Search Results

The Era’s Tour is the most magical, sentimental, and community-oriented place on earth. It’s a place where all Swifties, new and old, come together where we all share one common interest: the one and only Taylor Swift. Taylor has had a long and successful career that has spanned over eighteen years long. Luckily for those in attendance, we’re brought on her musical journey following her different career eras. The Eras Tour is her sixth concert tour and has been going on for two years now. This tour is going to go down in history as one of the most successful, groundbreaking, iconic, as well as the most impossible to get tickets to. You have to fight "The Great War" to get tickets, quite literally, but thank gosh there’s a Taylor song for that.   I’m lucky enough to have been to the tour twice. The first time at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. It was still during the earlier stages of the tour. “Nothing New” was on the setlist, and “The Tortured Poets Department” didn’t even exist in our wildest dreams. Surprise songs are iconic so mine that day were “Holy Ground” and “False God”. As a “Getaway Car” super fan my heart did hurt after she sang it the night before my show, but now every time I listen to my surprise songs I am transported back to that day. Anyways, as a student at Syracuse University, once the Toronto tour dates were announced I knew it was close enough to make a trip happen, but let’s be honest I’d do anything for Taylor Swift. For both tour dates I couldn’t even win the fight for tickets, but luckily my friends did. I am so beyond grateful I even had the opportunity to go once, let alone twice.  The drive to Toronto was one I’ll never forget. Cars filling up the highway with Taylor themed decorations and quotes, windows rolled down blasting her music, and border patrol not even being surprised that we were another group to make the journey to see this amazing show. I just kept saying “today’s the day!” over and over again because I couldn’t believe I’d be seeing my favorite artist put on what I consider the greatest show of all time. All the countless nights spent watching grainy live streams of the show would finally be coming to an end. The whole city of Toronto looked like one big Taylor Swift ad, and I’m not complaining. It was amazing to see the impact Taylor has on the world, not just the Swifties. It felt like one big community coming together to celebrate the joy we all have listening to Taylor. The Eras Tour is not just a concert. Its impact on fans has been something I’ve never seen before. It’s hard to pick a favorite album, or even a concept to dress up as for the concert, but as a huge “Reputation” fan, I knew I had to dress up as that era again. I love the creativity that comes from the costumes and accessories Swifties wear, it makes everything so much more fun.  As I entered the Rogers Center my whole body was tingling, the butterflies in my stomach were flipping, and I couldn’t even process that I was about to see Taylor Swift perform on stage for a glorious three-hour long set. My friends and I did not have enough time to make our own friendship bracelets, but of course I left the stadium with a full stack on both arms. The friendship bracelet trading is just another sign of how much of a strong community we are as a fanbase, as well as proving how hilarious some members are because these bracelets can get out of hand (in the best way possible). Before I knew it the crowd was cheering and Gracie Abrams was walking on stage. This was my second time seeing her, the first being when she opened the other Eras night I attended. This time, I was an even bigger Gracie fan than before, so I immediately stood up and started screaming with the crowd. This time around, I felt more of the crowd knew her songs and lyrics which made me so happy to see. I genuinely thought I was going to lose my voice after I sang along to “Free Now” with Gracie. Little time went by before the infamous clock was projected on the stage. The pre-show playlist was starting to dwindle down and as soon as “Applause” by Lady Gaga started playing you could already hear screams. That’s how we all knew the show was about to start.  Taylor makes a three hour show feel like three minutes. It is insanely impressive how she is able to give the performance of a lifetime for each era and captivate the audience with stunning visuals, sets, and stellar choreographed dance routines. There was a lot of screaming, singing, and tears on my behalf, but before I knew it I was about to experience “The Tortured Poets Department” set for the first time. You don’t know how much I needed to hear “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived” live. It was truly life changing. Seriously. I mean, who hurt us all? You can hear every single person scream the lyrics at the top of their lungs and what a healing moment that was for us all.  I was so lucky that now for this surprise song section she started doing mashups. Taylor came out and by the way she was talking I had a gut feeling Gracie was going to come back out, and she DID! They sang their Grammy nominated duet “us.” and mashed it with “Out Of The Woods” on the acoustic guitar. Then when Taylor sat down at the piano and started playing “You’re On Your Own Kid” I was crying. Some people complain that she sings that song too much, but I couldn’t be more thrilled. I really resonate with that song for many reasons. As a big Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks fan, Stevie has dedicated that song to her former bandmate Christine McVie. That was mashed with “Long Story Short”. I got to hear the lyrics “You’re on your own, kid, you can face this. So long story short I survived”. Are we kidding? Genius. The “Midnights” set is bittersweet. It is an amazing album and one of my favorites, but it’s also a signal that the show is almost over. I would insert videos that I took throughout the show, but instead of hearing Taylor’s beautiful voice, you’ll hear my unfortunate singing.  Regardless, if you aren't as big of a Swiftie as I am, you can’t argue with the fact that Taylor is a captivating performer and one of the best to ever do it. She has changed the music industry; in fact, she IS the music industry. I was so overwhelmed with emotions that at some points I just had to stand with my jaw open in awe of her artistry. As someone who wants to work in the music industry, I kept thinking of how much work goes into a production like this and how impressive every member of her team is. The Eras Tour will go down in history and its impact will be studied for years to come. I wish I could be at The Eras Tour every day, but luckily there’s a film available for streaming (that I watch quite frequently). There's a reason why so many people want to attend this show. I will never forget the memories I made at The Eras Tour in Toronto. Written By Alexa LaMalfa Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Nothing hurts worse than that moment the rose colored glasses shatter, and you realize the person you thought you'd spend the rest of your life with isn't who you thought they were. It's like a knife straight to the heart, and you feel like a fool for getting played, but it's time to dust off your shoulders, take a deep breath and move on. "Last December" by Cassie Ann is about finally seeing the person you've been with for who they really are, and the facade they've been putting on. Come to find, this relationship was completely built on lies by a broken person who was just using you to play their game. "Last December" is a gorgeously sad electro-pop bop. This song is filled to the brim with detailed production work. A variety of synths and piano take the forefront of the instrumentation, creating this stunning, almost whimsical soundscape. The rhythm and beat has a nostalgic groove, with a little bit of an old-school hip-hop vibe. There's even what sounds like raindrops in the background, which really adds to the ambience and mood of the song. The vocals have layers of synthesized harmonies which I thought was the perfect touch, giving "Last December" an even bigger sense of catharsis when you hear the etherealism of this production technique. Cassie Ann grew up near Munich, Germany where she gained a love for music at a very young age. She took lessons for singing, piano and flute and perform in the local area. At the age of 18, she moved to Berlin to further her studies in music. She then went on to live in places such as Los Angeles, Vancouver and Costa Rica, working with different artists, producers, DJs, and songwriters all around the world to help expand and diversify her sound. She even took some courses in Boston at the very well-known Berklee College of Music . Cassie Ann's sound uniquely blends a dance-pop production with meaningful lyricism. Some of her biggest influences are Tate McRae , Ariana Grande , Dua Lipa and Camila Cabello . "Last December" is only her second single release, her first being "Possibilities" which just debuted earlier this year. This is only the beginning for Cassie Ann, so make sure to follow her below to see what's to come! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW CASSIE ANN: Instagram | Spotify

London-based singer-songwriter Moniah is back with her latest single, "Harsh Reality." "Harsh Reality" is a mellow contemporary piece of R&B. Sonically, the track is smooth and buttery, seeping with lush instrumentation and gorgeous strings. Lyrically, the song is an honest look at our relationship to the past. It is a melancholy ballad about longing over relationships now far gone as a way to distract from present life. It is a universal sentiment penned and performed dazzlingly by Moniah. "Harsh Reality" is a song that is beautiful aesthetically and even more beautiful lyrically. "Harsh Reality" captures the feelings of going through past photos with someone no longer in your life. Lines like "Don't you just hate, when the memories we create, the pictures, go to waste?" capture the brief joy and subsequent disappointment of reliving the past. Moniah states that this is one of her most honest songs; "Harsh Reality is an open wound--like you're listening to a page straight from my diary," which comes through evidently. The song is a story of heartbreak and wishfulness relatable to virtually everyone. And Moniah's performance only adds to its emotional resonance. Her passionate belting, accompanied by the rich instrumentation, makes for a dynamic quality. "Harsh Reality" is a song impossible not to feel moved by. As an artist, Moniah's work focuses on honest lyricism and genre variation. Though she was a songwriter since she was a child, Moniah honed in on her skills in 2017 when she enlisted in writing boot camps in Kent. Since then, she has been working on her discography, with her first official release debuting in 2021. Moniah currently has six singles out, all of which have been played on radio stations from the BBC 6 to Croydon FM. On Spotify, Moniah holds over 10,000 streams and 3600 monthly listeners. Her previous single, "Sweet Escape," saw particular acclaim, garnering features from publications like Get In Her Ear, among others. Moniah is planning on releasing her debut EP in spring of 2025, and in the meantime you can listen to her music, including, "Harsh Reality" on all major streaming services now. Written By Lauren Nolan FOLLOW MONIAH: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Soundcloud  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

An empowering message of self-respect, even in the midst of an uncertain relationship, Gina Livia's song "idk2" will inspire you with its poetic honesty and healthy approach to love. The lyrics work through the nuances of a connection, acknowledging the intensity the speaker feels when they are with a certain someone while recognizing the truth, that "if you wanted to be with me, you'd be". Telling listeners not to remain an option for someone who does not prioritize your relationship over the possibility of another, this song encourages strength and perseverance even when you're still in love. Captivatingly grappling with romance and peace, this song will motivate listeners to say goodbye to those they love who cannot give them the relationship they deserve. This track carries a genuine sound of romantic mourning and moving on. Strings and piano work through this song with a powerful and somber simplicity, and instrumentals build progressively throughout the track as through the resolution in its message takes hold over the sound. Gina's soulful vocals are strong and expressive, moving through depths and emotive highs that hit the ear in a profoundly touching way. Determination and pain blend through the sound of the chorus as piano compliments the power of the lyrics. Percussion joins in the second verse, empowering the track with a sense of strength. This emotional pop song will strike you with its beauty, depth, and power. Gina Livia is a German artist who has been practicing music since the age of 5. This singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist plays both guitar and piano. She uses her music to connect with listeners by sharing her honest and personal feelings through her storytelling lyricism. At the age of 16, she released her first original song on YouTube, and her audience grew locally from then on. Collaborating with talented artists like Nico Pusch , cozmoe , and Nina Chuba has given her a wider scope in the music scene, as she currently has upwards of 80 000 monthly listeners on Spotify. Check out the links below to learn more about her music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW GINA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

"Older Sister" by Lenn is a nostalgic song that will warm your heart with its childlike curiosity and craving of connection this heart-warming track follows a speaker who wonders what her life would have been like had she grown up with an older sister. The song takes you through fantastical scenes of what the relationship might have been like with mentions of school and lyrics like "we would dance in the hallway", touching listeners with that lovely physical manifestation of joy and connection. Seeking the wisdom and togetherness that only an older sibling can provide, this moving song is a thought-provoking exploration of family relationships. This song feels like a fever dream and a fantasy, basking in the euphoria of what if's in its sound. Glowing piano with an electronic resonance open this ambient dark electropop track. Lenn's soulful and beautiful vocals move slowly through the verse, calmly moving the brushstrokes to the lyric's portrait of an imagined history. An expressive shift in the vocals comes through the pre-chorus with the singing climbing higher. Haunting, high layers of vocals pulse through the chorus with an emphasis on each syllable as the ambient electronic instrumentals coast into an immersive sound that blends into the next verse. Vocalizing mixes with impressive highs throughout the lyrics, adding even more depth to this multi-dimensional tune. Lenn is a UK-based musician with an indie pop style. In her early life, she only had the opportunity to listen to Christian music, but into her teens, the genres she was exposed to expanded and so did her love of music. Launching her musical career in 2022, she has already flourished, supporting Icarus's tour with sold out shows across the UK. Lenn has collaborated with electronic artists including Hidden Face and Grafix . Her music has gained support form platforms like BBC Upload, BBC Introducing, and several editorial playlists. With music amassing millions of streams across various platforms, her songs connect with listeners across the globe. Check out the links below to explore her discography. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW LENN: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Expressing the importance of a grounded and sensible mindset when it comes to romance, "Delusional" by Maggie Ries takes on the way social constructs and internal thought processes impact us. This immersive and relatable track goes through the way self-sabotage and fantastical expectations intersect to cloud our judgement. Illuminating wisdom comes through the lyrics "I guess I don't wanna wait for Mr. Perfectly Fake," with a message for listeners to step out of the fairytale and into an expectation-free exploration of human connection. At the same time, the lyrics still long for movie-like romance. Ultimately, this song will comfort you with its romanticism while it grounds you with its level-headed wisdom. A bright dream pop style will energize you with the upbeat sound of this energetic track. Electronic percussion infuses the tune with a bright feeling that will make you want to dance as a deep electronic bass riff repeats a cool and exciting tone. Maggie's vocals are light, working through the verse with a breathy narrative tune, punctuated with layers of shout-singing at the end of each line. Bask in the high, uplifting sound of the chorus as the vocals shine through the lyrics of self-reflection with vibrant electronic instrumentals. A truly fun sound to breaking down perceptions, this exciting pop song is an exciting vocal exploration as much as it is an introspective journey. Maggie Ries, also known as Laura Ries, is a German musician with an exciting alternative pop style. Writing music in studios since the age of fourteen, both for herself and others, Maggie's musical and lyrical talents have evolved over time. From putting out a country-pop album under her birth name to receiving a masters in Music Business and pursuing one in Popular Music, she has explored different walks of music and developed a singular style. Her lively stage presence is accompanied by a four-piece band of e-guitar, e-bass, acoustic guitar, and synth. Check out the links below to enjoy her music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW MAGGIE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

"In Love on My Own" by MATEO is a powerful reflection on loving someone who doesn't feel the same way. Through playing back moments and weaving questioning with regret, the lyrics take you on a journey of memories, flowers, and love letters with unreturned sentiments. Still caught up in the idea of their lost romance, this song shows the bitter truth, that it's not easy to get over someone even if you know a relationship will only end in heartbreak. The lyrics are vulnerable and introspective about the reasons the speaker holds onto a love that isn't right. Experience the passionate journey of reflection and mourning that this heartache anthem has to offer. Glowing instrumentals meet comforting acoustic fingerpicking in this heartfelt, emotional pop song. MATEO's vocals are intimate and melodic, working through verse with an emotionally expressive tone. The tune raises the emotion in the track to a different level of intensity with a melismatic falsetto that embodies the soulful sadness of the lyrics. Vocal layers of powerful belting and singing bring a heart-wrenching texture to the chorus. Gently, acoustic palm-muted strumming joins the fingerpicking, and piano rings out simple high notes, contrasting the passionate depth of the vocals with their gentle addition. Fans of Dean Lewis and Lewis Capaldi will love the romantic, emotional sound of this song. MATEO is a UK-based artist with an acoustic pop style. He infuses his lyrics with personal experiences and open vulnerability, making music that listeners can truly connect with. Since the age of fourteen, he has been exercising his creative writing muscle through poetry, and his skills have flourished into the vast emotional depth felt through the lyrics in his songs. He was a 2024 finalist for Casio Sessions at Ninety One, a singer-songwriter competition in London, and has supported artists like Emma Taylor & The Wallflowers at the Eagle Inn in Manchester. Check out the links below to keep up to date with his music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW MATEO: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

For AICK’s second single of 2024, they’ve released “You’re Not As Tired As I” as an exploration of the thin line between vulnerability and strength. Knowing that you can rely on yourself is often a good thing, and that independence is an important trait to have; but, oftentimes people can fall into the pitfall of believing that they’re the only ones they can depend on, and end up denying the help of those around them. We close ourselves off and turn away, believing that to be the best option for ourselves. AICK’s single points out the inner turmoil we go through when that’s the case. It takes a lot of strength to be open and vulnerable, and with the track’s eclectic mixture of disjointed synth and heavy percussion, this is a song whose soundscape is original and message integral. I think what’s going to be most prominent to people when listening to “You’re Not As Tired As I” is the soundscape. Its complexity is so much fun to listen to with its layers of synth and percussion, all being tied together with smoother-than-butter vocals. Around the song’s middle, there is a sudden split in tone, and listeners get treated to a super slick bass as the track becomes a little more lighter, energetic; I love the change, and I think that it keeps the track fresh and original. Listeners are able to hear two fairly different soundscapes, one being lower and the other far more upbeat, but they match one another so well with their instrumentals and vocals keeping them in the same realm. And then AICK adds those amazing lyrics to an already amazing track, and now you get a song with both a fantastic soundscape and meaningful lyrics. “You’re Not As Tired As I” comments on our wants and needs to lean on another person for help, but the resistance we put up against it. The line “In the dark you won’t see me cry” emphasizes our need to hide our fears, our need for help. The rest of the lyrics follow a similar pattern of the narrator both asking and resisting help, at once wanting someone to hold their hand but then turning around to say that they won’t see them cry. “You’re Not As Tired As I” is just one of those songs that has a million ways you can listen to it, and it’s definitely a track for those of you who like a varied listening experience with songwriting that speaks from the heart. Composed of guitarist Eik Buhl Petterson and dancer and pianist Helene Høier, AICK is an alt-pop duo that hails from Copenhagen. The high school friends focus their music on youth, confusion, and stubbornness, while combining dreamily bold soundscapes that have their listeners getting lost in. While Petterson is most comfortable in the studio, Høier enchants stages with her presence and contemporary dance moves. The duo debuted in 2021 with their eponymous EP “AICK”, which was later followed by a few singles in 2023, as well as another EP entitled “Long Intermission”. “You’re Not As Tired As I” follows AICK’s second single of 2024, “Actor”. You should absolutely be listening to the rest of AICK’s discography if you enjoyed “You’re Not As Tired As I”! Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW AICK: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook

Music streaming on Digital Service Providers has only been around since the beginning of the 21st century, and yet, there is much history about royalty payments paid out to artists. Many people know about how these services pay relatively little per stream in comparison to physical sales or downloads, but how did we get to the point where we are today? Let’s take a look! Image obtained from Mojo Audio To begin, I want to talk about what royalties actually are. A royalty is a payment made to an owner of an asset for the use of said asset. Royalties are a derivative of copyright, which is included in the U.S Constitution. Every song has two kinds of copyrights: the underlying musical composition and the master sound recording. The underlying musical composition is what is written by the songwriter and composers, like the lyrics and instrumentals. The master sound recording, on the other hand, is the physical recording of the song. So, the owners of the underlying musical composition and the master sound recording get royalties each time the song is licensed or used. However, copyright protections do expire. Currently, copyright protections (for works made before January 1st, 1978) last for the life of the author plus 70 years. If there are multiple authors, the 70 years would only begin once the last composer dies.  Image obtained from Wall Street Mojo To understand how streaming royalties were set up, I do want to briefly discuss royalties prior to streaming. Congress enacted the first mechanical copyright law in 1909, which meant that artists could get paid for the physical production of their work. At this time, mechanical copyrights were used for piano rolls, but this progressed into vinyl records, cassettes, and CDs. However, when streaming became another method of music consumption, it became a problem. The music being played wasn’t being physically created, so how would the copyright owners get royalties? Congress enacted the Digital Performance Right in Sound Recordings Act , which allowed the owners to get paid for these digital uses. Image obtained from Unified Manufacturing The next big stride in streaming royalty payments was the Music Modernization Act of 2018 . The act addressed problems with compensation and streamlined the process for audio-only, on-demand streaming, such as Spotify and Apple Music. There had long been calls for increases in royalty payments from streaming (and there still are), and the act addressed that problem. However, the act did much more. It created the Mechanical Licensing Collective , which helps issue blanket licenses, which are a singular license that grants you access to a large catalog of music.  It created a public database of songs, license owners, and the percent of ownership. The database matches the writers to their compositions and sound recordings for royalty payments It allowed for producers and engineers to get royalties for their additions to the underlying musical composition and the master recording. The reasons for the creation of the act include: Streaming was driving the vast majority of the growth in the music industry. According the to the RIAA (the Recording Industry Association of America), streaming accounted for 84% of recorded music revenue in 2023 , roughly 14.4 billion dollars It was a complex process for streaming services to get individual licenses from all the composers. With the Music Modernization Act, it created a blanket license,, which streamlines the process of licensing There were attempts to make a database similar to the MLC called the Global Repertoire Database (GRD). However this failed due to political reasons. Image obtained from the Recording Academy So, what’s happened since then? A bill, titled the Living Wage For Musicians Act , was introduced into the House in March of this year, which aims to bypass the middlemen (aka record labels) in royalty payouts. The goal is to increase the royalty payments to one cent per stream, as opposed to the fraction of a cent that streaming royalty rates are currently set as. These payments would be funded by a 50% fee added to every subscription. However, this fund of money to the artist is not a replacement to the current royalty payment system, but a supplement. In addition, the bill would also establish a cap on royalty payments for songs that get over 1 million streams a month. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich) and Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) collaborated with Damon Krukowski, an organizer of the Union of Musicians and Allied Workers , to draft the bill. It is currently under review by the House Committee on the Judiciary.  Image obtaine d from the United Musicians and Allied Workers Streaming services themselves have also responded to the calls for higher streaming rates. Spotify introduced a new model in 2023 that would require tracks to obtain at least 1000 streams per year to get royalties. This is more in response to the great abundance of AI-generated tracks on streaming services, but this new model was also designed for artists who generate a substantial amount of engagement. Deezer, in collaboration with Universal Music Group, created a similar model that would increase revenue for tracks with over 1000 streams a month for 500 different artists.  These actions have all received mixed reviews from industry professionals and artists alike. The issue of streaming royalty payments is one that has become increasingly complex. In order to raise revenues for artists, it will most likely come out of the consumer’s pockets. To find this balance isn’t easy, but I hope that in the future we can find a way to properly compensate musicians that add so much to our lives. Written By Lauren DiGiovanni Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Although sometimes we might not want certain relationships to end, if that’s what's for the better they eventually do. It doesn’t mean we won’t reminisce on memories and hope for one more second with the person we lost. “We’re Over Now” by Cece Benz is about coping with your ex moving on with someone new and realizing your relationship has truly ended. Watching someone you love fall in love with someone else is one of the most gut wrenching feelings, especially when it seems like their relationship is better than yours was. Although looks may be deceiving, watching your ex pine over someone else where it seems like they are a completely different person (when it comes to relationships) hurts. Watching them give someone else the treatment you wanted but never received stings. Cece thought her ex wasn’t capable of love, but then she questions if maybe he just wasn’t in love with her because he didn’t show it very well. This song is about wanting more. Cece saw right through his flaws and called him out on his act. She thinks that might be a reason why the relationship ended. There’s also a lyric in the song that I really resonate with, “'Tis the Damn Season”, for many reasons. First of all, I’m a huge swiftie so this lyric being a subtle nod to Swift’s song (of the same name) is very exciting. “'Tis the Damn Season” by Taylor Swift is about going back to your hometown and seeing someone from your past that you used to be very connected with. Time stops moving when you are reconnecting with your past, but everyone else continues to move. When you leave your hometown and are finally snapped back into reality your world begins to start again, but now you have an open wound. Cece does a great job connecting Swift’s meaning to her own song, which is very fitting to the theme of “We’re Over Now.” Now, Cece is back in her hometown reminiscing on the past and is filled with memories and overwhelming feelings about people from a certain time in her life. “We’re Over Now” is a beautifully layered acoustic indie track about time moving on but being stuck in the past. It’s also about realizing that a past relationship is truly over because your ex is currently moving on with someone else. Produced by Luke Giles, “We’re Over Now” is a great song to listen to when you’re in your feels. Cece really opens up through her lyrics. She expresses true vulnerability, especially by the way she sings. I love that the acoustic guitar is the foundation of the instrumentation. As the song progresses, more elements like shakers and upbeat tones are added to the track. Cece’s tone and voice are so unique and so easy to listen to, because she’s that good. Cece Benz is a singer-songwriter from Atlanta. She began writing and performing original music at twelve years old so it’s safe to say she had her talents from a very young age. Right now, she is a student at Berklee College of Music where she continues to grow her abilities as a musician. She’s performed all over Atlanta, Nashville, and Boston playing at a variety of different venue types. Cece’s lyrics are personal yet relatable. She is definitely a rising star and one to look out for. Check out “We’re Over Now” and give it a listen! Written By Alexa LaMalfa FOLLOW CECE BENZ: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

The wait is over: fiery pop sensation Maiah Manser has just released the fame-denouncing single of the season, "Hollywood"! An allusion to the contents of the rest of her new EP, Fourth Wall, this song perfectly captures what the short-set is all about: the realities of fame and success in today's unrelenting industry. Not only does Manser excel in this track as a vocalist, but the visual artistry tied to this piece leaves a profound impact on its audience. "Hollywood" gives listeners a taste of reality, with Manser's gripping commentary on womanhood, industry secrets, and maintaining one's integrity amid the business. Manser's keen sense of this ever-evolving craft is portrayed through this EP, a conceptual amalgam of all of the pros and cons that come with working in the music and media industry. Manser explores themes of artistic identity, authenticity, womanhood, fame, and so much more, using that second-person point of view to pull her audience in, and, as the EP title suggests, break the fourth wall. "Hollywood" is a powerful, engrossing track that dives deep below the genre's surface and hidden demands. The song opens with chilling, ominous strings that draw you in before the lyrics begin. The orchestral opening paired with Manser's smooth vocalizations has the listener eagerly anticipating the first line. Manser's velvety voice adds richness to the song's subtly foreboding nature, preparing us for the depth of the production and lyricism. Its hauntingly beautiful sound alludes to the temptations of success that captivate us and leave us blind to the bitter truth behind entertainment. Throughout the song, Manser draws out almost every word, taking her time on each phrase without sacrificing the momentum or quality of the track and preparing us for the catchy melody. The chorus that follows is simply addictive, focusing all of our attention on the main subject of the song with utter grace. "Hollywood" is a song you can't listen to just once, as it's pure bliss on the ears. Manser's range, unique style, and clever wordplay shine through in this piece, all working to highlight the true nature of her experiences as a growing artist and illuminate the secrets hidden behind the illusive curtains. Straight from Cali's infamous Los Angeles, singer, producer, and visual artist, Maiah Manser has steadily paved her path to pop stardom! Manser began her successful career by simply putting herself out there and garnering considerable attention and exposure on TikTok, which provided a solid foundation and online presence for her musical journey, in addition to her boundless talents. Manser has expanded her reach to more than just the mainstream pop world, with one of her songs landing itself in Netflix's very own "Devil in Ohio"! Manser's Fourth Wall now stands alongside her series of critically claimed EPs, "Second Skin" and "third degree", making a wonderful addition to her colorful discography. As fans immerse themselves in Manser's latest works, they can't help but continue to be on the lookout for more highly anticipated hits! Make sure to stay tuned for upcoming updates and releases by following down below! Written By Pejah Carr FOLLOW MAIAH: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube

"Dead Giveaway" by colby! is an authentic representation of what it's like to realize you are giving too much to a relationship with someone who doesn't give back. With a motivating message of moving on, the lyrics tackle the details of how a person has let the speaker down. Leaving no room for denial and breaking down the truth, the song opens with the powerful lyrics "it's not the things you say, it's the stuff you don't," before moving on to explain that you can't hide the truth. With an inspirational meaning, this song lets listeners know to trust their instincts and that they should not tolerate mistreatment. Upbeat pop instrumentals meet ambient, reflective vocals in this track. The sound of this song takes you through more grounded and gutsy feelings in the verse before lifting to a confident, dynamic place in the chorus. colby!'s singing through the verse is quiet and edgy, bringing a gently throaty texture to the words. Vocalizing and a resonant repeating pattern of electronic instrumentals add to the sonic journey of this track before the groovy and immersive sound of the chorus takes over. Percussion, guitar, and louder singing will entrance you in the bold lyrics. Listeners will love the catchy sound of this song with its honest and poignant message. colby! is an artist from Texas who has been singing since childhood. At the age of 14, she began collaborating with her brother/producer RJ Johnson to make music. Using songwriting as a creative outlet, colby! makes music that provides listeners with an uplifting release. She uses social media to showcase her beautiful vocals through covers of popular songs. colby! has earned nearly 60 000 monthly followers on Spotify and spots on editorial playlists on Amazon Music and Spotify with her exciting songs. With singles and a recent EP, her growing discography has caught the attention of listeners across the globe. Check out the links below to keep up with her music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW COLBY!: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator