlapping the main vocals and the background vocals to create additional harmonization was a very original and creative decision while making the song. BABO BABY also has amazing vocals that add to how flawless “More Than Need U” is. BABO BABY is a music artist from Canada. Involved in the singing, songwriting, and producing of “More Than Need U”, it’s already apparent he is a star in the making. He has also released two other fantastic songs prior to this single, “Your Babo Baby” and “The Same”. This is all for the project BABO BABY; his real name is Jesse Merineau. He’s been making music since 2018, starting with the single That Night . While going under BABO BABY, he plans to shift his consistent music style from alternative and rock to pop. He has worked with several different producers, including Luke Roes , who has assisted him in making his current releases. BABO BABY is an incredible and very talented musician! Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW BABO BABY: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "Get2U" - The Farside
It’s easy to get discouraged in the face of the “will they, won’t they” part of a relationship, when you’re wondering if they’re actually interested in you, playing hard to get, or are just playing with you. The Farside’s newest single “Get2U” hopes that, in spite of the chase, you won’t let it get to you. It’s a feel-good song, upbeat and dynamic with a soundscape that keeps its listeners enraptured throughout its runtime. The Farside really captures what it means to be stuck in that indeterminate space between being with somebody yet still trying to get with them; it’s frustrating and cyclical, but the song’s tone keeps you feeling good about whatever’s on the horizon anyways. It’s hopeful that for you, and everyone else listening along, that you’ll be able to get to them. If you need a song that will get you pumped up, then “Get2U” is going to be exactly that. The track is unapologetically energetic, and the energy that it gives is driven right to its listeners. Firstly, you’ve got this super fun soundscape with some percussion, some guitar, and sparkly synth, which all come together to create a nice, upbeat pop sound– and I can’t forget to mention the killer guitar solo from 2:35 to 3:03, with that being something I always love in a good pop song. And secondly, the vocals are butter-smooth, flowing perfectly with the song’s current; it’s no exaggeration when I say that “Get2U” is a blast to sing along to. And let’s talk about the lyrics, too, since they’re another brilliant part of this track. All about that push-and-pull, the songwriting taps into the unknowns of an almost-relationship; I love the parts of the song that imply that the narrator’s object of affection is playing with them, teasing them, all while the chorus comes back around to let the listeners know to not let it get to them. Listeners get to follow along with the narrator’s troubles while the track is coated in a vibrant, animated soundscape, a fun juxtaposition that helps everyone feel uplifted about their situationships or crushes. “Get2U” is going to make you feel better no matter what your relationship looks like, and hopefully you’ll get them in the end! Composed of Adam Fox and Aaron Griffin, The Farside is an alt-pop duo from Morgantown, West Virginia. The two spent some time in an alternative band throughout high school and college with a varying cast, but in 2020 they decided to form The Farside, leaning more into the pop genre. Similar to artists such as A Story Told, Smallpools, and The Band CAMINO, their music has retro touches that mingle with their rock roots, as well as being inspired by synthwave and modern pop. Their debut single “If I’m Being Honest” dropped in 2020, being followed later that same year with their debut EP Party’s Over . “Get2U” is the Farside’s latest release, and its energy is exactly what you want for the new year. Don’t forget to drop The Farside a follow to keep track of their next projects! Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW THE FARSIDE: Instagram | Spotify | Facebook | Website
- Review: "Violet Heartbreak" - Kingston Rose
When we start to see the flowers die away and our heart break along with it, we lose the fire that ignites us to see through the pain. Then, when that one person blooms in the empty field and grows into our hearts, we realize heartbreak is not the end to our story. Even as blizzards may hit, the rose we had hoped for still lives on in our lives and is there through all the pain. Kingston Rose ignites the fire within us to still look for that rose in the blizzard who will not leave our side no matter how bad the storm hits. When we have finally found the right person, growing to the stratosphere with that special rose will truly be the height we have been waiting to reach. A deep, slow melody pulls us into the soft harmony of Kingston's gentle tone. The song has a steady, but addicting and peaceful ambience that eases us into the lyrics. He reflects the feeling of pain he had been going through alone. The stems are low, until a rose blooms high above the ground and is there when he needed it the most. He is ready to grow past the pain now that he has found someone to fight through the blizzard alongside him. The chorus of the song reflects the lyrics and tone of his voice as he is ready for his story to grow into great heights. The emotional tone he brings displays the fire that has once again been ignited in his soul as he grows through the heartbreak and pain. Kingston Rose's "Violet Heartbreak" is truly the rose we need to bloom through the blizzard of the heartbreak we are ready to grow past. Kingston Rose is an artist who was born in the UK and raised in New Zealand. In 2020, he pursued his Bachelor's in Commercial music at Massey University, but decided to take another route after two years in Auckland. Here, he started writing and producing music for local artists while he began his own path in the music industry by creating his debut album which was released near the end of 2024. He wanted to make each song distinct and show the variety in his music, while still sharing his story through his heartfelt lyrics. Kingston Rose shares the highs and lows of his life, while creating impactful and beautiful lyrics that is set to reach great heights as he continues to release new music. Written By Nini Alano FOLLOW KINGSTON ROSE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Best Anti-Love Songs for Valentine's Day
For every person feeling full of love on Valentine’s Day, there’s someone feeling equally jaded and bitter over the iconic holiday. Some hate it because it’s a cliché day, while others despise it for personal reasons, like loneliness and heartbreak. Regardless of your feelings about the holiday in question, there’s no denying that there are plenty of iconic songs to capture a cynical outlook on love. So if you’re feeling sour this time of year or are curious to hear some tracks that reflect those vexed, negative feelings, this list is for you. Read on to check out our list of Best Anti-Love Songs for Valentine’s Day! Miley Cyrus - "Flowers" An ode to independence and self-reliance, Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers” is an empowering anthem for those wanting to feel stronger and bolder this Valentine’s Day. The disco-inspired track embraces life after a relationship, exploring the autonomy and freedom found while being single. Cyrus shows us that you don’t need to be dependent on anyone and can do the simple things, like buying flowers, on your own. Chappell Roan - "My Kink Is Karma" For those feeling a little on the toxic side, Chappell Roan’s “My Kink Is Karma” should be your go to song this Valentine’s Day. The synth-pop track relishes in an ex’s bad luck, wishing them worst after a breakup, which is honestly relatable as many of us have an ex we love to hate (IYKYK). Revealing the inspiration behind the song in an interview with Into , Roan states, "I've been through some pretty gnarly breakups. I was just sitting in the session and I was like, 'Ah, it feels so nice that my ex is doing horrible!' Which is insanely toxic. The song is toxic! I'm very aware that it's not healthy. But that's how I was feeling that day." The All-American Rejects - "Gives You Hell" Keeping things toxic and vengeful, “Gives You Hell” by The All-American Rejects is up next on our list. While the pop-punk track isn’t necessarily about love, it’s still highly relatable if you have an ex that you loathe. Tyson Ritter sheds light on the story behind the lyrics, stating the song "is about this asshole, it's a dude who will never know it's about him. It's kind of this tongue-in-cheek way of looking at someone you hate, whether it's your mom, for some reason, or it's your teacher at school, or it's your boss at work. It's just someone who makes you struggle, and it's giving them the finger." Taylor Swift - "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" Notorious for writing about breakups and past relationships, Taylor Swift’s “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” is the perfect anthem for those totally over their exes. The track’s lyrics narrate Swift’s frustration with an ex who is trying to rekindle their relationship, telling a story many of us can relate to. “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” is the lead single from Swift’s fourth studio album, Red , being one of her many hits that incorporate infectious melodies and dazzling synths into her signature pop sound. Kelly Clarkson - "Since U Been Gone" Perfect for someone relieved over the end of their relationship, Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone” is an obvious addition to our list. The nostalgic 2004 track is a blend of pop-rock and power pop, boasting a powerful soundscape that accompanies the bold, empowering lyrics. Highly relatable, “Since U Been Gone” shows us that sometimes a breakup feels like weight being lifted off our shoulders and it’s okay to feel free after cutting a lover out of your life. Tate McRae - "exes" Unapologetic and proud, Tate McRae embraces the unpredictability of her relationships in her bold track, “exes.” The unabashed pop song served as the second single off her sophomore album, THINK LATER , and features shameless lyrics that capture McRae’s flippant attitude towards love. Madison Beer - "Good In Goodbye" Though ending a relationship can be crushing, sometimes saying goodbye to someone is a good thing. Madison Beer reflects on this in her track, “Good In Goodbye,” the lead single off her debut studio album, Life Support . Revealing the narrative behind the song, Beer has stated in interviews that “’Good In Goodbye’ is obviously about an ex and whatnot. But I think it's bigger than that. The title itself to me is important, because closing chapters in life is never easy. You know moving cities, leaving a job, leaving a relationship - things like that are never easy for anybody, but it's important in times of stress and in times of worry that you focus on the good in goodbye, because you know it is important to focus on the positive and the good path that you're going to be led down now that you have closed this other chapter.” Billie Eilish - "Happier Than Ever" While snarky, upbeat songs might feel cathartic during the Valentine’s Day season, sometimes it’s okay to sink into a heart wrenching ballad or two. Billie Eilish delves into the aftermath of being with a toxic lover in “Happier Than Ever,” exploring the different ways they failed her while they were together. The track is a reminder that some relationships need to end for a reason, especially when our happiness is on the line. Do you have any favorite anti-love songs? Did you hear any in this list that you love? Let us know on our socials! Written By Cheyenne Johnson Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.
- Review: Better - Alla Igityan
Alla Igityan's "Better" is a heartfelt exploration of personal growth, healing, and the bittersweet nature of change. The lyrics dive deep into the emotional struggle of trying to move on while confronting unresolved feelings. Igityan sings about wanting to better -- not just for someone else, but for herself with lyrics like, "'Cause falling in love with you, it felt great / but falling out of love feels better." This is something many people can relate to, the pain feeling everlasting, but failing to recognize the growth. The vulnerability in these lyrics resonate with anyone who have felt the weight of past mistakes or the pressure of self-expectations. "Better" provides a sense of solidarity, a reminder that growth isn't linear, but always worth striving for. The reflective tone of the song invites listeners to pause and reflect towards their own journey of healing. "Better" delivers a smooth, introspective blend of pop and indie elements, wrapped in a comforting yet melancholic atmosphere. Her voice, warm and vulnerable, carries an emotional weight. It resonates with the lyrics, which explores themes of self-reflection and growth. The guitar riff that starts the song creates an ethereal backdrop for Igityan's haunting vocals. The song's structure is simple yet effective, with a gradual build-up that mirrors the emotional journey it conveys. There's a wistful sense of longing and hope, creating a bittersweet feeling that stays with you long after the track ends. Igityan's song is a carefully crafted piece that evokes both a sense of quiet melancholy and subtle optimism. Alla Igityan is from Yerevan, Armenia, but lives in Berlin, Germany. She's not only a singer-songwriter, but also a software engineer, managing a balance between both career choices. Igityan's love for music started with learning how to play violin and teaching herself guitar. At a young age, she manifested her success by making her karaoke performances into concerts then eventually uploading covers of her favorite songs on YouTube. She reached new levels of success with her first song. Igityan strongly believes in openly expressing her ideologies and personalities through her music. Listen to Alla's music on your preferred streaming platform. Written By Catherine Espejo FOLLOW ALLA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator
- Review: Infamous - Bella Masone
Bella Masone's "Infamous" explores the familiar tension we all experience -- wanting validation but fearing the cost of it. The track's vulnerability is raw and relatable, compelling listeners to reflect on their own experiences and expectations while navigating the chaos of trying to fit in. Masone sings about "Walk in my shoes / what could have made you choose? / To waste all your breath just to make infamous." The lyrics are applicable to any situation, whether that be a friendship or romantic relationship. It's a common experience that someone is talking about you, but it's grappling with how to acknowledge the situation. You don't want to be misunderstood from the narrative of what's being said. The song talks about how isolating it can feel, which hopefully can send the message to stand up for yourself. "Infamous" is a compelling blend of sultry pop and shadowy, highlighting Masone's raw and intimate vocals. There's an ethereal quality to her voice, yet it's laced with an undeniable strength -- her low register is velvety and evocative. The production pulls listeners into a world of simmering tension and unrelenting introspection. The song uses a haunting beat that leaves space for Masone's voice to command the listener's attention. The pacing is deliberate, like letting a story unfold at its own pace, allowing the mood to gradually intensify. The song wraps you in a blanket of melancholy and leaves you with a sense of emotional disarray. It feels like you've witnessed a quiet storm with the track's dark, nocturnal feel which makes you want to revisit the song over and over again. Bella Masone is from the Delaware area and has taken her love of music and blossomed into a singer-songwriter. At just 17 years old, she attributes her musical influence to Pop, R&B, and Folk artists. Masone's love of music goes beyond creating music, but also dance and piano lessons from childhood. Dance's artistic expression revealed to Masone her love of music. Masone furthered her musical education by participating in ballets, musicals, recitals, and competitions. Her goal with creating music is to help others process emotions and leaving the audience moved. You can listen to her debut EP called, "Call Me Bella!" Written By Catherine Espejo FOLLOW BELLA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Website | YouTube
- Review: "Oh!" - Hayes Warner
Dating today can be so superficial. In a world where it seems like men value appearance over personality, a woman might think she has to fit a certain mold to have a successful dating life. Somehow, it’s okay for the typical finance bro or artsy guy to exist, but in order for them to like you, you’d have to mold yourself to fit their aesthetic. If you’re a woman sick of dealing with narcissistic men who only know how to objectify women, “Oh!” by Hayes Warner is the pop anthem for you. It’s rare to find a guy who has genuine intentions. Hayes calls out these guys immediately as soon as the song starts. She sings “First thing I learned when I tried to catch his eye/ It’s all looks, he don’t care about my mind/ Boys and their toys, they don’t treat ‘em very nice/ But two can play at the game of butterflies”. She’s saying that men only treat women like objects and toss them around like rag dolls. She’s acknowledging the double standards that men and women face, and how they are dismissive of her intelligence and personality. She’s aware of the game he’s playing, but what he doesn’t know is that she’s in the lead. Hayes opens up about emotional vulnerability in the pre-chorus, with the lyrics “Give your heart out and they’ll break it (they’ll break your heart)/ It’s much easier to fake it (Oh, it’s an art)”. She’s saying it’s easier to fake it and stay emotionally disconnected because there is a lower risk of getting hurt. By now, she knows how the game works and putting him into overdrive allows her to gain control and power. The chorus reminded me of a modern day “Circus” by Britney Spears. Now, Hayes is putting on a performance and the lyrics “Oh, I’m putin’ on a show for you/ Let’s go, I’ll do it like you want me to/ You can bend me like I’m rubber/ I’m an actress undercover” prove it. “Oh!” is a fun pop song on the surface, but actually touches upon the complex issues girls face with modern day dating. If girls are faking who they are to impress a guy, why aren’t they impressing us? Hayes acknowledges that a relationship is a two-way street, and “Oh!” is the realization that she deserves better, that she deserves more. Produced by Zhone, Jimmy Jansson, and Jackson Hoffman, “Oh!” is a track about putting on a performance for someone else’s benefit and how those relationships are built on the manipulation of those emotions. Hayes has an amazing voice, one made for pop music. The production of this song takes it to a whole new level. The strategic use of reverb, synth, electronic beats, and the instrumentation brings “Oh!” to life. The song is clever, and the music video was even better. You watch Hayes go on a series of dates with different guys and you’ll watch how she changes her appearance or interests to fit their “type”. She’s a performer and she’s making the dating scene her stage, and you can certainly picture that when you’re listening to the song. Hayes Warner is a singer-songwriter from New York. Warner landed a publishing deal with Glassnote Records after graduating from Northwestern University’s musical theater program. Her talent hasn’t gone unnoticed and she has composed work for a variety of television clients such as Netflix, Disney, Nickelodeon, Paramount, and Fox. Hayes is a verified artist on Spotify and has over 127,930 monthly listeners. I’m actually lucky enough to have met Hayes at her release party for “Predator” over the summer. I crashed with my boss who was raving about her on the way to the event. Even though there was no other reason for me to be there, Hayes introduced herself and was genuinely one of the kindest people ever. Since I left that release party, I refreshed Spotify every day until “Predator” was released. I immediately started listening to more of her work, and just by talking to her you can tell how proud and passionate she is. It's so clear to me that she’s a star. Not only was she kind, her manager and the rest of her team were as well, and the support they have for each other is truly unmatched. Hayes Warner is a name that is going to be plastered on billboards one day. You should listen to her now or you’ll regret it! Check out “Oh!” and give it a listen! Written By Alexa LaMalfa FOLLOW HAYES WARNER: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube


















