Abbey Lane offers encouragement to those who may be struggling to see the joy of life in hard moments. We gain an understanding of how she feels while also being able to process what we're feeling. One of my favorite lines from the beginning says, "Loosen up the grip I got a hold of in my mind / Finding all the urges that would leave me / Paralyzed / Might get a little dark sometimes / But today I stood in sunlight / No I won't let it get me down." Personally, this line resonates with me because I have a tendency to push myself into seeing the good in every situation even when it's hard. I think the chorus holds a lot of value when it comes to the overarching theme that's being conveyed. We come to appreciate the support we're getting from the artist. The chorus says, "Today I got my head off my sofa / Seems small but it's progress and so far / I've been making baby steps to my front door / There's so much to get up for / So I'll keep trying." There's beauty in knowing that a person is trying to shift their mindset. The tone of the song is rather introspective. Abbey Lane is looking inward trying to better understand herself. By doing so she not only understands herself better, but she also creates a way for us to take a deeper look at ourselves as well. This bleeds into the mood which happens to be a mix of melancholic yet hopeful. While it makes you feel slightly sad that you're stuck in what may feel like a never ending loop of sadness, you're also hopeful that with time and careful steps you'll get to where you want to be. Instrumentation contributes to the overall vibe of the song, giving it the slower, melancholic feel. The blend of acoustic guitar, drums, and the keyboard help fold the lyrics into the rest of the song, creating a cohesive piece. Abbey Lane showcases her love for music and her insane talent through her first single of 2025 “Baby Steps.” Through her 13 years of experience in the music realm, it’s becoming increasingly noticeable that she pours her whole heart into her music. She’s accomplished a great deal including collaborating with writers like Yung Bleu and Tenille Arts . Abbey Lane recently performed at Old Bar Beach Festival and Rockhampton River Festival . Her 2024 debut EP drew a lot of attention with the track “Darling” which won Best Folk Song of The Year at the ASA awards. If you’re looking for music that’s easily relatable, check out Abbey Lane! Written By Destiny Rundquist Follow Abbey Lane: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook

Not being able to be yourself is a challenge many of us face in life. There will always be someone who comes into your life and tries to control you. They are so focused on what is wrong with you and how they can change you, rather than seeing you for who you truly are. Tons of people will come and go throughout your whole lifetime and the ones that try and change you are the ones who simply aren’t for you. If you can’t be yourself then what is the point in entertaining those who don’t appreciate your brilliant, authentic self. Birkir Blær released his brand-new single titled “Go On” a song that shows resilience through never backing down from who we are. “Go On” has so many musical elements and instruments that make the entire song so funky and vibe heavy. I really enjoyed how he used his own vocals to create the effect of an instrument. The song opened up with what I thought was a trumpet but once it got closer to the lyrics you could hear how it was simply just him. Along with his extraordinary talent to create instruments with his vocals his signing was remarkable. He transitioned from super high notes to low notes so effortlessly within the matter of seconds. There is so much to this track from the vocals to the instruments right down to pop funk it conveys.   Birkir Blær is a 24-year-old singer-songwriter, producer and outstanding instrumentalist. He is from Akureyri, Iceland but lives in Stockholm, Sweden making time to perform in both countries. While he draws inspiration from numerous genres like R&B and soul he doesn’t want to be categorized under just one. But rather many because his music is so diverse and hits so many listeners. He started releasing music in 2018 with his first single titled “Picture” and later went onto winning the Swedish Idol competition in 2021. Blær has made quite the musical career for himself, and I highly recommend that you listen to what else he has created. Follow his social medias below and stay in touch to never miss another release. Written By Julissa Garcia FOLLOW Birkir Blær : Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Have you ever been sick while on a trip? It is perhaps one of the worst things that could happen while travelling– while you’re supposed to be having fun and enjoying the sights, you are instead struck by an illness that takes over your entire body, and all you can think about is how nice it felt while you were healthy. Mikayla Menzies’ latest single “Misery” navigates the complexities of feeling emotional and physical pain, and the painful road we drive toward healing. The track captures that complete trapped feeling we get during our lowest points in life, as if we have no escape from whatever ails our bodies and minds. But “Misery” has us nevertheless looking to the light, for those moments of solace that help us along to hope for the best. If you love soft and emotional songs, then you are going to fall head over heels for “Misery”. I’m definitely one of them, and I absolutely adore how heartfelt every single piece of this track sounds. The soundscape is gorgeously rich, with moments of airy wandering that are mixed with tense times that have you feeling along with the narrator’s pain. The chorus and verses complement one another in a way that has the song sounding complete, whole. I especially loved the bridge, which takes on a slightly different tone than the rest of the track– with its heavier percussion, you can really feel the tension in the lyrics. Mikayla sings, “I just wanna go home” again and again, and I think the entire message hits harder when you learn that “Misery” was written after Mikayla’s road trip when she suffered from a mysterious illness. Caught in a whirlwind of confusion and aches, a lot of us can relate to the feeling of longing for not your destination, but your home after dealing with all the pain. If it’s not obvious enough already, “Misery” is a song with a message that I can’t get enough of– it’s got the perfect balance between a varied, dynamic soundscape that still maintains its core tone, while also having lyrics that can speak to a multitude of experiences. There’s something for everyone in “Misery”, especially if you’ve ever been on a sick-stricken road trip. Based in Victoria, British Columbia, Mikayla Menzies is a singer-songwriter who creates music that expresses herself and heals the soul. She hails from the suburbs of Ottawa, Ontario, and her earlier years are marked by personal tragedy; she has taken these moments and channelled them into her writing, infusing her music with honesty and raw experience. Her music speaks to the lost, alone, and trapped, and it frees them in making them feel seen, offering hope and connection when faced with sorrow. Her debut single “Wildfire” released in 2018, and was followed by a number of other singles throughout the years since. “Misery” marks the beginning of Mikayla’s upcoming EP, which will further explore mental health, grief, and resilience– and all the things that make Mikayla’s music hers. To keep track of her EP, you should drop her a follow on any of her platforms, and of course enjoy the rest of her music while you’re at it! Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW MIKAYLA MENZIES: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Santa Barbara, California based artist, Joveth, shares his deep personal stories through his passionate and emotional debut EP, "Lonely Boy". TRACKLIST Lonely Boy Say My Name We're Over Burn It Bubblegum Money Can't Buy Happiness Born in the Philippines, raised in Sweden, and now taking on the music scene in California, Joveth takes inspiration from his diverse and unique upbringing to help define his artistry. His dream of making music truly all began at the age of 12, after something sparked in him while attending a James Blunt concert. After that, he started writing his own songs, singing at local karaoke nights, as well as taught himself how to play piano and produce music. He found himself using songwriting as emotional outlet, writing about his own personal experiences, wanting to turn negative situations into something positive with his art. He uses a large blend of genres such as Synth-Pop, EDM, RnB, Hip-Hop, and Rock to create a diverse sound that just about anyone could vibe to. He takes inspiration from artists like The Weeknd , Jon Bellion and John Legend . After officially debuting as an artist last year with his first single, "Say My Name", Joveth has been consistently releasing singles in anticipation for his first EP release, "Lonely Boy". This EP represents the personal struggles Joveth has gone through in his life over the past four years, almost like diary entries that he is willing to share with the world in hopes that we as listeners can relate. Lets dive into these tracks! Lonely Boy We start off the EP with the title track, "Lonely Boy", which is a highly emotional ballad. Starting out with gentle piano, the song builds with a hip-hop influenced beat until it reaches a surprise break down with a EDM outro. Joveth sings a melody with a nostalgic structure, his vocals super smooth and fully controlled. "Lonely Boy" echoes a story of leaving a relationship with someone you still love, knowing that you will miss them; but there's something inside of you that needs to be alone sometimes, almost like you're chronically lonely, and it's hard for you to get too close to people. You're almost addicted to the feeling of longing and regret, knowing that you could've just stayed. You wish now that you could go back, or at least have the chance to make it up to them. Say My Name Next, we have "Say My Name", which was Joveth's first ever single release. This track is about facing your own inner demons, and not letting them get the best of you anymore. It's a moment of self-discovery, empowerment and not being afraid to show your true colors. Joveth is breaking free from his past-self here and screaming it out loud from the roof tops exactly who he is, and he is proud of it. "Say My Name" has a heavy, dark electro-pop soundscape with an almost haunting, eerie atmosphere, shocking groove changes and a very powerful, energetic tone to keep you on your toes. We're Over "We're Over", is about trying to come to terms with the end of a relationship. It's that raw moment when you realize it's really over, and you might not necessarily get the exact closure you wanted or needed, but you're trying to find your own ways to work through the pain. Sometimes the only way towards acceptance and moving on is to allow yourself to feel the heartbreak to it's fullest extent, and remind yourself of why you had to let them go in the first place. "We're Over" has a very hip-hop and RnB influenced rhythm and melody, with some soul in it's groove, along with hints of EDM production throughout to add a bit of electronic flare. Burn It "Burn It", similarly to "Say My Name" to is another track about not letting the darkness inside yourself get the best of you. It's time to recognize the strong, resilient and powerful person you are so you can fight through those monsters and demons battling within your mind. You're tired of letting them take control over you, so it's time to burn it all down; then maybe once the smoke clears, you'll finally get the peace and clarity you've been craving and searching for all this time. "Burn It" relies heavily on electronic instrumentation and production, creating a soundscape that is dark, distorted and super bad ass. You almost feel like you're in a video game. Bubblegum "Bubblegum" reflects on the mistakes that were made in a relationship during your young and dumb years, and how you might still have that person in your life if it weren't for that behavior. You're so incredibly regretful for how you acted, that now you're on a path of self-destruction, knowing that you'll never get them back. "Bubblegum" has a pop/rock style with electric guitar, an energic beat and a little bit of a nostalgic vibe in it's groove. Although Joveth sings with weight and angst, the song still has a brightness that makes you want to get up and dance. If I had to compare it to something, I'd say if you're a fan of 5 Seconds of Summer , you'll definitely love this song. Money Can't Buy Happiness We end the EP with an ear-worm and wholesome message, "Money Can't Buy Happiness". In the midst of finally kickstarting his music career and signs of success, Joveth wants to stay humble. Of course having money is nice, and it surely can make your life easier, but the one thing it can't buy is true happiness within your life. Joveth asks his listeners to help him not let fame get to his head if he ever makes it big, because he knows that even though it's great to have, money isn't everything. Remember to enjoy your life and spend time with the people you love, and to always take care of yourself. Real joy comes from the heart! "Money Can't Buy Happiness" has a popping bass and a vibrant guitar riff to get you grooving. It's a radio ready track that is going to get stuck in your head, so be prepared. When you listen to this EP, you don't expect it to be a debut project. Joveth already sounds like he knows exactly who he is as an artist, and he was just bursting at the seams to finally share his sound with the world. Each song on this EP has it's own distinctive style, uniquely creating it's own little universe, but yet still fitting into a cohesive story and emotion that is "Lonely Boy". With lyrics, vocals and instrumentations that are exploding with intense feeling and soulful energy, this EP is personal but relatable, and releases a sense of positive catharsis to anyone who can connect. If you enjoyed this EP, Joveth is known to perform with just as much fieriness and spirit, so make sure to follow him below to keep track of any upcoming shows! This is still only the beginning for Joveth, and I can't wait to hear what is next. FOLLOW JOVETH: 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.

The Winter Sloths' latest single, "Space and Time," is a vast, expansive journey through the realms of the unknown, showcasing the band's ability to blend atmospheric textures with anthemic rock elements. Released on April 4th, this track highlights the Minnesota-based alt-rockers’ knack for creating immersive soundscapes that draw listeners into a world of soaring melodies and innovative production. Inspired by themes of letting go and embracing the vastness of the cosmos, "Space and Time" offers a lush auditory experience where ethereal synths and deep grooves merge into a cohesive, compelling soundscape. The unexpected yet fitting addition of a massive gong adds a cosmic, otherworldly element, ensuring the track is both memorable and impactful. Musically, "Space and Time" reflects the influences of iconic bands like Muse, Radiohead, and Nothing But Thieves, while maintaining The Winter Sloths' unique sonic identity. The production is filled with layered vocal harmonies, weighty instrumentals, and dynamic shifts that echo the song's themes of feeling weightless and exploring boundless possibilities. Recorded in their home studio, the band incorporated experimental recording techniques to capture the essence of getting lost in a moment. The result is a cinematic experience, a tune that invites the listener to close their eyes and surrender to the overwhelming beauty of its sound. Frontman Todd Biederman describes the track as an invitation to become part of something larger, adding a philosophical depth to the auditory feast. Formed in Fergus Falls, MN, The Winter Sloths are known for their innovative approach to alt-rock, consistently pushing sonic boundaries with each release. The band’s ability to craft rich, immersive experiences is a testament to their dynamic songwriting and dedication to their craft. With "Space and Time," The Winter Sloths continue to build on their reputation for delivering intricate and thought-provoking music that captures both the mind and the spirit. As they expand their musical horizons with experimental sounds and creative storytelling, the band remains a strong presence in the alt-rock scene, drawing in fans with their distinctive blend of anthemic and ethereal rock elements. Their latest single leaves listeners eager to see where their sonic journey will take them next. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW THE WINTER SLOTHS: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

The perfect image is the reflection we see in the mirror when we are finally aware of the confidence and love we have in ourselves. We give our all in everything, while we hope for the same in return, only to be left asking why we are still waiting for more. When we know our worth, we won't settle for the bare minimum. Cheska Moore creates a powerful anthem to all those who know they deserve the best when they are confident with everything they have to give in return. "Aphrodite" keeps us from settling for less where we are constantly left in self doubt, when we know we can search for more in life and step into the reality we know we are ready to conquer. A calm, electric tone leads us into the beginning of the cinematic masterpiece, "Aphrodite." Cheska's alluring tone hypnotizes us forward to the commanding beat and melody of the song. She doesn't hesitate to share the confidence and power she knows she has, and she is not going to settle for less in love when she knows she deserves the most. The striking and captivating melody reflects the feeling of power and love she wants listeners to have in themselves. The theme of the song is explosive as it shares a powerful message. The layers of voices together reflects the confidence we all gain as we sing along to the haunting, yet beautiful song. Cheska Moore's "Aphrodite" is the song we will listen to when we have finally conquered the self doubts and comparisons that have pushed us down in the past, and we now step towards the future with the confidence and love we have in ourselves. Cheska Moore, an artist from South London, has made her mark in the dark pop, alternative music scene. She stepped into the industry in 2019 with her debut single "Boy Who Tried," and in 2020 with reinterpretations of popular hits like "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" and "Believe," and that step transformed into a full sprint ahead as she quickly gained attention on social media. Her EP, "Self-Loathing Narcissist," continued to showcase her powerful talent in music, and she had garnered over 2.2 million streams on Spotify, and over 10 million across all platforms. Cheska Moore's captivating music has millions of listeners excited for more music to come as she continues to create powerful masterpieces one after the other. Written By Nini Alano FOLLOW CHESKA MOORE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Photography: Ben Cope Makeup: Veronica Sinclair Hair: Marya Kivi “Suffocating” is the newest single from Anna Duboc , a song detailing how someone feels while in a relationship with a toxic partner. Priorities and feelings are a one-sided conversation in this relationship, as Duboc describes this person in a way that shows they are not fit to be someone’s significant other. The perspective of the other person is that of feeling trapped and unable to escape their partner’s ways. They are made to feel bad by someone who doesn’t love them and is hurting them. They love their partner, and they can’t understand why their feelings aren’t reciprocated, and is willing to put up with being in this relationship if there’s a chance this could happen. “Suffocating” begins as a piano ballad that conveys the emotion in the lyrics with each key pressed on the instrument. The chords are arranged in a beautiful way that is transformed into a lovely melody. After the first chorus, drums are introduced that shift the single into a more indie pop-sounding song. Duboc is an amazing singer; her harmonies on “Suffocating” are amazing and she is fantastic at belting and changing octaves. The song ends on an acapella note, with Duboc's vocals overlapping in a very enchanting manner. The main genres of this song can be categorized as not only indie pop but also easy listening, all the while exuding power and elegance. Anna Duboc is a musician and actress. She began her music career in August 2019 with her debut single “Feel the Glow”. In September 2021, she released her debut EP Beautiful Nightmare . Duboc has released other incredible music in addition to her EP and “Suffocating” and “Feel the Glow”, including “Plot Twist”, “Fire”, and “Cherry Pick”. She is very popular on social media, part of which is due to her role in the musical Chicago . She has done live performances of her music before, such as at The Mint and The Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles, California. Anna Duboc is so talented and creative and amazing at all things music and acting! Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW ANNA DUBOC: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Have you ever been so giddy over someone that any cheesy love song is your top listen. Blasting it in the car, shower, gym, etc. because your heart is bursting over someone every second. Teenage Joans came out with the perfect song for this scenario. “Sweet and Slow” is their new pop-punk single about choosing the same person over and over again without question. It captures that 2000’s energy we are all nostalgic for with electric guitar and drum beats that have you up and dancing in seconds. It’s every Disney Channel romcom that we binge watched in adoration wrapped into and 2 minutes and 55 second banger. The pop genre has had so many hits over the past few years and “Sweet and Slow” is no exception. Teenage Joans is name of the insanely talented duo comprised of Tahlia Borg and Cahli Blakers. Tahlia is a vocalist as well as drummer and Cahli is a vocalist and guitarist. Together they are a pop-punk powerhouse creating tracks that are unapologetically them. I read an interview they did and they mentioned how “Sweet and Slow” was such a fun song to write. The two collaborated with Jayden Seely and the energy in the room had them flowing through the writing process with ease. The track is genuinely so witty with a sonic edge that satisfies all the right parts of your brain. If you’re head over heels and down bad, give this one listen and I guarentee you’ll be as obsessed with it as the person you’re stuck on. Teenage Joans made their first stage appearance in 2018 and have continually brought their charm and punk spirit in everything they do. Since their debut single “By the Way” in 2019 they have grown their discography and collected a passionate and supporting audience. The duo has shared the stage with big names such as Foo Fighters, Sleeping with Sirens, Sum 41 and Amy Shark. In their debut year they performed at the Laneway Festival which is an insane accomplishment for new artists. In 2021 they earned the title “Best Punk Artist” of South Australia and because of their persistent hard work, they’ve held onto it since. It’s no surprise Teenage Joans has been dominating the scene with their unique and comforting sound. They are bound to go far in this industry and I can’t wait to watch their continual growth. If you loved “Sweet and Slow” be sure to watch the music video and follow Teenage Joans links down below to keep up to date with future releases. Written By Emylee Herring FOLLOW TEENAGE JOANS: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

While growing up is an exciting time in everyone’s life it’s also something that can be really scary and upsetting. We go from knowing the same group of people all throughout our younger and early adult years. Then those same friends scatter to different parts of the world whether it's for college or starting a new career outside of school. While memories are with us for a lifetime, they aren’t the same as actually being in each other’s company.  As we grow older and lose touch with some of our best friends or even past significant others, the thought of going back in time for just a few hours never leaves our minds. Eric Walker released his brand-new single on March 14, 2025, titled “Moments.” A track that makes you reminisce about those you used to know and hold onto each and every one of those beautiful, funny, sad and adventure filled memories. The song opens up with a feeling that I can only describe as this is going to make you sit and ponder about your past life. The melody is so gentle and slow paced but also has that feel good vibe to it. Then come his vocals that are epically warm and tender with lyrics like “Look at these moments we had / Is it too late to go back?” and “Too scared of growing up.” I found the lyrics to be something really special not only through the way he sang but because they were so real and raw. You could just feel how personal this track is to the artist and really shows a side to growing up that no one tells you about. This song made me feel so many emotions but the main one I want to highlight here is that life is way too short, so spend every possible moment you can with those you love because you never know when it might be the very last time.   Eric Walker is a singer/songwriter from Hampshire located in the United Kingdom. His musical talents started in 2018 with his first single release titled “Hold My Breath.” Since then, he has released regularly showcasing his amazing heartfelt vocals blended with a sound of EDM and soft rock. His musical skills have reached many, leaving him with the greatest pleasure of having four of his songs reach the biggest songs of the year on The South Coast Music Chart in 2024. His most recent single “Moments” is a lovely track, released on his 30th birthday which signifies moments in his life that have made him the person he is today.  Be sure to check out the links below and stay tuned for what else this incredible artist has in store for us next.   Written By Julissa Garcia FOLLOW Eric Walker: Instagram   | Spotify | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Los Angeles born, pop singer/songwriter, producer and engineer, SOZI has released her highly anticipated debut EP, "BLOOM", the first of a 4-part Seasons themed project, starting off with Spring. TRACKLIST Seconds Fall Away Just For A Minute Set Me Free SOZI grew up in a musically inclined family, always singing and dancing, finding joy in the world of arts and entertainment. She began taking classical piano training and lessons at the age of 7, and then started her songwriting journey at only age 10. In 2019, she released her debut single, "Drinking For Two", but it wasn't until 2022 when she released her next single, "Summer Views" that her career as an artist really kickstarted. Ever since, she has been consistently releasing original music and performing all over the United States, performing at well-known stages and festivals. Her 2023 single, "Never Fade" was featured on Netflix 's hit reality TV show, Love Is Blind . The "BLOOM" EP is one part of a four piece project. Themed within the seasons, "BLOOM" represents Spring, exploring themes of transformation, freedom, and the ability to become ones true self. A release party was hosted by SOZI for this EP, called The Bloom Experience , which was held at the Madeline Garden in Pasadena. Featuring an intimate, acoustic performance of the EP and an afternoon tea party, a beautiful moment was created in celebration to not only welcome new music, but to welcome Spring. Let's check out these songs! Seconds The EP starts with "Seconds", a song about fleeting time and the anxiety that comes along with not taking advantage of it to the best of your ability. Time just seems to keep moving faster and faster these days; and everyone tries to tell us to enjoy our lives while we're still young, but how can you when it feels like there isn't enough time to? These are supposed to be the best years of our lives, but a lot of us feel stuck without a clue how to shake the stress while the rest of the world just seems to move on like it's nothing. It's like you're almost paralyzed with fear of missing out, but all this time you spend worrying, the more time you lose when you could be trying to do things that make you happy. "Seconds" has an energetic, fast-paced pop beat, matching the ticking time bomb mood of the story, with shimmering synths, smooth electric guitar and a groovy bassline. Fall Away Next, we have "Fall Away", a beautiful, folk inspired song about letting go of the past. The song has bright, heavenly plucked strings that draw you in immediately. It builds with a clap / tambourine rhythm mixture, background vocals and heavy reverb to create this gorgeously ethereal atmosphere. "Fall Away" focuses on the topic of recognizing that you're not the same person that you used to be, and that is okay. You have to let go of that person, and let yourself be who you are now, or you'll never be able to grow and feel like your one true self. Clinging onto the past will only hold you back in life. It can be easier said than done, but once you finally move on, you will feel like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders, and you can finally breathe again; that's what the song "Fall Away", sounds like to me - a deep breath of fresh air. Like everything is going to be okay. Just For A Minute "Just For A Minute" is a commercial pop bop that we can all relate to. With a sliding synth bass, crashing drums and an addicting melody, this song has what I like to call a feel good soundscape. The mood and vibes are very positive in a way that are meant to lift your spirits up, even if the topic itself isn't necessarily the happiest. "Just For A Minute" is about wanting to escape all the dark, negative, stressful noise that goes on inside of your head. Even if it was just for a minute, that's all you'd need just to feel some sense of relief from that daily self-struggle. SOZI created a fun way to cope with these type of feelings, because this song is so easy to sing along to. The chorus lists off things that SOZI would do if she could just have one moment in time do to anything she wanted, even if it's the most wild and crazy thing you can think of. I already had the chorus stuck in my head after one listen! This song is a reminder that you're not alone. Set Me Free Last, but certainly not least, we close out the EP with the track "Set Me Free". This song has a unique mixture of dark pop & folk, with a groove that draws you in immediately. It's tone is both empowering, yet haunting at the same time, with a very cinematic atmosphere. It definitely gives you chills down your spine. The mixture of strings, drums and SOZI's vocals paired with the variety of rhythms keep you on your toes. "Set Me Free" is about not letting the world hold you down anymore, and recognizing the strength you have as an individual. It's time to reclaim your power, and set yourself free from the chains that you've let others tie you down with. SOZI really hit the nail on the head with this one. After years of releasing singles, this debut EP is a wonderful introduction to something bigger. These songs are more beautiful than I could've ever imagined they could be. The concept of this 4-part project is so exciting, and after listening to "BLOOM", I am so eager to hear what is yet to come. It so perfectly represents Spring with it's fresh, clean, empowering soundscapes and themes. SOZI's songwriting and unique voice captures you so effortlessly. There is still so much more to hear from SOZI, so make sure to follow her below on her socials to keep updated on what and when is next! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW SOZI: 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.

PRETTY EVIL by Ellise via Genius Lyrics Ellise has been one of my favorite artists to watch these past few years. As a lover of all things dark and mysterious, I fell in love with her music the moment I heard “Nightmares” (which was featured in my Top 13 Spooky Songs for Halloween article). When she announced her latest album, PRETTY EVIL ,  I marked my calendar for my most anticipated project of 2025. The album explores the dark side of relationships, from infatuation and desire to manipulation and betrayal. Elise holds nothing back, making PRETTY EVIL my latest obsession— and my most-played album of March despite only being released 3 days before April. Track List PRETTY committed for life cherry on top leech dead2me feel better together dead girl dreaming runaway bride ballerina bite valentine EVIL About Ellise Ellise is a dark-pop singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles. She moved to the area at 17 to pursue her career. Since then, she has made incredible waves in the industry. In just her first year, she was selected for the UPROXX Uncharted series to work with producer Chris Seefried to craft her first single, “Break Down.” The same year, she was a finalist in the 2016 iHeartRadio Rising Star Competition. In 2018, she released her debut EP, Can You Keep A Secret?  In 2021, she released her debut album, Chaotic. She has collaborated with artists such as Iggy Azalea, Savage Ga$p , and my personal favorite, Mothica , and DeathbyRomy , in a remix of Ellise’s song, “Soul Sucker.”  With two full-length albums and two Eps, Ellise is known best for her haunting dark pop and Halloween-themed tracks that fuel the inner dark side of listeners. Follow her on all socials to stay up to date with new music and announcements! PRETTY Ellise immediately sets the tone for the album with the lead track, “PRETTY.” The song starts off slow and soft with a shimmering instrumentation that emulates a fairytale. Almost abruptly, the song switches to a heavy and mysterious soundscape paired with Ellise’s dark imagery. This instrumental change exemplifies the lyricism of “PRETTY.”  The track starts with Ellise describing her “little fantasy” with her muse, dreaming of white picket fences and marriage before “the sweetest whispers turn to screams,” and her whimsical fantasy is shattered. This clever production is the perfect start to a witty and complex album. committed for life “committed for life” is an infectious pop track about Ellise’s overwhelming obsession with her latest muse. She is pining over them, spending all her time thinking about making him hers. Throughout the song, she utilizes witchcraft imagery to paint this dark picture, including lyrics such as “I carved our initials in the wall // Then kissed your voodoo doll,” and “Lock of hair, I’ll add it to the alter.” Then, in the chorus, she confidently tells her subject to make her his ride or die. Just like her romantic interest, Ellise has successfully mesmerized her listeners and made them “committed for life.” cherry on top Ellise continues the album with a dark story of co-dependence and toxicity. From a brief overview, “cherry on top” appears to be a sweet track about her subject being the only person able to pull her from the brink. However, as she continues through, it is revealed that, while he can calm her, he is also the reason for her insanity. Ellise sprinkles in lyrics of toxicity, revealing that he makes her pain his pleasure. He seems to thrive on her mental anguish, getting off on the control he has. The song has an angelic atmosphere accentuated by the singer’s stunning vocals. This soundscape symbolizes Ellise’s constant romanticizing of this grim relationship. leech “leech” takes a complete turn from the previous tracks. While the past few songs show a glimmer of hope and blind optimism, Ellise declares her muse as an awful person. She admits that he is a freak, a creep, a leech. Someone who gets off on her misery and enjoys watching her mental health deteriorate. The production enhances this with the fiery instrumentation and Ellise’s passionate vocals, making the track an instant fan favorite. “leech” is for anyone who has been taken advantage of – whether it’s a romantic partner, a friend, or a toxic boss. Ellise makes her listeners feel seen while performing a cathartic experience for herself. dead2me My favorite track on PRETTY EVIL  is the angsty, sassy song, “dead2me.” Ellise admits that her ex-partner cheated on her with a red-headed woman. Now, she wants her revenge. In the pre-chorus, she sings, “Let’s lay this to rest tonight // Said you’d die for me,” before her blunt voice casually says, “So do it.” Then, the song switches to the infectious dark-pop chorus that utilizes funeral and death imagery to emphasize this message. My favorite genre of music is hot women killing men for their wrongdoings. Just from the title alone, I knew “dead2me” would be my favorite song, and Ellise did NOT disappoint. feel better together “feel better together” feels more of an interlude that transitions the album from the anger of “dead2me” to the desperation of “dead girl dreaming.” The song lulls the listener into a sense of false security with the heavenly vocals and soft instrumentation. However, Ellise sings to her subject, admitting they are no longer a perfect fit. They once thought they were soulmates, but she knows it is a lost cause. They are taking too much energy to keep this love alive, and they should just let it expire. It is a heartbreaking notion that is all too real – sometimes relationships just can’t work out even if the love is still there. dead girl dreaming The album kicks back up with the electrifying “dead girl dreaming.” The song continues with the theme of a toxic relationship. The type that is one-sided, leaving Ellise pleading for even a shred of the respect she deserves. In the chorus, she admits, “I’d pick you even if you’re poison // Run to you, past every warning // Oh, I’m a dead girl dreaming // That you can breathe me to life.” She is aware that he is giving her the runaround but is hoping that he will surprise her in the end. The production has a dark, whimsical soundscape that leaves listeners begging for more. With this instrumentation, “dead girl dreaming” has been one of the songs that remains on a constant loop in my head. runaway bride “runaway bride” is another one of my top favorite tracks on PRETTY EVIL.  Being second only to “dead2me” is ironic due to the juxtaposition of the wedding imagery in this song to the funeral imagery in the previous track. Both occur in chapels. Both are led by a priest. And both songs paint vivid pictures of the story. However, “runaway bride” returns to the narrative of a toxic relationship that Ellise continues to return to. She is willing to sacrifice anything for them, burning any bridge in her path. Nothing will stop her from being with them. The production contains a fast tempo that complements the lyrics, transporting the listener into the high-stakes situation.   ballerina “ballerina” is another instant fan favorite with its hauntingly beautiful production and mesmerizing lyrics. The song describes the feeling of Ellise giving all of herself, sacrificing her own comfort and happiness to make the subject feel better. A ballerina is a perfect metaphor for this. These graceful dancers hide their pain in the perfect pointe shoes with their heads held high to perform an elegant show for the audience. Ellise is undergoing similar pain, putting her subject first before her needs. Furthermore, she reveals that the only words coming out of their mouth are, “Ballerina, won’t you dance for me? // Lost her head but, God, it’s perfect // Ballerina, baby, can’t you see? // It’ll kill you, but it’s worth it.” Ellise admits she knows this person is using her for their gain, yet she cannot seem to stop dancing for them. The song is as classy yet brutal as the majestic sport. bite Another dark-pop anthem that immediately catches the attention of listeners. The song utilizes Biblical imagery, which has been found in other tracks on PRETTY EVIL.  Just like Eve in the Garden of Eden, Ellise has taken a bite of the forbidden fruit – her romantic interest. She knows that he is bad for her, but she would “die” just to take another bite of him. The heavy production effortlessly blends with this imagery, making it a wonderful song about sin, lust, and desire. With "bite," Ellise has once again perfected the eerie soundscape with her infectious vocals that fans initially fall in love with. valentine “valentine” is directly connected to “dead2me,” a poetic continuation of the electrifying anthem. While the first song is a heavy dark-pop track about destroying her cheating ex, “valentine” is a soothing ode to the other woman. Ellise knows that it is neither of the girls’ fault – he played them both. She finds it strange that they look nothing alike; Ellise is the moon, and the other girl is the sun. The connection between the two songs is even more apparent when she says, “Your hair shines redder than wine,” alluding to the red hair in the bathroom sink of “dead2me.”  Ellise showcases the heartbreak and defeat she feels with her stunning vocals and vulnerable lyrics, making “valentine” the most devastating song on the album. EVIL Ellise closes the album with the perfect track. “EVIL” admits that they are both to blame as she sings, “I never wanted it to get so evil // We turned each other into vicious people.” However, she continues, “This heartache left me bloodstained // Made me lethal.” Her subject’s behavior turned her into this person she does not recognize – someone who wishes for death and revenge. The instrumentation returns to the harmonic intro of “PRETTY,” beautifully wrapping the album into a neat bow and making it a natural transition back to the beginning. PRETTY EVI L is a skipless album with songs for anyone, from devastating ballads to fiery anthems. Her angelic vocals pair well with the haunting production, making the album the perfect well-rounded project. The first track, “PRETTY,” and the final track, “EVIL,” create perfect bookends, tying the entire album together in one cohesive package. Ellise has ensured that PRETTY EVIL will be on the top of every listener’s Spotify Wrapped and Apple Replay. As someone who lives for this style of music and aesthetics, Ellise brought her A-game and has set impossible standards for 2025’s music. Written By Karlee Skipper Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

21-year-old singer/songwriter, Vera, has just released her third and latest single "wrong place, wrong timing." In her own words, the song captures a time where, " Sometimes neither partner does anything wrong and you’re stuck with this gut-feeling that maybe you’re on two different paths." Vera's melancholy reflection on an ended relationship begins with fond memories that quickly sour: "We'd have dinner parties on the fourth of July, I've got a cabinet full of party supplies for your sister's birthday, June 29th... what a waste." Forced to reckon with the causation of the end, Vera's haunting chorus begs the ultimate question, "Was it wrong place, or wrong timing? I tried to save it but I'm so sick of trying." Vera's soft, layered vocals create an echo against thoughtful piano and electric lofi-style instrumentation in this indie rock ballad. The supporting instrumentation accentuates the longing for closure in this vocal performance. Changing between her lower and higher vocal register, Vera's dynamic sound compels the song forward. "Wrong place, wrong timing" delivers a moody progression of emotion, journeying through the tumultuous landscape that is post-breakup. Vera stated, " I wanted the song to feel as if you were sitting right next to that person while in real-time having the spiraling realization—even though you love them—it’s already over." By capturing all the relevant components of the narrator's back-and-forth emotions through sonic production, I think Vera delivers just that. The Canadian indie rock/pop musician now based out of Nashville, TN, has accumulated over 14,000 monthly listeners on Spotify with only three songs currently available to stream. Vera's first single, "Summer Insomniacs" dropped in 2023, racking up over one million streams since its release, landing her song a spot to be played on Zane Lowe's Apple Music Radio Show. Studying Music Business at Belmont University, the artist has committed herself to her musicianship. Already having established a name for herself, Vera's light, airy sound, and clear tone in collaboration with her nostalgic lyricism set the stage for the future of her music. "Wrong place, wrong timing" is the perfect addition to your "dreamy, lethargic, melancholic" playlist, I know I'm adding it to mine. Written By Azalea Withrow FOLLOW VERA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube