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Geowulf has released not only their 3rd album, but their first ever solo album project, titled "The Child", surrounding sole member Star Kendrick and her very personal journey of becoming a mother. TRACKLIST Dreaming Memory Serves Like Lightning Can't Read Your Mind Stay Baby Dolly Angry Beer to Bed (Time to Kill) Unsay It All Something Good Nightmare Hungry For My Heart The Child Geowulf was previously a dream-pop duo by singer/songwriter and musician Star Kendrick with collaborator Toma Banjanin . Both from Queensland, Australia and eventually becoming based in London, England, the pair had known each other since they were teenagers, and even became sibling in-laws. They debuted in 2016 with their single "Salt Water" which currently has over 55 million streams on Spotify alone. After the release of their second album, "My Resignation" in 2019, they amicably decided it was time for Banjanin to split from the project due to time constraints. Don't worry though, they're still besties! No drama here. Although of course Star misses having Banjanin around, this was also freeing for her in her artistic journey, as she felt she could write music that was just for her and not for the both of them. Not only did the sound of Geowulf begin to change, but so did the life of Star, as in 2023 she found herself becoming a mother and a certified social worker. This was also the time she began writing what would become Geowulf's 3rd album, "The Child". This album explores themes of having to make big changes, pondering the future, romance challenges, following your dreams, motherhood, and processing your past. Dreaming We kick off the album with the single "Dreaming", accompanied with a music video. "Dreaming" is about the toxic patriarchy we still live in today, where women are made to feel like we have to choose between having a successful career or having a family life. Star Kendrick wrote this song before she had her baby, when she didn't know if having a child would be compatible with her music career. Geowulf sings, "If I could let myself dream, would anybody stop me?". The moral of the story is here, if you want something bad enough, you will make it happen, regardless of what society tries to tell you. "Dreaming" has a beautiful, classic, dare I say, dreamy , soundscape. It has essences of power pop, with a vinyl record quality. Geowulf sing's as if she's a 1950's pop star, with gentle harmonies to back her up. Memory Serves Like Lightning Next we have "Memory Serves Like Lightning", a title that really just captures you attention and sticks with you. When I saw this title, I kept saying it over and over again in my head; wow what an incredible title. It makes even more sense when you come to find that the song is about PTSD and trauma. The hook literally goes, "Memory serves like lightning when you come back to haunt me". This song is very relatable for many, but yet it doesn't feel like a sad song. In fact, it's more cathartic than anything. The style feels nostalgic, and leans heaviest towards indie rock with a 60's type of groove, heavy emphasis on percussion, guitar and lots of reverb. Geowulf sings with a raw, conversational tone to make the song feel even more intimate. Can't Read Your Mind "Can't Read Your Mind" is the most recent single off the album, and it's a whole vibe. This song is about when you have a partner who has trouble expressing their feelings, and it's not because of a lack of effort on your part. Communication is key when making a relationship work, so if they're going to hold everything inside and not tell you how to make things better when your relationship is going down hill, then you're just going to have to let them go; hey, you're not a mind reader. "Can't Read Your Mind" has a super catchy pop/rock groove, featuring a sparkling synth riff and slide guitar. Stay Baby "Stay Baby" is a deeply personal song where Star writes about what she imagined it was like for her own mother to be pregnant with her. The verses tell a detailed story, while the chorus switches into this new perspective, as if it's being sung by Star's mother herself, begging the man she loves to stay while she is carrying his child. "Stay Baby" is accompanied by a music video, that I highly recommend watching while you listen. It seems Star finds herself looking back on her mothers story, and is relating and empathizing with her mother now that she is becoming a mother herself. Dolly "Dolly" is about that moment when you finally are meeting up with the person you fell in love with again, after they fell off the face of the Earth for a good while. Of course there's going to be some sort of hope that things can still work out, but most likely they're still not going to reciprocate those feelings. If you're wondering about the title of this song, it's because of these lyrics right here - "I drank all your gin when I saw you again, but I keep my eyes open / and we sang our heart's out to Dolly Parton, and my body kept on saying 'you're so complicated'". This song has a stunning, folk rock soundscape that was giving me young Stevie Nicks vibes, mixed with just a little country twang in the instrumentals to nod at Dolly Parton . Angry "Angry" is about when someone you loved took everything from you, and never gave anything back; emotionally and physically. This is your validation song that it is okay to feel angry when someone screws you over. Geowulf sings, "'Cause love shouldn't feel like this; I know it shouldn't feel like this" . When you think of the word "Angry", you probably think of a fast-paced, heavy, loud rock song - but that's not what this song is. It's slower, somber, haunting and chilling to the bone. It's acoustic guitar driven, with a dissonant piano riff that I absolutely adore. As the song goes on, it does build dynamically, adding in a gentle lead electric guitar. Beer to Bed (Time to Kill) They always say you find love when you least expect it, right? "Beer to Bed (Time to Kill)" tells the tale of two people who hook up when they need a distraction from their lives; Little did they know, they were just two lonely people who needed someone to understand them, and by the end of the song they end up falling in love. "Beer to Bed (Time to Kill)" has a nostalgic soft rock soundscape, with one of the catchiest basslines you'll ever hear. The hook melody is also an ear-worm, sang so powerfully and full of emotion that it'll definitely get stuck in your head even after just one listen. Unsay It All "Unsay It All" is about the desperation of wanting the person you love to say the things you want to hear for once instead of breaking your heart; things like "I will change" and "I will listen" . You're tired of always being the one to pick up their mood, and not receiving the same love and effort back. What about your feelings? "Unsay It All" is filled with synths and nostalgic 80's vibes. It has a slide lead guitar, with heavy reverb on everything to give a dreaminess to the somber atmosphere. Geowulf sings with a soft, whispery tone, almost as if she's running out of energy or giving up on this person. Something Good "Something Good" is about how Star hasn't necessarily has the most mundane life story. Things that others have that are considered normal, are necessities that Star wishes she could have, and shouldn't be taken for granted. For her, a "normal" life is something she craves sometimes. "Something Good" is a beautiful piano ballad, that builds into this heavenly, cathartic and emotional atmosphere that really pulls at your heart strings. It's like a religious experience as the energy runs higher and higher; layers of vocals fall on top of each other, creating this chant-like moment, a plead for "Something Good". It's a perfect chance to sing along, as it's a relatable song for many, as we've all wanted an opportunity to have something better for ourselves. Nightmare "Nightmare" is a tribute song to former Geowulf partner and Star's best friend, Toma Banjanin. Although Star expressed she was able to have more creative freedom with the project with Toma leaving, it was also really emotional and hard on her to see him go. After all, they'd been close for a very long time, and collaborative partners for almost a decade. Their creative chemistry was undeniable, and seeing Toma having to let go of that side of him due to time constraints was really hard for Star. It was also hard to get used to doing things on her own. Yes, it was freeing, but she would also miss having him around. Star sings, "Give me all your dreams, I’ve been holding back on you". She sings with such strength and heavy emotion on this track, with an incredibly catchy indie pop instrumentation to back her up. Hungry For My Heart "Hungry For My Heart" is about someone who romances you with harmful intentions. This song is so different from the others on this album, but in the best way. It features a marching snare drum beat, with poetic lyricism and a very cinematic soundscape. The words are so intellectual, but you can still understand. It emotionally impacts so intensely, it feels like a knife straight to the heart - especially if you've ever been manipulated and heartbroken like this before. The soaring and twinkling instrumentation pairs beautifully with the vocal harmony arrangement, giving this song an almost medieval war vibe. The Child Lastly, we have the title track, "The Child", which is deeply personal song that dives into the unresolved feelings of Star's own childhood and upbringing. Raised by her grandmother, Star uses these memories to help guide her with what kind of mother, or perhaps also what not kind of mother she wants to be. "The Child" is a slow-tempo, indie pop-rock song, with a dreamy, heavy reverbed soundscape. You feel like you're floating on a cloud while you're listening to this. It melancholic, almost bittersweet. It sums up why Star wrote this album in the first place, and leaves us with a great sense of closure. Geowulf's first solo project proves that Star Kendrick, is in fact, a star of her own. "The Child" takes a whole new approach not only in sound and style, but in emotional depth as well, creating this new chance for audiences to connect with Geowulf on a level like never before. I hope that this album gives Star the confidence she needed to know that not only does she have the ability to make impactful music as a solo artist, but that she can still follow her dreams and be a wonderful mother at the same time. This album and Star's story is so incredibly inspiring, especially for women in the industry, and I can't wait to see what she does next. Keep up with Geowulf by follow the project's social pages below! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW GEOWULF: Instagram | X | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on SubmitHub. A contribution was made to help create this article as part of a promotional campaign.

Rising singer-songwriter Mackenzie Miller has just put out her latest single, "Blurred Gray Memories," on Janurary 17, 2025. This track marks her first release recorded in a professional studio, along with the accompanying EP to be released. She was inspired to write the song after she had a dream where she saw a person that she was in a complicated relationship with. They never really defined their relationship with a traditional label. It was the kind of relationship that lingers long after it ends, never quite leaving you. For those looking for new indie singers to add into their streaming rotation, "Blurred Gray Memories" is definitely worth checking out. "Blurred Gray Memories" begins as Mackenzie recounts the dream that she had, where she was dressed in white and by the sea. It happened to occur two years since she last saw them. As the track continues, her intimate, storytelling lyricism tells us about this relationship. She gets candid in the track with lyrics like "We lived in the gray / Between love and hate" and "And if I'm being honest / You're my biggest what if." Between impassioned vocals, diaristic writing, and indie-pop production, she brings listeners into her experience with longing, regret, and reflection on a past relationship. Mackenzie Miller is a singer-songwriter based in Seattle, Washington. She is a performer, writer, and works as the Music Director for School of Rock, fostering the next generation of musicians. Her musical journey began when was eight years old. Since then, she has attended a private writing session with Sir Paul McCartney, earned a BA in Songwriting and Vocal Performance from the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, and put out her debut album Peninsula in late 2024. If you enjoyed "Blurred Gray Memories," make sure to check out the rest of her discography. You can also keep up with all the latest information on Mackenzie and her music through the social media links below. Written By Sydney Gray FOLLOW MACKENZIE MILLER: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Visuals: Willow Kennedy "Dainty Fae" by HANNAHBELLA tells the story of a woman who has a lot on her mind, and it causes her to make fallacies. She is dealing with the rage that has come with being walked all over by everyone else. She has many expectations that she is finding difficult to uphold, and its causing her to revolt. These people in her life that are mistreating her are so used to her acting one way, that they won't realize it when she becomes the new person she wants to be. She wants to leave her old life behind and start a new one where she feels free, leaving those people in the past. The second you press play, "Dainty Fae" is introduced with a scream - symbolic of how she feels based on the lyrics. The song then casually transitions to a bubblegum pop beat. Singing and spoken word are both used in the song, switching back and forth during the verses. The single contains two different guitar solos, one electric-esque and the other more pop. Overall, the production style of "Dainty Fae" is the definition of fun, determined by the sparkly and summery instrumentation and use of sound effects and background vocals. HANNAHBELLA also provides her outstanding vocals, singing in different octaves and belting at certain points of the song. HANNAHBELLA is a music artist from Cork, Ireland and is based there and in London, England. She began her music career in 2021 with her debut single "cntrl", with music artist Raandal. She has performed live at multiple venues, including The Workmans Club and Whelan's Bar in Dublin, Ireland, and The Pav in Cork, Ireland. She has also released other amazing songs in addition to "Dainty Fae", such as "Keep Up", "Can't Let You Go", and "Skin". She is a triple-threat, having singing, writing, and producing credits across her discography. HANNAHBELLA is an incredible and very talented artist! Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW HANNAHBELLA: Instagram | Spotify  |  TikTok  | Apple Music  | YouTube

The song "Holding On To You" gives us a glimpse into what it feels like to hold onto something that feels exciting and beautiful; while also feeling like it won't work out. As the listener we can relate and understand the artist. Drey has made it easy for us to connect through the hard hitting lyrics. One of my favorite lines from the song is "I'm not asking for a lifetime / I just want some peace of mind / I fear there's no going back / Sinking right into this trap." There's an urgency to what Drey is saying. There's a want for a little peace and a bit more time with the other person. One of the most heartbreaking yet relatable lines comes at the very end of the song when it says, "I'm holding on / It's so funny, / It's so sad / We only exist / In note pads." I believe this line sums up the way Drey feels. There's a sadness to the situation that can't be forgotten or overlooked. "Holding On To You" gives us a intimate and vulnerable tone. The tone reflects a deep connection between Drey and the topic of the song. The emotional delivery of the lyrics communicates themes like love, longing, and dependency to the listener. The tone sets the mood of the song, which seems to be melancholic yet hopeful. There's a yearning that the artist conveys, clinging to this relationship that means everything to them. The hope helps the artist push past the feeling of uncertainty. There's a beautiful blend of instrumentation within the song. Elements like the acoustic guitar, piano, and the subtle percussion help enhance the storytelling that the artist is doing. They help the listener relate and feel the emotion, ultimately, leading the listener to gain a deeper and more personal understanding of the artist. Drey is a singer-songwriter and producer. She draws inspiration from artists like Fleetwood Mac and Lana Del Ray. When asked how they influence her, she said, "Fleetwood Mac and Lana Del Ray have a way of making their music feel like a world you can become part of. Both remind me that music is about evoking emotions, not just telling a story. That's something I try to channel in every song, making the listener feel like they're living inside the moment I'm singing about." The impact Fleetwood Mac and Lana Del Ray have on Drey is evident within her music, adding even more depth to each song. This leads us to what Drey said when she was asked about the song "Holding On To You," Drey said, "The imagery like sitting on Adamson Square or petals being picked from my hair is meant to evoke intimacy and vulnerability, while the refrain reflects that desperation to savor that connection, even if it's temporary. At its core, it's about unspoken words, imagined futures, and the heartbreak of a love that might only exist in memory." Check out Drey's new song "Holding On To You." Written By Destiny Rundquist FOLLOW Drey: Instagram | Spotify

Nadia Vaeh’s newest anthemic single “R!OT” is a rallying cry for us to claw through life’s tumultuous waves and embrace our “main character” energy. All about curating your life for you, and coming into your own power and sense of self, Vaeh’s poptimistic-rock style captures exactly what it means to champion our dreams, placing it at the top of our priority lists. This track has Vaeh’s name all over it with her stamp of pure optimism everywhere in the runtime. High-energy and uplifting, listeners are in for a ride from the beginning to end– and they’ll never want to get off of it, riding forever upward on Vaeh’s electrifying musical style. Click here to listen to "R!OT"! “R!OT” is going to be perfect for any of you who absolutely adore the pop rock genre, such as myself. I had the opportunity to review Vaeh’s last single “Medication” , which has a similar feel to “R!OT”; “R!OT” is simply bursting with personality, having that perfect mixture of high-octane soundscape and fun, engaging lyrics that make it easy to sing along to. The single is energetic from start to end, and laced with that classic pop rock sound; heavy percussion and brilliantly dynamic guitars fill the soundscape. It all fits perfectly with the songwriting, which turns us away from the chaos of life and rather points us toward the brightness on the horizon. I love how the song doesn’t discount the trials of life, but instead tells its listeners that chaos and trouble isn’t all that life has to offer; Vaeh sings, “I’m up, I’m down again / Free fall into never never land”, hoping that we’ll dream on in spite of the lows, letting them sustain us into our highs. “R!OT” is all about keeping that dream alive, and keeping the fire burning. Nadia Vaeh is a singer-songwriter who has taken the stage by trailblazing the genre known as “poptimistic-rock”. An IMA “Vox Pop” winner and an Atlanta native, her music strikes a multitude of facets– whether her songs are touching on the highs or lows of life, mental health, or toxic relationships, they are always narrative-driven with rich soundscapes. Working as a model and also with an Atlanta circus taught Vaeh how to enrapture an audience, and life as a pop star has further allowed her to fine tune her skills to put on a fantastic show. Her debut year was 2019 with her single “Yoyo”, and 2023 saw her debut album “Cut to the Chase”. “R1OT” is Vaeh’s first single of 2025, and its energy is the best way to begin the year; you should absolutely drop Vaeh a follow if you enjoyed her poptimistic rock!  Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW NADIA VAEH: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube | Website

In a world where mixed signals and stringing along is the new modern-day love story, "Scream Into My Pillow" by Hutton encapsulates the core of unrequired feelings. The hit songs you hear on the radio are often written by those who do not directly describe a true event. Hutton brings her own experiences into her song by stating, “[It’s] about a boy who– no matter how hard I tried – never liked me as much as I liked him.” The lyrics take you through the deliberations of a teenage girl, coming to terms with it never being like it is in her head. A feeling young teenagers alike feel all too well, Hutton attacks the pain by putting it in song, casting a masterpiece of relatability. Hutton writes a song where you dance while crying, and even maybe scream into some pillows while laughing. Starting with a slow tempo and soft vocals, the song continues to rise within the chorus. The song provides a climax to her anger that feels directly correlated to the motions of the narrator's feelings toward another. Resonating with the feelings of feeling not enough, the song mimics the racing thoughts of coping with the rejection. Hutton undoubtedly uses the production to enhance the emotion between the lyrics, using an angelic voice to sing a modern-day tragic lullaby. Singer-songwriter Hutton is originally from beautiful Telluride, Colorado, and has made her way to Los Angeles at 18 years old. Working tirelessly with producers and putting her soul into her passion for singing, Hutton takes inspiration from the late ’90s and early 2000s in groups such as Indigo Girls and Sheryl Crow. Modern influences such as Olivia Rodrigo, Phoebe Bridgers, and Chappell Roan have also influenced her bright singing-songwriting career. With her articulation and creative abilities, Hutton’s power and voice come in the form of a song that resonates with any girl in their 20s. Written By Adalyn Reichenberger FOLLOW HUTTON: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

The Grammy Awards are coming up in just a week, and we here at Pop Passion are so excited. The Grammys are arguably the biggest event in music, and the discourse surrounding the dozens of awards is so interesting to listen to. Despite the many awards recognizing music of all genres and creatives involved in every step of music creation, there are 4 main awards, known as the Big 4, that are the most coveted. These awards are Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best New Artist. The nomination process is lengthy, and involves the submissions from record companies and members, screening from over 350 experts, two phases of voting, and are counted by an independent accounting firm. I surveyed the team to see who would take home each of these awards, so here are Pop Passion's Big 4 Grammy Picks! Record of the Year recognizes a specific recording of a song. It recognizes the overall performance of the artists and the contributions of the producer(s), recording engineer(s), mixer(s) and/or mastering engineer(s). Isabel: Good Luck, Babe!  Chappell made record achievements this year, and I feel like it was played a bit more than Espresso. Kaitlyn: Espresso It only makes sense for Espresso to win Record of the Year. It was the biggest song of 2024, and The Grammy's loves to either follow the crowd or completely throw you off. Ashley: Now and Then Now and Then is a beautiful song and The Beatles are very iconic and some of the greatest musicians of all time. Karlee -  BIRDS OF A FEATHER I feel like Billie is always a subtle winner and Birds of a Feather was everywhere. I’d say Espresso but I feel it’s too commercial. Album of the Year recognizes any artist(s), the featured artist, songwriter(s) of new material, producer(s), recording engineer(s), mixer(s), and/or mastering engineer(s) with at least 33 percent playing time of the album. The album must contain at least 5 tracks with at least a 15 minute run time or at least a 30 minute run time with no track minimum. The voters consider quality, artistry, and the collection of tracks as a whole.  Madison S - HIT ME HARD AND SOFT Billie is loved by everyone - including the people behind the Grammy’s - she’s won numerous times in the past and with this being her best album, I don’t see her falling out of that pattern anytime soon. Hanna - Short n’ Sweet Her vocals, the distinctive pop sound that weaves through extremely recognizable notes in her songs, and also I love her. Lauren N. - BRAT Because of how much of a cultural impact BRAT had in 2024, from “Brat Summer” to political campaigns to seeing that shade of green everywhere, I think (and hope because personally it’s my favorite lol) that the Grammy voters will choose it based on how much it encapsulates the year.  Karlee - The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess They won’t give Taylor AOTY for the fifth time. Billie’s album didn’t make too many waves. Neither did Sabrina. Chappell is a new comer i think they’ll do it Song of the Year recognizes the songwriters of new material (not included any writers of samples or interpolations). As opposed to Record of the Year, Song of the Year recognizes the composition.  Lauren D. - Fortnight I might be biased since Fortnight was my number 1 streamed song in 2024 on Spotify, but I do think Taylor is going to take home at least 1 of the big 4 awards, and I think this one will do it. With its self-deprecating and clever lyrics and Post Malone's feature (which I do wish was longer), I feel that this song will take home Song of the Year. Hanna - A Bar Song (Tipsy) It's a feel-good track that truly was the song of the summer. It combines the casual fun of leaning into your vices with a sense of community. Also, I have had it running around my head since it came out. Isabel - Die With a Smile BEST DUO THIS YEAR Kaitlyn - BIRDS OF A FEATHER Billie always wins something, and just in my gut feeling I think it'll be this one. Lauren N - Not Like Us Similar to Espresso, Not like Us was such a big moment in 2024. That and because Kendrick Lamar has surprisingly not won a main Grammy award before makes me think this year might finally be his. Cheyenne - Good Luck, Babe! It's been a huge hit and I'd just really like to see it win Best New Artist highlights new artists on the scene, whether a soloist, duo, or a group. The Record Academy defines a “new artist” as, “eligible artists must have achieved a breakthrough into the public consciousness and impacted the musical landscape during the year's eligibility period.” The eligibility period is from September 16, 2023 to August 30, 2024. “ The minimum required is five singles or tracks or a complete album. The maximum is either three albums or a total of 30 singles or tracks previously released.” Lauren D. - Chappell Roan While I could see a lot of these artists winning this award, I feel that Chappell Roan does have a leg up. She suddenly rose to the top, while a lot of these artists had steady growth. She has all the it-girl pop star qualities in my opinion. I also think that the Recording Academy will be taking public opinion into account, and I think a lot of people would be pissed if Chappell didn't win Alexa - Benson Boone I would’ve loved to pick Chappell but after all the negative press surrounding her I don’t think the academy would swing that way. Sabrina would also be a great choice and I know the category is new artist to blow up recently but other artists on the list had more of a short rise to fame than she did Karlee - Sabrina Carpenter   She had such an insanely big year  Who do you think will win the Big 4 awards? Tune into CBS or Paramount Plus on Sunday, February 2nd to watch! Written By Lauren DiGiovanni Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Reaven's latest single, "Something to Remember," is a dynamic pop-rock anthem that masterfully intertwines catchy guitar riffs with intense synth sounds, creating an infectious melody that stays with you long after the track ends. From beginning to end, the song captures the bittersweet feeling of cherishing unforgettable moments with it's catchy and grandiose chorus while inspiring listeners to embrace the thrill of new beginnings, reflecting on the past and looking forward to the future. With its anthemic vibe, "Something to Remember" blends nostalgia with fresh pop-rock energy, making it both a celebration and a call to action. The story behind "Something to Remember" is rooted in Reaven's experiences while traveling far from home. The song delves into the essence of living life to its fullest, urging listeners to be proactive in shaping their destinies. It's a call for action, encouraging us to risk, experiment, and choose differently, all in the pursuit of a brighter future. The lyrics emphasize the importance of remembering what truly matters and being the actors of our own fate, a message that resonates deeply with those seeking purpose and fulfillment. This profound theme, coupled with the track's compelling musical arrangement, makes it a standout in Reaven's repertoire. Hailing from Troyes, France, Reaven is composed of Roméo Bassi, Vincent Fernandes, Rudy Bournazel, and André Rocha. Formed during their middle school years, the band has grown into a stylish and powerful Indie Pop/Rock sensation, known for their explosive live performances and unique vocal harmonies. Favorites at numerous festivals in 2024, Reaven's captivating sound and engaging stage presence have garnered them a devoted fan base across Europe and beyond. With previous successes such as their album "For Tomorrow" and their international touring experience, Reaven is poised for even greater achievements in the coming years, with plans for a new album and a worldwide tour in 2025. Their trajectory shows no signs of slowing down as they continue to push the boundaries of the indie-rock landscape. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW REAVEN: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

As we begin to enter new portions of our lives, many people begin to venture out and stretch their canvas. Adding more colors, some vibrant and intricate. They find themselves as they proceed on this journey of life. For some, seeking out our desires and our deepest reveries in life is practically elementary. A plethora of people consider it an innate path, where we will all eventually find our sense of belonging. Where we finally discover what we have been pursuing. However, such a thing doesn’t quite move with clarity for most of us. Instead, a myriad of us seem to feel lost. We feel more out of place than anything, especially as we grow to see more of the world– we feel as though we don’t quite fit into what’s considered standard. We struggle to find what we are pursuing. Sometimes, our futures remain nebulous, our minds clouded as we begin to feel as though we don’t belong. We feel lost. Discovering our identity becomes more of a difficult task as opposed to feeling innate, and effortless. “outcast” by Alma Owren explores ideas relating to that sense of uncertainty when it comes to our identity, and pursuing our vague objectives. Elaborate lyrics like “I’m a dying foreigner” can indicate the intense feeling of doubt and abiding qualms that are sequestered deep in our hearts. The term “foreigner” depicts the idea that we feel akin to a pariah, or, as the title of the song suggests, like an outcast. Click here to listen to "outcast"! The song fades into an opening, which reminds me of something reminiscent– like a fallen memory that slowly comes to light. The sound is a blend of violins, beautiful vocals, and a guitar, that evokes pensive and reflective thoughts in the listeners as the lyrics begin to narrate an intense story that many of us share sentiment of. It’s thoughtful and stimulates vehement emotion in the listener as Alma’s voice courses through the mix of sound with such emotion and zeal. Her methodical yet touching voice emphasizes just how meaningful the lyrics are to our singer and how much significance they hold. It stirs both painstaking thought and a sympathizing perspective as we come to realize that we perhaps have shared similar feelings the song is expressing through such remarkable lyrics. As the story becomes transparent throughout the song, I can’t help but feel as though I can connect with such a sincere message. As a young adult, I witnessed others find their passions and pursue their occupations while I felt left behind. As the song suggests, I feel like an outcast. Yet, this song manages to bring me immense comfort and uplift something in me that has wilted– I’m not the only one who feels lost in such a large world. Some people feel just as lost, and exactly like an outcast. Alma Owren, the artist behind such a sincere song, is a 19-year-old singer-songwriter, and producer. Her music combines a sense of vulnerability that can easily touch the hearts of many, along with her vivid soundscapes that encourage painstaking sentiment in her listeners who crave honesty in music– songs that can offer us a sense of belonging and reassurance where we don’t feel shapeless and unheard. Early on, Alma was a musician at heart. At four years old, she found herself exceptionally playing the violin. Music became something more than just noise. For Alma, music was her language, her source of navigation through life. It was simply her passion that burned with such intensity at such a rapid speed. As she grew up, she began to craft her sounds, expressing her sentiments in lyrics that would soon mix with her arranged sounds and create something phenomenal. “outcast” is her debut single, Alma hopes that this song can touch the hearts of those who relate, those who appreciate genuine lyrics. As the year 2025 unfolds, expect to hear more from this young and talented artist, as she has her first EP “Under the Surface” to be set out in the winter. To keep up with Alma and hear more of her ardent stories through her lyrics, follow her socials! Written By Rosalyn Sanchez FOLLOW ALMA OWREN: Instagram | Spotify | SoundCloud | YouTube

Desire, longing, and confusion are emotions associated with being in love. Being in love is like riding a rollercoaster with many twists and turns. You’ll experience a wide range of emotions that can pull at your heartstrings at any given moment. “Why Can’t You” by Bryant Barnes is about being in love with someone who doesn’t feel the same way. It seems like there’s previous history between Bryant and the girl he’s singing about. He immediately admits that she has all the power, meaning she can take the lead because his heart is in her hands. He doesn’t want to be alone anymore, and he’s trapped in a cycle of emotional dependence. The lyrics “You would tell me in the summer, you could never love another (oh)/ It’s no longer true, and now I’m waiting for a phone call” brings him back to old memories from when things were steady between the two. Unfortunately, she fell out of love and Bryant’s waiting for her to come around. His feelings won’t change because if she called, he’d pick up in a heartbeat. “Why Can’t You” produced by both Bryant himself and Andrew Luce, is a track about the emotional journey around heartbreak. Bryant’s voice is absolutely angelic, and his harmonies add so much depth and character to the song. This song is smooth and it’s partially because of the subtle guitar and drums. It definitely stays true to an R&B and alt-pop sound. Every build up whether that be from the change in tone of his voice or the instrumentation, it contributes to the overall flow of the song. This song is so catchy and instantly made me want to check out the rest of Bryant’s work. The cover art also caught my eye because it can symbolize so many different things. The black shadow figure behind Bryant could represent the hold this girl has on him. It shows how powerful love really can be. It doesn’t look like he’s fighting this figure behind him, instead he looks very calm and at peace. It’s like he’s accepting the heartbreak this girl has caused him. Bryant Barnes is a singer-songwriter from Cypress, TX. At just six years old, he was put in classical piano lessons which he continued as he got older. During the covid pandemic, Bryant had some videos go viral where he was playing public pianos at LAX and George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Those videos gained him 1.7 million followers on TikTok. Bryant is a verified artist on Spotify and has over 2,900,000 monthly listeners. His songs have millions of streams on the platform making him very successful. It’s clear Bryant is only going to get more successful as time passes because he’s a star. Check out “Why Can’t You” and give it a listen! Written By Alexa LaMalfa FOLLOW BRYANT BARNES: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Edie Yvonne is back with her latest release, “I Might,” a dark alternative pop track that shows off Yvonne’s talent for authentic storytelling. The song explores the reality of difficult relationships and with the edge of alternative rock guitars that really bring to life the grittiness of this situation. Yvonne has a talent for writing such transparent anthems and “I Might” is a great addition to her already stacked discography. The song is filled with intricate lyricism that paints a vivid picture of the complexities of being in a challenging relationship. Edie Yvonne continues to entertain audiences with her talent for someone who is so young and it’s clear that she will continue to create songs that explore difficult and tragic topics with such a delicate hand. “I Might” may be an alternative pop track but there’s an influence of rock and grunge that you can hear on the guitar distortion. From the moment you press play there’s a cold ambiance that sets the scene of how the two people in the relationship are hurting. Yvonne always has such a great voice and you can clearly hear it with this latest track. She always captures so much emotion when she sings and it only makes the story of this song much more painful. There’s also a sense of feeling haunted with the way the harmonies are mixed in the song. It definitely makes the setting more sinister and twisted. The song's ability to really set the setting of this relationship makes it feel very cinematic, listening to “I Might” makes one feel like we’re watching a film take place when tuning in. Overall, Edie Yvonne has once again amazed her fans with this release, and her ability to write deeply moving pieces always shines. Edie Yvonne is a 16 year old Los Angeles based artist who has been working in the industry for some time now. Yvonne began her career as an actress, starting in several short films including “Kitty” and “Lola.” On Spotify, she has acquired over 2000 monthly listeners and her fan base is expected to only continue to grow. “I Might” follows her previous releases “Burn” and “Epitome,” these three songs create a trilogy of introspective and honest storytelling that express the level of talent Yvonne holds. Yvonne has had an incredible career for someone so young and with every release she outdoes her previous work.  Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW EDIE YVONNE: Instagram   | Spotify  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

It's hard to face a reality that we don't wanna know. When love turns to longing and change never happens, leaving seems like the best option, but loneliness is the consequence we're afraid to face. We waste our time on relationships that we think can get better, but time goes by as the light grows dim on what we thought could've lasted. Sarah Cowan takes us through a love that is hard to leave when being alone is the only other option. Even as the tears continue to shed and the light fades as we justify the heartbreak from someone we can't leave, isolation is a fear that keeps us in the dark. How many more chances do we have to give before we finally face reality? An electric, deep beat pulls us into a timeless melody as "I DON'T WANNA KNOW" begins. Sarah's mellow vocals blends in with the striking melody as she tries to face away from the time she knows she's lost in a relationship she has trouble leaving behind. The heartbreak is clear, but the loneliness is a future she dreads, and she stays despite knowing it's time to go. The melody transcends into an airy and dreamlike state, and then continues into a commanding tone as the strong beat returns. It directs our attention back to the lyrical vocals that takes us to the reality that we try to avoid in fear of isolation. She continues to acknowledge the hurt that has been the result of the relationship, but she doesn't know where to go once it all comes to an end. Sarah Cowan's "I DON'T WANNA KNOW" is the song that will truly help us dance through the fear of choosing to be alone rather than be with someone we are done giving chances to. Sarah Cowan is an artist based in Columbus, Ohio who is coming through strong in the alternative pop scene. She is a singer and songwriter who doesn't shy away from sharing her experiences and stories through her deep and impactful lyrics. Her synth eighties melodies and beautiful messages combined bring a unique blend of nostalgia and emotions that leave us dancing to the words that relate to our own lives. She shared her first single during the pandemic and continued to release more songs that soon led to her debut album, "Out of Order." One of the songs, "JOKES ON ME," had gained popularity, and the streams kept coming as it reflected her unique artistry through its melody and lyrics. Sarah Cowan is an artist that has truly created anticipation for more of her distinct and electrifying music. Written By Nini Alano FOLLOW SARAH COWAN: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube