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Married music duo, Washer Dryer, has recently dropped their first ever EP together, "Washer", which was written and produced in the midst of major life changes and decisions. TRACKLIST Not Like Yesterday City Is An Animal baby baby baby Undertow Oblivion Washer Dryer consists of singer/songwriters and married lovers Alex Taylor and Karen Costello Taylor. They came up with the name Washer Dryer because it was something they didn't have but desperately wanted while living in their New York apartment, which is a very big inspiration for their EP we are talking about today! They describe themselves as " Courtney Barnett and Kurt Vile—if they were married and made music together all the time". Their sound is a blend of alternative and indie rock with essences of synth-pop. They met in Tallahassee, Florida. After they got married, they moved to Brooklyn, New York to pursue those big city dreams, spending their 20's living it up in NYC. Although they have a soft spot for the city life, things changed when they had a baby, which was also around the time they started writing and recording the "Washer" EP. They started craving more of a suburban life for themselves and their little one, so back to Florida they went. The songs on "Washer" reflect their love for the city, but also the exhaustion that comes with that kind of lifestyle. It's a very personal project that takes you through the process and conflicting feelings of what Alex and Karen were going through. Even the cover art has deep, significant meaning, as it's a detailed clay replica of their Brooklyn apartment that they turned into a real-life fish tank. Washer Dryer officially debuted last year (2024) with the single "Undertow" in anticipation for this EP release, along with two other singles "Not Like Yesterday" and "baby baby baby" which we will get to explore. Below is a visualizer which contains the full EP, so press play and listen along while we dive into each track! Not Like Yesterday We start off the EP with their third and final single release, "Not Like Yesterday", a super fun and upbeat rock'n'roll song to get you amped up for the rest of the project. This track is about recognizing how things can change at any moment. Whatever was true yesterday, doesn't have to be true today. You have to always do whatever is best for you, even if those decisions might not make sense to others! In "Not Like Yesterday", Karen sings with confidence and just a hint of sass. There's almost an Americana twang hidden in there; an attitude that you just know not to mess with. Filled with distorted guitars and the catchiest cowbell you've probably ever heard, this indie rock jam is the perfect start to get to excited for what else is to come. One of my favorite moments is the interlude before the ending where they create this eerie, dissonant moment that is just chilling to the bone. City Is An Animal Next we have "City Is An Animal", a leisurely, classic-toned soft-rock song about just how draining and exhausting the city life can really be. Some people just aren't cut out for it, even if you think you are - and once you're in it, you realize you're trying to bite off way more than you can chew. Especially in New York City, the city that never sleeps, you will never sleep either. You can still love the city and not want to live there, and that's what Alex and Karen realized within this song. When it came to their mental sanity, raising their child and having a home to rest in, they needed a bigger, quieter space. Not only that, but they were used to the warm, Florida sun, while New York can get awfully cold. Listening to "City Is An Animal", you can feel the tiredness from their situation radiating from the music. The emotion emanates from the tone of the guitars, the tempo and the intense reverb. baby baby baby "baby baby baby" is a super dreamy and nostalgic indie pop/rock track. With Alex taking the lead vocals and Karen singing the refrain in between, we hear this new structure that really showcases how beautifully their vocals intertwine and blend together. This song features an addicting soft guitar riff with reverb engulfing everything, making the soundscape ethereal. "baby baby baby" is dedicated to Alex and Karen's child, and wrapping your head around having this new little lifeform around, and how it's completely changed your own life. Having a baby is a huge change, and there's things you have to do differently. Yes, losing sleep is hard and having to break habits for the sake of the baby can be difficult, but it's worth it just to be able to see those sparkling little eyes every single day. Undertow When you think of the word "Undertow", you probably think of water and it's behavior of pulling away underneath while the water on the surface is still moving in forward motion. What you might not know is there's another meaning for "Undertow" that has to do with underlying emotions; lingering, atmospheric feelings that sometimes you don't even understand why they're there... and you just wish they would go away. The song "Undertow" is about being caught in an endless cycle of unwanted behavior and emotion. It's a heavy rock song that builds with punchy, crashing energy. Just hold onto your boots for the guitar solo moment! Oblivion Last, but certainly not least, we have the gorgeously vulnerable track, "Oblivion". As the most lyrically complex song on the EP, it's also the most gentle, raw and emotional in it's tone and soundscape. The style takes an approach that is reminiscent of 60's / 70's folk rock, with blends of different guitars, a bass, soft drums, and heavy emphasis on storytelling and vocals. The moral of this song, without giving all the details away, is life just doesn't always work out the way you think it will or want it to - but that doesn't mean give up. Things are bound to get hard sometimes, but no matter what happens you have to keep going. "Oblivion" is very personal but yet still so relatable to so many. I highly suggest just closing your eyes and taking this one in. What a stunning way to end an EP. Credits: Savannah Lauren I think that "Washer" is such a rock solid (no pun intended) start for Alex and Karen. Seriously, what an incredible project and moment in time to introduce themselves to the world as studio-recording artists. Their story is honestly quite inspiring, and their relentless effort to share their music with the world despite the obstacles they have faced is so admirable; and this music needed to be heard. They have such a natural, effortless flow to their sound and songwriting; plus there's their undeniable creative and intimate chemistry. I can't wait to hear more from them, and this is definitely still only the beginning for these two. Make sure to follow Washer Dryer below to keep up on their incredible musical journey! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW WASHER DRYER: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on SubmitHub. A contribution was made to help create this article as part of a promotional campaign.

It feels like a breath of fresh air. An overwhelming sense of frisson captures our soaring heart most vehemently, reminding us of our love for the individual that we profoundly treasure. We can’t help but find ourselves in a state of pure bliss, walking hand-in-hand in what seems like an arcadian– where our plights are overshadowed. All we can focus on is the person in front of us, we’re engrossed in the thrumming sensation in our chests that smolders with such a longing. Formally broken, yearning for a person who could piece us back together. It came unexpectedly, and yet we can’t help ourselves from the embers of love that hold us prisoner. “When You Fall” by Brook Fox, is a song about falling hard in love. About the first stages of immense adoration and almost keen obsession we feel when we first enter a relationship with a romantic partner. Everything feels like a benign reverie– the emotions we share feel almost unreal, all too overwhelming to decipher. All we know is that we are so incredibly euphoric to have found this person. We are all too in love to ever think about letting them go. With lyrics like “If it wasn’t for you, I’d have thrown it all away” and “the words from your mouth got me to stay” depict an even stronger meaning. It integrates more emphasis and what it means to truly be in love with someone who has saved you from the detrimental thorns of an intractable sorrow. The song opens up in a flourishing way, like a flower that has bloomed after a cataclysmic winter. The hues of a magnificent spring and buoyancy allowing it to blossom in its purest form. “When You Fall” carries a rhythm that reminds me of a blissful recollection, something reminiscent. As the song builds up it’s chorus, so does the passion in Brook’s voice, adding so much more feeling and connection to the lyrics that already carry significance. The chords of the guitar emphasize the happiness that encompasses this song, complimenting Brook’s voice, all of it commingled into a beautiful harmony that expresses the beauty of a new love. It’s a heavily relatable feeling, when we first fall in love with a person, all we ever want is them. To bask in their presence, to talk to them and get to know them. Learning to trust them, and fully relying on their support, being able to be by their side. Brook Fox is a singer and songwriter based in the UK, raised in a small town of Burry Port. Resonating with genres like indie and pop, writing lyrics that offer realism and comfort for those who crave relatable lyrics.  Although he was quite new to the music industry, Brook developed a deep infatuation with making and creating music in 2020, during the pandemic. Despite being rather new, he didn’t allow that to keep him in a circle, branching out and gaining over thirty thousand streams in 139 countries on his debut single “Time”, which is an incredible accomplishment! Brook was practically born to be a musician, being able to catch the attention of music listeners and earn the recognition he deserves for all of his hard work. With 2025 unfolding, we can expect a lot more new music and gigs from Brook. I can’t wait to see what he has in stores for us! Written By Rosalyn Sanchez FOLLOW BROOK FOX: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

We embrace who we are by being our true, authentic selves through self-love and mindsets of never giving up. With intrusive thoughts constantly on your mind always wondering why you think this way when in reality the whole world around you thinks the exact same. It’s easy to sit and question everything you are doing in life, after all you are your biggest critic. But it’s also perfectly okay to remind yourself that you are doing the best you can and that this version of you is only going to last as long as you let it. Life has a way of working itself out and all you have to do is be patient and the rest will fall into play. Through MITCH El’s new single “BETTER THAN THIS” we find these same messages of living life unapologetically and to the fullest. “BETTER THAN THIS” starts off with an ear-catching whistling riff that gently draws you in before the beat drops and sets the mood for the rest of the song. Her intense, yet soft vocal tone layered with a deeper voice brings the song to life and sends chills down your spine. It has a variety of beats and rhythms reminding you of eerie times and messages of never regretting your actions. With its different upbeat electronic tunes mixed with beautifully elegant melodies, you can hear just when the song is about to shift in tone. Pairing well with the structure is the style and mood of the song, with sounds of pop and electronics mixed with lyrics that are relatable to anyone who just wants to live a life they deserve. The repetition of lines like “I am better than this” gives her listeners hope and a sense of empowerment. MITCH El is a 27-year-old singer/songwriter from Southern Israel. She crafts her songs from her own life experiences and the emotions she feels in those moments of life. Her songs are extremely vulnerable as each song tells a story about her life, and you can just feel the intense, personal emotion as you listen to each lyric. She debuted her first single titled “SuperNova” in 2024 in memory of her close friend who passed away. MITCH El is not only a singer and songwriter but she also self produces her songs right from her bedroom studio. Her passion for music came from her love of bossa nova which is a combination of samba and jazz music as well as jazz music. After listening to “BETTER THAN THIS” be sure to check out “WHERE DID I GO” as it is the leading single for her upcoming debut album! Written By Julissa Garcia FOLLOW MITCH El: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Kelsea Ballerini is back with another addition to the “Patterns” era. The original album is one of my favorites from last year. I’ve listened to it countless times since its release in October, putting Ballerini at the number four slot in my top five artists list from Spotify Wrapped. When “Patterns Deluxe” was announced, my hopes were high. Ballerini released five bonus tracks to “Patterns” on Friday, March 7. These include, “To The Men That Love Women After Heartbreak,” “Future Tripping,” “Put It To Bed,” “Cut Me Up” and “Hindsight is Happiness.” “To The Men That Love Women After Heartbreak,” was available for download on Ballerini’s website for a limited time back in November, and fans have rallied around the song since. I included it in my original “Patterns” review, which you can read here. Tracklist Future Tripping Put It to Bed Cut Me Up Hindsight is Happiness Future Tripping “Future Tripping” opens with an upbeat, steely instrumental. In this song, Ballerini details her worries over her current relationship and where it will go next. Are she and her partner moving too fast? Too slow? Even though she feels happy and fulfilled in her relationship, she has no idea what the future holds and worries that she could be doing something wrong. She recognizes that she must give up control of even her best-laid plans and let things unfold as they may. It is much easier said than done, however, and she is still caught in her head. The tune of this song is catchy and relatable to others who worry about the fate of their relationship, even when this feeling might not be warranted. The lyrics and instrumentals feel scattered, providing insight into Ballerini’s feelings of anxiety. While this is not the strongest example, she has used this tactic in other songs from “Patterns” to truly give listeners a peek into her thoughts. This is ultimately not my favorite bonus track, but it was an interesting callback to some of the ideas from the original record. Put It To Bed “Put It To Bed” is a pop-inspired tune that captures the moment when you’re mid-conversation with someone else at a party and you just want to go home with your partner. There is nothing like that rush of anticipation when you lock eyes with that special person through the crowd in the room and know you have the same thing in mind. This track is a fun, sexy listen that is guaranteed to be put on repeat. Cut Me Up “Cut Me Up” is another track written for anyone prone to overthinking when things seem to be going a little “too well.” Ballerini details her fears that her partner will hurt her just as she has let her walls down. It can be terrifying to let someone truly know you because they then know all of your deepest vulnerabilities and insecurities, and she encapsulated this feeling beautifully.  Like “Future Tripping,” this song calls back to the messy, unstructured feelings of anxiety. Again, while other songs from the original project felt stronger, this idea was still well flushed out in this song. Hindsight is Happiness “Hindsight is Happiness” is Ballerini’s final goodbye to someone she once loved. Fans have rallied around her “Rolling Up The Welcome Mat” EP, written amid her very public divorce from singer Morgan Evans. I, myself, go back to that project frequently and am still touched by the very raw and true heartbreak and growth expressed in those songs.  With the simple strum of a guitar, “Hindsight” calls back to that EP to tie all of those emotions together. It feels like the final word in that chapter of her life. In the years since their split, both artists have moved on and started their lives over. Both are in a happier, more peaceful place than they previously were. This song honors the connection they had and allows Ballerini to let go of any lingering animosity. She takes ownership of her faults in the relationship and apologizes for her shortcomings. It is a very mature, heartfelt “thank you,” and “goodbye” that comes after years of growth. Overall, the bonus tracks on this record are good, but much better suited as bonus tracks. They provide a deeper insight into an already strong album, but the quality of the original record has made it difficult for them to compare. I ultimately enjoy these tracks, but I fear that they’re victims of expectations for me. I was so moved by the project to begin with that these tracks sadly don’t live up to the vision of them I created in my head. However, I particularly enjoyed “To The Men That Love Women After Heartbreak,” “Put It To Bed” and “Hindsight is Happiness.” These tracks feel like the most well-polished and intentional out of the five bonus songs. They truly signify Ballerini’s personal and professional growth and I will be keeping them on my rotation in the future. .  Written By Tessa Brainard Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Y Is Nature takes on a psychedelic, groovy, pop single with "The Fool" adding emotionally raw lyrics and the idea of fear of losing someone you love. What listeners can expect is desire to try and savage something that is quickly crumbling apart. The desperation is in lyrics like "Your light still in my eyes, your echoes in my brain" quickly followed by "You're fading." The contrast of these lyrics show the push and pull that not only the artist is feeling but also brings the humanity behind the lyrics. This type of vulnerability allows listeners to engage on a personal level. The song "The Fool" by Y Is Nature reaches in the depths of a genre called "spy pop." The beginning of the song takes us immediately there with a groovy bassline and psychedlic feel. The feel of the song captures the feeling when you wake up and you realize the whole day is going to be spent gloomy, grey and rainy which also ties perfectly with the cover art. The texture of this song is so incredibly smooth with vocals that seem angelic, airy and light. Listeners can expect a dystopian, synth sound with no fear of playing with different sounds to reflect how the producers and writers feel. Giving us music all the way from his own studio in Oslo, Hjalmar Littauer takes on a solo project that he claims as a "spy pop" genre.   Hjalmar Littauer has previously released music with the Danish DIY project "ISRA" and the 2018 EP "Sun Solace" which was marked as his first major release. With vocals from Tuva Svendsen Hesmyr, these two seem like the dynamic duo. The Fool, which was released back in January, is set to be on a highly anticipated album coming late March 2025 as Hjalmar Littauer embarks on a solo journey bringing music to the world like never before. Written By Breanna M. FOLLOW Y IS NATURE: Instagram   | Spotify  | Apple Music  | Facebook  | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

"Previous Problems" is the titular track to JOA's debut EP, released on March 7, 2025. This five-track project tells a narrative about teenage life, tackling topics like love, friendship, anxiety, and heartbreak, as written between the ages of 16 to 19. "Previous Problems" stands out as a testament to young love and our desire to avoid conflict in relationships. Fans of artists like Julia Michaels and Phoebe Bridgers, this is the perfect addition to your streaming library, as JOA shows off her strength in crafting a song that is both deeply personal and universally relatable in its simple, tender lyricism about growing up. At the heart of JOA's first EP is the bittersweet track, "Previous Problems," which was written as a way to process the complicated emotions she was going through. It is about sweeping problems under the rug to preserve a relationship. For those who have felt the push and pull of young love, the lyrics about dancing around the problems and keeping things to yourself because you do not want to break out into a fight will resonate deeply. The dynamic between the couple in this track culminates in the bridge, where JOA sings about the constant back-and-forth between them disagreeing and fighting. This honest, storytelling lyricism is driven with dynamic instrumentation and infectious pop hooks. JOA is an Oslo-born artist who put out her first single, "I Don't Want Nobody But Your Body" in September 2024. Her debut EP, Previous Problems , recounts her experience as a teenager, closing that chapter of life so that the now 20 year old can propel forward in her music. With authentic lyricism and rich vocals, she definitely stands out as an artist to watch, already amassing over 76,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. If you enjoyed this track, make sure to listen to the rest of the EP. You can also keep up with all the latest information on JOA and her music by following the social media links below. Written By Sydney Gray FOLLOW JOA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Devoting yourself to someone can be a tricky task when you haven't devoted enough time and effort to yourself. The struggle of understanding who you are and what you need is a conflict everyone can connect to. "Why Them?" is a new release by artist Catlea where they explore the challenges of understanding who you are and how that clashes with your relationships. The indie track runs on distorted guitars and infectious beats as Catlea delivers this performance as if performing spoken poetry. The song really is a whirlwind of questioning everything and trying hard to hold yourself together. Catlea's openness on this track is what makes "Why Them?" a true anthem for listeners that find themselves on similar paths of self-discovery and trying to show resilience with inner and outer conflicts. What initially sells you on "Why Them?" is its classic indie rock sound. The distorted guitars perfectly match the sense of distress the lyrics paint for audiences. "I don't make good choices, I avoid them like the plague" sets the scene of someone who is self-aware of their issues and actions, and while they continue to make these choices, that self-awareness implies that the speaker does want to change. What makes Catlea's style of writing so interesting is that it feels like reading a journal entry, as if they're having a labyrinth-like conversation with themselves. The bridge especially makes listeners feel like they're tumbling down a hole of disorder in one's mind, only for them to land on their feet, possibly ready to make a choice. "Why Them?" really puts into perspective how important it is for you to understand yourself and put yourself first before considering others because it will leave you hurting yourself and those around you. Catlea is an artist originally from Cincinnati who has been releasing music since 2019. Catlea has been credited for their introspective writing and musical vulnerability. Catlea is influenced by different styles like rock, indie, pop, and R&B. Their previous EP release, Bones , received over 2 million streams and was praised by other media outlets. "Why Them?" is a part of their debut album, Language Barrier , released on March 6th. This release also coincided with a performance at the Camden Club hosted by BBC Radio 1's Maia Beth. Catlea is certainly a very unique artist and from the moment you listen you feel their music grasping onto you because of how easy it is to connect to their words. When you listen to "Why Them?" be sure to also check our their brand new album, Language Barrier. Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW CATLEA: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Love and infatuation walk a fine line together. Love is reliable and easy to walk to while infatuation has you blind, running wildly with endless wants and needs. They are easy to confuse, but are so vastly different to feel. Olivia Lunny released a new single, “HEAVEN,” that steps out of her sonic normalcy. It’s an edgy pop rock track about pure infatuation. All the synth and vocal layers create this intimate yet intense energy that collide with the lyrics in such an artistic way. If you like this release, Olivia has a lot more in store. “HEAVEN” feels like a passionate testament to Olivia’s desire for this person. She sees them as her savior, her religion and the embodiment of heaven. “I find heaven in your eyes.” It’s a connection that goes deeper than you could imagine, yet feels so natural. Her vocals have this light, airy vibe, like that breathless feeling you get when you're with someone who makes you feel everything good in the world. “Hold me inside of your arms, watch the world go by.” If you love to curl up late a night with a dark romance novel where the characters are deeply obsessed with each other then “HEAVEN” is the perfect back track to listen with. Olivia Lunny is a Canadian singer/songwriter with emotional depth and infectious energy. At the age of 12, she wrote her first song after taking up guitar and knew she was meant to write more. “I Got You” was a single she released in 2019 that got her a Western Canadian Music Award nomination for Pop Artist of the Year and found its way to the top 40 list. Olivia’s talent for music has had her discography growing since her debut release. The emotional depth mixed with her pop star ability create an infectious energy in her work. She’s amassed over 72 million streams and in the process gathered audiences from all around. If you want to be apart of Olivia’s journey then check out her links down below. Written By Emylee Herring FOLLOW OLIVIA LUNNY: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

An almost universal experience, so many can relate to mourning the end of a relationship. It leaves many wondering where everything went wrong and why things couldn't last. Capturing the heartache and frustration of fleeting love, Tyler Heights has released his latest single, "Pieces (ft. Meghan Allen)." The collaborative track is poignant and reflective, encompassing the grief that accompanies lost love and the end of an era with someone special. Whether you've recently been through a tough breakup or have in the past, "Pieces (ft. Meghan Allen)" is bound to resonate with listeners around the globe. Stemming from the desire to craft a dance pop song and fuse it with a pop punk inspired guitar riff, Tyler Heights' "Pieces (ft. Meghan Allen)" creates a unique blend of genres that'll appeal to a wide range of pop enthusiasts. The track was a collaborative effort between Heights and Allen, his friend who lends her powerhouse vocals to the addictive electropop breakup anthem. "Pieces" features a combination of fiery instrumentals, mixing elements of EDM with face-melting pop punk guitar riffs and heavy hitting drums. Heights' latest creation is perfect for fans of David Guetta and Zedd looking for a new spin on the established EDM genre. Hailing from New Jersey, Tyler Heights is a pop producer and songwriter with a mission to blend modern pop with nostalgic nods to the past. He started his music journey at a young age, spending hours composing melodies at his keyboard while finding himself inspired by the steadiness of dance music and the simplicity of commercial pop. Eventually, he evolved to record and produce his ideas, fueled by his desire to tell stories through his own music. He cites artists like Charlie Puth , Bruno Mars , and NOTD as his inspiration, reflecting elements of their music in his own. Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW TYLER HEIGHTS: Instagram | Spotify  | X  | Facebook  | YouTube

Kick off the ushering in of warm, electric late nights with the retro-like, dreamy pop single ‘Open for Business’ from artist LACES. Centered around the beauty in vulnerability, ‘Open for Business’ serves as a love letter to being your authentic self. Despite the aspect of being previously hurt, LACES focuses the song’s attention on looking ahead. While this could be seen as taking an avenue to route around healing, ‘Open for Business’ instead channels both pain and joy. This pain and joy can be heard in the very essence of the song, but the true blend of these emotions can be heard in LACES’ voice. Her voice, in addition to ‘Open for Business’ as a whole, rides a beautiful line between mystery & force. To be precise, the experience reminds me of taking the haunting, mystifying quality of the voice of Amy Lee - lead singer of the band Evanescence – and combining it with a unique, dark blend of pop with personality. ‘Open for Business’ is a song that takes listeners on a fulfilling, emotionally uplifting journey. LACES lays it all out on the table through her lyrics, including descriptive words that show you that this is an honest, personal story. Through connecting phrases such as, “make peace with the night,” and “hoping the anger fades into the light,” listeners are given a clear image of her mindset and her hopeful spirit – in spite of her pain. Above all else, what I noticed about ‘Open for Business’ is LACES’ strong ability to be completely vulnerable. She admits when she is hurting, discusses her openness to try anything that will help her, and overall shows that it’s perfectly okay to not have everything figured out. While that lack of concreteness can be nerve wracking, LACES found a way to harness those feelings into creating something positive – the sound of ‘Open for Business’. The song builds on itself as time passes, applying building blocks of 80’s-like synth and a velvet-smooth, leading voice until you’re left with a treasured, important reminder to be kind to yourself. LACES is a singer-songwriter and producer from New Jersey, U.S. Additionally known professionally under the name Charlotte Sometimes, the visionary behind it all – Jessica Vaughn – writes and performs music as well as pens and produces music under her legal name. Early in her career, she was featured on The Voice and collaborated with Geffen Records, yet her future is allowing for more diversity and exploration through her music. Now known as LACES, her music leans more into a dark & compelling sound while still spearheading with her soft, velvety voice that was distinct in her work as Charlotte Sometimes. As Jessica Vaughn, her work has supported platforms such as Hasbro cartoons, programs on the CW, Netflix, etc. In addition to writing and producing for outside platforms, she also writes music for other recording artists. With a darker edge to her music in sight, Vaughn continues to explore new heights and once again successfully make a name for herself as LACES. Written By Madison Spies FOLLOW LACES: Instagram | Spotify  | YouTube

“Forget July” is an infectious new tune by none other than Out in Front, a talented Rock-band located in Los Angeles. The lyrics encapsulate this concept by using metaphors, specifically the idea of “playing a part”. A line directly from the song reads as follows, “Light’s out, we're done playing the parts/ You only see me in the dark / Like nothing happened.” Here, the cracks in the facade of this song’s relationship begin to crack. Through the rest of the lyrics, it’s implied this love was conditional, one-sided, or both. The word “July” is also symbolic, it's used to parallel a significant time in the relationship which led to its demise. We all have that one memory which we can trace back to an eventual breakup, and “Forget July” preaches about it. As for its sound, “Forget July” displays some incredible guitar and drum instrumentals. The word which I would utilize to describe the mood and tone of this song is electrifying. If you’re looking for a great comparison to the style of this track; I would name the “Brand New Eyes” album by Paramore as a reference. The empowering nature of “Forget July’s” lyrics is only amplified by Maddie Renner’s delivery. Her vocals are not only silky smooth, they are surrounded by excellently timed instrumental pauses. This causes a real build-up of energy when the guitar enters again. On the whole, this is a masterfully performed and produced rock and roll song. Out in Front is a Los Angeles-based Rock band with a particularly interesting origin story. All three members Madie Renner, Isaiah Volk, and Ryen Wagner met at a tennis club. Their mutual love for garage jams then turned into a professional venture into the music industry. With nearly 12,000 monthly Spotify listeners, Out in Front has created an excellent sound for themselves with Maddie on vocals, Ryen on bass, and Isaiah playing the drums. The band will soon tour again to promote their newly released debut EP! If you want to keep up with “Out in Front” and their new releases, be sure to follow them on all of the social media listed below! Written By Casey Hascup FOLLOW OUT IN FRONT: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

Finally, the K-pop and Global Superstar Lisa has released her highly anticipated debut album, “Alter Ego." Throughout the album, we get to meet her alter egos, Vixi, Sunni, Roxi, Speedi, and Kiki, who encompasses Lisa’s overall versatility with a variety of different genres and overall themes of confidence, empowerment, self-growth, luxury, and love. TRACKLIST Born Again (feat. Doja Cat & RAYE) Rockstar Elastigirl Thunder New Woman (feat. ROSALÍA) FXCK UP THE WORLD (feat. Future) Rapunzel (feat. Megan Thee Stallion) Moonlight Floor (Kiss Me) When I’m With You (feat. Tyla) BADGRRL Lifestyle Chill Dream Debuting in 2016 under YG Entertainment, Lisa is the youngest member of Blackpink and is known to be the group's main rapper and main dancer. The girls quickly gained immense popularity both in South Korea and overseas and became one of the biggest girl groups from the 2010's. In 2021, Lisa would be the third member to make her solo debut under YG, releasing the single "LALISA," with the lead single being the same name and her smash, hip-hop dance hit "MONEY." Towards the end of 2023, the girls announced they would go on hiatus to focus on their solo endeavors, and each member started their own management to manage their own solo work. On February 4th, 2024, Lisa announced her own management company, LLOUD, and soon signed under RCA Records to release her future solo works, including her debut album, "Alter Ego." Born Again (feat. Doja Cat and RAYE) “Born Again” is the perfect opening for the album and was the final single to be released. As the title suggests, Lisa tells us that she has been reborn with this disco-esc track with Doja Cat and RAYE. The song talks about her growth as an individual and being reborn into a better version of herself, which pays homage to her alter egos. She isn’t the person she was once before, and she is addicted to being someone new. Lisa is multidimensional, and she understands that. The track is sleek and classy with strings in the background but also funky and upbeat, demonstrating the confidence that all three of these women exude. Doja Cat and RAYE’s features can be surprising at first, but similar to Lisa, they are both multi-faceted within their catalog and are always trying to reinvent themselves with every project they put out. Rockstar “Rockstar” is the second track on “Alter Ego” and the first single released back in the summer of 2024. The song features a sample from the iconic hit from Tame Impala, “New Person, Same Old Mistakes." Lisa once again displays her confidence in this hard-hitting and exhilarating sound, making it known that she is the definition of a rockstar. Lyrics such as “Every city that I go’s my city” and “Make your favorite singer wanna rap, baby, lala” give the image that Lisa knows that she is the topic of conversation and isn’t someone who will lay low. The song is also very fast-paced and almost feels like you are racing with her on the track, giving that aspect of the fast, chaotic lifestyle of a rockstar. It only slows down during the bridge, where you hear the Tame Impala sample the most, and that’s when it seems like Lisa is finally basking in all of her glory before the song picks up again with a harsh but satisfying beat drop. Elastigirl “Elastigirl” is the bouncy, sexy third track off of “Alter Ego." The strong theme of self-empowerment is heard heavily in this song, with bass drums booming and some Thai pop elements throughout. Lisa showcased that she is versatile and is not a one-trick pony. She has many tricks up her sleeve and knows that whatever you throw her way, she will make it work. With lyrics like, “You can watch me hit the ground, and I snap right back,” and “Oh baby, this ain’t a performance, it’s a show,” Lisa knows that she can adapt and mold into anything she wants, similar to the superhero Elastigirl. Thunder “Thunder” is the fourth track on “Alter Ego,” and here Lisa takes a direct jab at her haters. Since being a member of Blackpink, Lisa has always faced criticism, no matter what she has done. This song is the perfect clap back to those critics, and throughout the song, she discusses how she deserves to be where she is now but also deserves more success in the future. Lyrics such as “You can’t put me in a box, you can’t make me stop” and “I’ll take my place up ahead, know you said I’ll never get by” demonstrate that she doesn't want to be seen as one-dimensional. The song is electric and powerful, a great way to see into Lisa’s “never back down” personality. Also, a nice touch to the production is how you can envision hearing the thunder with her "uh huhs," which is when the beat kicks in. New Woman (feat. ROSALÍA) “New Woman” is the fifth track and was the second lead single off “Alter Ego,” featuring ROSALÍA. Like “Born Again," Lisa is all about learning more about who she is as a person and becoming a new woman in this new age of her life. She highlights how she wants to start brand new and leave any pain she has had in the past. She wants to move forward and look at the positives in her life, soaking in everything she has experienced. I think this song best describes this new era of Lisa as this track still has that bold confidence that she is known for, but she has taken a new, fresh approach to it. The song is very light and airy, with beautiful synths and percussion that make you feel like you’re on top of the world. ROSALÍA adds a perfect touch to the track and helps switch the dynamic up, giving the listeners something to look forward to when they return. FXCK UP THE WORLD (feat. Future) “FXCK UP THE WORLD” is the final lead single and the sixth track on “Alter Ego," featuring the rapper Future. This track best exudes Lisa’s alter ego, Vixi, as she is known to wreak havoc for fun. This song showcases Lisa’s party-girl side, wanting to create as much chaos as possible while having fun and being in control. With lyrics “Walked in causing havoc, yes that is a habit,” and “Stay as busy as I want to, takin’ trips to escape a bit,” Lisa is showcasing that she loves to stay in her lane of business, but sometimes she just needs to go a little crazy to stay sane. The hard-hitting track makes you want to sing along with the girls on a night out and be more reckless than usual. It’s such a fun song and so in your face that the chorus is constantly stuck in your head. Future adds a slick rap that slides smoothly on the beat and is a great transition within the song. The track is more rap-focused, so I think having a well-known and talented rapper like Future on it was a perfect addition. Lisa also released a solo version of the song, which replaces Future's rap with her own. Rapunzel (Feat. Megan Thee Stallion) “Rapunzel” is a laidback but up-tempo, crisp, percussion-based track, similar to New Woman. It’s also the seventh track on “Alter Ego and features the Miss Hottie herself, Megan Thee Stallion. In this track, Lisa describes her lavish lifestyle and how she is again soaking in everything she has earned over her career. She used the analogy of Rapunzel’s hair and her achievements, such as wealth, saying the two are incredibly long and luxurious. This song also displays how Lisa wants to brag about herself and her success, not feeling ashamed about it one bit. Megan and Lisa share that in common, so having them on a track together works so well. Megan gives a fun, classic Megan Thee Stallion rap, incorporating that “Hot Girl Energy” we all know and love. Like "FXCK UP THE WORLD," Lisa also released a solo version of the song with her own rap verse. Moonlit Floor (Kiss Me) “Moonlit Floor (Kiss Me)” is the eighth track on “Alter Ego” and the third single. Lisa uses another well-known song for the sample, this time using "Kiss Me" by Sixpence None The Richer. The song takes the classic 90’s pop-folk love ballad and turns it into a pop, disco-based track where Lisa describes the sensation of falling in love for the first time. She explained that she had not written this particular song, and it wasn't about a specific experience. However, she does sing about being in love when you’ve never experienced it before and how you can navigate those reoccurring feelings. When I'm With You (feat. Tyla) “When I’m With You” is the ninth track of “Alter Ego” and seems to be the continuation of “Moonlit Floor (Kiss Me)." The track features the South African pop star Tyla and has a smooth trap and R&B beat. The song describes how you are now fully committed to your partner and can’t imagine being with anyone else but them, even despite other circumstances. Lisa and Tyla also sing about how their partner has brought out a new side in them, and they can be fully themselves without judgment. Lyrics such as “Oh yeah, just look how you got me, got me out of my body,” and “Anyways, any day, I make plans for you, like it when you tell me what to do” describe how love-struck they are and smitten over their partner, to the point they would drop anything for them. Tyla’s light and R&B-laced vocals add a lot of sweetness to the track and go hand in hand with Lisa’s rap verse. In contrast to "Moonlit Floor (Kiss Me)," Lisa and Tyla participated in writing this track. BADGRRRL “BADGRRL” is the tenth track off “Alter Ego,” and Lisa is taking the reigns on her relationship. She talks about how she wants to be spontaneous with her partner and doesn’t want to keep up the nice girl persona anymore. She is completely letting go and wants to be more wild, similar to “FXCK UP THE WORLD." You definitely have that carefree feeling when listening, and though the song is short, it’s the perfect segway to the next couple of songs off the album. Lifestyle “Lifestyle” is the eleventh track off “Alter Ego,” which is another fast-paced, upbeat track that gives you a feeling of exhilaration and party hype, similar to "Rockstar" and "FXCK UP THE WORLD." The best way to describe the song is a luxurious club anthem, and Lisa once again talks about how she is the definition of an “it girl." She talks about how she’s in control of her life and that her success just comes naturally to her. Lisa’s success is her lifestyle, and she has reached an icon status that she is obsessed with. Chill “Chill” is the twelfth song off of “Alter Ego” and is a cold break-up song. Lisa talks about how the relationship with her partner won’t last long and that she isn’t ready for a committed relationship, which contrasts the lyrics in “When I’m With You." Lisa once again shows that she has different sides of her, and sometimes she can be a heartbreaker, even if she doesn’t mean it. Throughout the song, she is telling her partner that they have to get over their relationship and realize that this is just who she is as a lover. With lyrics such as “Mean what I say, boy, I ain’t gonna tease ya, blame it on a love gone wrong, yeah, yeah,” and “Only want you for the thrills, come on fast, it won’t last, you need to ch-ch-chill,” displays that she isn’t going to lead her partner on and is going to be straightforward with them when it comes to ending it all. The track's eerie and chilling synth production makes sense with the song's title, giving it almost a horror-like feel. Dream “Dream” is the final song on “Alter Ego” and ends the album on a bittersweet but heartfelt note. Lisa talks about her partner who got away and how she regrets leaving them. She reminisces about her lover and how she wants to hear back from them, even if it’s just a simple conversation. It’s obvious, however, that her partner does not reciprocate her feelings, and she knows that this idea of them coming back is only just a dream in her head. Lyrics like “If all that we were is all that we’ll ever be, it’s bittersweet, at least a girl can dream,” and “It’s like you’re here with me, whenever I close my eyes, it’s taking me back in time,” describes how Lisa is feeling perfectly and the difference between her hidden fantasies and reality. The heartbreaking and innocent ballad ends with the lyric, “Can we be friends, at least,” indicating how badly she wants to see her partner one last time. This song, in particular, shows Lisa's more vulnerable side, which contrasts some of the other tracks but is a great way to close out this chapter of her debut album. As a big fan and supporter of Blackpink, I was so excited to hear what all the girls would bring to the table regarding solo work. All of them are extremely talented in various fields, and I knew that being under their own management would give them more control. Lisa did not disappoint with her album; the overall concept was fun, yet interesting to see how she sees herself. I love how she took a moment to show her fans that there is more to her than what we see and that she has layers to her as a person and an artist. The overall production and variety in genres made this such a great listen, plus knowing that Lisa participated in writing most of the songs was amazing. My favorite song off the album is "When I'm With You," and I hope Lisa does more R&B-inspired tracks as this is her first take on the genre. It's definitely one of my favorite albums so far in 2025, and I can't wait to see what she has in store for us this upcoming year! Written By Laylah Little Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.