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- Review: "Listen" - Peridot
A delightful reminder of consistent love and support comes from the musical duo Peridot’s new song “Listen”. This track is for all the lovebirds who have been together for a while, basking in the splendor of their relationship. The lyrics say, “I’m going nowhere, loving every moment”, and express that there isn’t any pressure to speak or be silent in a solid relationship. Like the song describes, when you are with your partner, you can just be. The song takes this a step further, understanding the way we communicate with one another without words, as the speaker repeats “I still listen”. In some ways, this song is a message from a speaker to their partner, telling them that even if they aren’t ready or able to talk about something they are going through, the support is still there. A deep connection comes through the chorus, saying “I don’t know where you end and I begin”. This lovely feeling of togetherness and reassurance makes the song as cozily romantic as it is. With a floaty feeling of synchronicity, “Listen” offers a comforting blend of soft percussive acoustic guitar and silkily dynamic vocals. The way the vocals of the duo speak to one another, smoothly sailing through love, promotes a genial conversational sound that reflects the way the song feels. The feminine vocals that open the song are rounded and easily expressive. A safe space of sound is created by the way this so clearly strong and talented voice modestly enters the verse. Male vocals complementarity join in during the pre-chorus, and there is a really cool audible guitar distortion at the words “turn the radio up” that hits the ear just right. Percussion and louder instrumentals pick up during the chorus, and a happy whistle pattern repeats at its end. Spreading warmth and understanding through this mellow, joyful tune, this song is perfect for your Fall love song playlists. Peridot is a musical duo with range! The group consists of songwriters Hillary Reynolds and Trevor Jarvis, two artists who write folk and pop music. The pair have written for musicians like Sam DeRosa and The HillBenders . Their songwriting on the song “Next to You” was part of Little Big Town ’s Grammy-nominated album, “Nightfall”. Peridot’s style truly embodies cozy coffee shop vibes, as reflected by the mood of the playlists where their songs are often discovered. The duo regularly showcase their talents, most recently performing at Desert 5 Spot in Los Angeles, and have taken part in events like Mile of Music in Appleton, Wisconsin. Check out the links below to learn more about Peridot and their music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW PERIDOT: Instagram | Spotify | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "Fire Alarm" - ALíSI
Being led on is one of the worst situations you can get yourself in when falling for someone. The constant need to make someone happy while they keep you tied to a string they could cut at any second. ALíSI broke this down in her new single “Fire Alarm.” The alt pop song was produced by KALESHI and they brought all the heat on this track. This is a single that will be featured on ALíSI’s debut EP that is planned to release in early 2025. The synths and prominent bass give all the alt-pop energy with a White Elephants vibe. The vulnerable lyrics with her vocals and angelic harmonies portray all the frustration she holds in her heart. ALÍSI shares: “This song is about trying to get over someone who doesn’t reciprocate your feelings. The other person isn’t ready to feel those stronger emotions just yet and is essentially wasting your time by leading you on and never taking the next step.” Wanting someone who doesn’t you back can be incredibly painful. You think you can change their mind but the only one who can change it is themselves. One of the lines in “Fire Alarm” says “do I make you feel anything?” Anyone who has ever found themselves in that position has asked that question. We are worth more than being a tool to satisfy someone’s selfish needs and if they don’t see you for who you are, well you better listen to the alarms. ALíSI is a Brazilian-Portuguese singer songwriter born and raised in London. Her first solo debut was her single “Silhouettes,” which was released in March of 2021. She explores complications of relationships and the realities of being a young woman in her lyrics. Her upcoming EP is expected to have collaborations with artists from London, Mexico City and Tokyo. This EP is her chance to evolve her sound and storytelling for her listeners. ALíSI is on the uprise with her honest lyrics and indie alt-pop style. Check out “Fire Alarms” and check her links down below to get ready for her EP release. Written By Emylee Herring FOLLOW ALíSI: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube
- Album Review: "I Wish I Called" - THERA
Photo: @jirkadoubek 17-year-old break out singer/songwriter from the Czech Republic, THERA, has recently released her debut album, “I Wish I Called”. TRACKLIST ringing... fate erase would you? DLTTI YOUTH little favour rain stain guardian angel dying tone Thera made her first appearance as an artist in October last year with the release of her "erase" music video which gained over 122k+ views on YouTube. Then as of this year with her first official single release in April, “stain”, and then her second single “DLTTI” in June, THERA had already made big impressions in the pop music scene and amassed millions of streams. She was discovered by a management team, Sounds Inc ., earlier this year who helped get her career kicked-started and get her the attention she clearly deserves. THERA may only be 17, but she is known to be wise beyond her years and for having a work ethic stronger than most. She knows who she is and what she wants, and there’s nothing that will stop her! She’s also an honest artist, who writes about personal experiences and vulnerabilities that her listeners and relate to. She’s inspired by artists like Madison Beer , SZA , Tate McRae and Rihanna . Her debut album, “I Wish I Called” is a bit step forward for THERA but it’s still only the beginning. Let’s dive in. ringing... "ringing...." is a short intro track, bringing us into the world we're about to immerse ourselves in. The soundscape is dark and eerie, setting the haunting tone with it's minor key color and electronic production. Deep, synthesized vocals ring out behind the heavy beat, words can be made out and the one in particular that stood out to me personally was "anxiety". This song is preparing us for what is to come for the rest of the "I Wish I Called" album, and as we approach the end of the 55 second experience, we hear THERA sing on one note, "3...2...1... Jump." Then, we go straight into the next song. fate "fate" has a hip-hop infused beat, with a dark, addicting electronic production with tiny hints of rock. The song is about that moment of clarity, when you can see right through someone and realize they're not the person you thought you loved. There was a time where you once thought you belonged together, but after seeing their true colors, they've changed what you thought was destined to be. Therefore, their fate is now sealed, and they no longer will have anymore chances with you. My personal favorite part of this song is the guitar, especially when it's prominent in the intro of the song. The way it pulses and creates this funky rhythm is an ear-worm that'll last. erase "erase" was the first song THERA had put out and it was accompanied by a music video. "erase" is about calling out a person who has wronged you, and who has hurt you in ways that are beyond repair. This song makes them take a big, hard look in the mirror and ask themselves why they choose to be such a terrible person, and why they did what they did to you. This is a very personal song for THERA, that she chose to share with the world for others to relate to. This song is to make others realize just how impactful the mistakes they make have on others. With a haunting, old-wild-west chord progression and heavily reverbed electric guitar, "erase" gives off a powerful, pop/rock vibe with a hook that is hard to shake from your mind. A direct melody, and lyrics that hit you in the gut, "erase" is a song you can't miss out on. would you? Next, we have "would you?", a song that mixes nostalgic 80's synth pop vibes with pop rock and punk. "would you?" starts off with asking someone if they would do the right things in order to be with you, or if they're really just the jerk you think they are. Spoiler alert - they're just the jerk you think they are. THERA goes on to sing about how this person should just leave her alone and get out of her life in a chromatic ascending melody within the aggressive, angry, punk inspired hook. I can tell you one thing; THERA writes from the heart and from her very own personal experiences; and from what I've heard so far, you don't wanna mess with her!! DLTTI "DLTTI" was THERA's second official single release behind "stain", and is the song that went viral on TikTok gaining over 3 million streams on just that platform alone. It's another savagely honest song about the horrible monster social media has created within our society. It's a reminder that who you are on the internet, isn't who you are in real life. People like to hide behind screens and try to tell you who to be, but in reality they're not in any shape or form better than you are. The majority of what you see on the internet is fake; people trying to portray their lives as perfect, with more money than they really have, with filters and photoshop all over their pictures. The moral of the story is, don't let what strangers on the internet say let you down. You know who you are, and you know your own worth. This dark pop anthem features soul-stirring orchestral strings and a beat that captivates you. YOUTH "YOUTH" starts out with the chilling voices of children, as it continues on in a haunting minor key. It has a very bluesy chord progression, and a catchy, jazzy, hip and shoulder popping type of groove. There's a lot of emphasis on guitar which gives it even more of a classic, timeless tone. My interpretation of "YOUTH" is how easy it is to be manipulated when you're young. You're naïve, and all you wish to do is make people proud of you - especially the ones who are supposed to love you the most. Unfortunately, it doesn't always work out that way - and we're left with trauma, convinced that it's our fault that we weren't able to make others happy. But when we get older, sometimes we're able to realize that we were never the problem - it was them all along; you just wish you could've seen that sooner, so that you didn't have to feel so closed off now. little favour "little favour" starts out with a raw, acoustic guitar which really sets the tone and mood. Then, once we get into the chorus we shift into the world of nostalgic RnB / Dance Pop straight from the 2000's / 2010's. The production and melody gave me Rihanna, Usher and Jason Derulo vibes in the best way possible. The lyrics are a little bit cryptic, so keep in mind that this is just my interpretation of the story given here! I think "little favour" is about having a best friend who manipulates you into being romantic with them for one day, just for them to ghost you and never talk to you again. Now you're left haunted by them, wishing you could somehow take it back, even though they had a big part in the whole situation. Not only did you lose your best friend, but now you have to live with the fact that they were never really a good friend in the first place. rain Next, we have "rain". If you're someone who suffers with depression, you will easily relate to this song. We have the tendency of wasting a lot of time alone with our thoughts, just staring off into space, watching the paint dry, or in this song's case, looking out the window and watching the rain. It's that crippling sadness where you physically can't do anything but let your brain run haywire. "rain" is a gorgeous track, starting off with a cathartic guitar picking pattern, and continuously building as time goes on, filling up with bass, pulsing synths, stunning vocal harmonies and adlibs, and a catchy drum groove. The song is also easy to sing along to with it's repetitive refrain, which helps you feel like you're not alone. "rain" ends with a guitar solo as it calms back down, bringing back the same picking pattern from the beginning and slowly fading out with an eerie, descending slide. stain Moving on to "stain", which was THERA's first official single release. "stain" is a somber piano ballad, that builds into a climax of synths, guitar and powerful drums until it comes back down, finishing out with just soft piano in the same manner that it started. THERA sings with a beautiful, emotional tone as she speaks directly to the person who has hurt her - a theme we've seen a lot in the tracks throughout this album. This person acts like they did nothing, they move on in life with no apology or care about the pain they've inflicted on others while THERA still hurts and struggles everyday in her mind over what they did. THERA says, you can act innocent all you want, but you've got a stain on your sleeve that proves who you really are, and someone is bound to see it. guardian angel "guardian angel" acts as the last full track of the album, and is considered the focus track and leading single. It has been supported by Spotify , landing editorial playlists such as New Music Friday and EQUAL . Taking another piano ballad approach, "guardian angel" is the come down, and is the resolution to the dark time that we had witnessed throughout the rest of the album. It's a calm, peaceful, positive track about finding someone that helps you move on from your past, and pulls you out of the funk you've been struggling to dig yourself out of. They make you feel safe, quite literally like they're your guardian angel. This song feels divine and fantasy like, as bells and orchestral sings fill the air and create this soundscape that brings a hopeful tear to your eye. dying tone "dying tone", is THERA calling the person that hurt her, the subject in many of the songs throughout this album. We're listening to it as if it's from his perspective. Though she never directly says what he had done to her, we're able to take little bits and pieces and assume some things. In this phone call, she's finally saying what she wish she had said to him all along; and let's just say, he doesn't like to hear it - because at the very end we hear a big crash, and then, the dying tone.... As mentioned earlier, this is still only the beginning for THERA! This girl is starting off strong, but she is only getting started. In fact, she’s already gone to Nashville to write with Grammy Award winning songwriters Steve Diamond and Jeff Cohen , and recorded at the legendary Ocean Way and Sound Emporium studios. Not only that, but she’s been rehearsing with her very own band in preparation to perform live shows across the UK and the USA. If THERA is already making her mark this early at the age of 17, I can't even imagine the impact she'll make as she grows and as her sound continues to mature and evolve. "I Wish I Called" shows just how ready THERA is to be a true artist, which is someone who is open, vulnerable, and personal with their art. Get ready because THERA is about to take over. Make sure to follow THERA below to keep up on her journey and find out what's next for her! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW THERA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on SubmitHub. A contribution was made to help create this article as part of a promotional campaign.
- Review: "Modern Tragedy" - Cheat Codes x Julia Church
If you ever thought you met the one and they ghosted you a month later, or noticed the distinct differences between them and their online profile after meeting them in person, you'll know that dating in this generation is a modern tragedy. “Unattached, heart was racing on a one-way track” describes the initial feelings of falling for someone, but realizing it is only one-sided. “I got lost in the feeling and felt nothing at all” is the contradiction that these feelings have on each other, sometimes you give your all into pursuing a relationship that you end up becoming numb in the process. “Made my part/ Won’t get crazy over one-night stars” is acknowledging that you’re fully aware of the risks you took for the relationship to work and how quickly feelings start to creep in. The “one-night stars” can represent how modern relationships can be superficial, quick, and can be over any second with the possibility of only lasting for one night. “Just the time that we live in/ The writing’s on the wall” call out the generation we live in and its dating flaws. Dating now isn’t the same as it was back then, and it might not ever be the same again. The writings on the wall show that the fate of the relationship is obvious. There are clear and obvious signs that things aren’t going well, and there’s also a possibility that something bad will happen, almost like predicting a bad omen. You can’t fix the writings on the wall regardless of how often you try, they will always be stained. The only way is to paint over them, which in this metaphor would mean starting fresh and leaving the writings (past hurt and heartbreak) covered up so that it would never be noticeable to the naked eye. The chorus starts with “So here we go again/ A night to feel alone” which is going over the cycle of relationships now and how they don’t really work, and that it’s another night to feel alone because the relationship didn’t work out. Relationships are like going on a rollercoaster ride, there are ups and downs meaning something can be going smooth and then suddenly throw you for a loop. “Guess it’s gonna be a modern tragedy/ And I’m supposed to start again” is comparing dating to a tragedy, which in this generation isn’t exactly wrong. A tragedy could be a play on words because it is a type of play. Tragedies touch on the conditions of society and how they lead to a depressing outcome. “A face, a name, a ghost” is the person going back to being a stranger in your life, they hold no significance anymore because the relationship is over. “But the grass wasn’t greener” symbolizes that maybe things weren't always great on the other side and even if being in a relationship looked magical to some people, it is not always what it seems. The song has an upbeat tempo and is a great dance-electronic pop song, which is what Cheat Codes is known for. “Modern Tragedy” is a perfect way to describe the dating scene nowadays. It’s genuinely a nightmare, where I often wonder how things ever got this bad. The dating landscape is very different today– social media and everything being public contributes to that as well as dating apps– it’s almost like selling yourself. The song has an interesting beat that is definitely a unique sound. It starts out more techy and as the song builds up, the more typical dance beats are added. The leading bass and driving percussion make the song what it is. Julia’s voice is breathy and it almost sounds like she’s losing hope as she sings. Trevor Dahl, Matthew Russel, and KEVI (Kevin) Ford are the three members that make up the multi-platinum electronic trio Cheat Codes. The trio started to release their music in 2014 and are based in Los Angeles, California. Their 2016 single “Sex” (which samples “Let’s Talk About Sex” by Salt-N-Pepa) really made them well-known in the music scene. Their 2017 single “No Promises” featuring Demi Lovato peaked Top 40 on the U.S., U.K., and Australian charts. “Modern Tragedy” is their eighth collaboration and single release this year. Julia Church is a singer-songwriter from Durban, South Africa but is now based in London. The dance genre isn’t new to Church. She’s been featured on a number of dance records and worked with famous electronic acts like John Summit, Diplo, Sub Focus, Kaskade, CamelPhat, Gorgon City, and Robin Schulz to name a few. Her music has topped Billboard charts, club charts, and radio airplay charts with streams amassing over 300M. She’s also written for a lot of artists, and even writes for some of the most recognized names in music. Not listening to this song would be a “Modern Tragedy”, check it out and give it a listen! Written By Alexa LaMalfa FOLLOW CHEAT CODES: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube FOLLOW JULIA CHURCH: Instagram | Spotify
- Concert Review: Green Day - The Saviors Tour in Phoenix, Arizona
Green Day - The Saviors Tour In 1982, two 10-year-old boys met in the cafeteria at Carquinez Middle School in the small, East Bay town of Crockett, California. In that fateful instant, Billie Joe Armstrong and Michael Ryan Pritchard, later known as Mike Dirnt, would bond over their love of music and the feeling that they were outsiders meant for something more. Together, they learned how to play guitar and bass and by 15, they had formed the band Blood Rage, later renamed Sweet Children. From backyard parties to the train tracks at Christie Road in Armstrong’s hometown of Rodeo, they performed anywhere they could. Soon, they were ushered into the mecca of the underground punk rock and hardcore scene at 924 Gilman Street, better known as Gilman. Gilman is a still-operating DIY punk venue that has raised some of the best punk bands, including Green Day, Pansy Division and Operation Ivy. Touting the motto, “no sexism, no racism, no violence, no homophobia” on the front door, this was the place people could go to be themselves. As word spread about Gilman, it became a legendary place that kids across the country yearned for as bands like Sweet Children found themselves within its hallowed halls. Armstrong and Dirnt renamed their band Green Day in 1989, in time for the release of their debut EP, 1,000 Hours, followed shortly by the release of their first album, 39/Smooth. In 1991, drummer Frank Edwin Wright III, better known as Tre Cool, officially joined the band to complete the group. Under Green Day, the trio has released 14 studio albums, four live albums and four compilation albums. As of 2024, they have sold over 75 million records worldwide and have been nominated for 20 Grammy Awards. In 2010, their magnum opus 2004 album American Idiot was converted into a Broadway musical, which was nominated for three Tony awards. They have been cited as the inspiration behind a diverse array of bands like All Time Low, Bad Religion, 5 Seconds of Summer, and Against Me!, and have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Both their 1994 record Dookie and American Idiot appeared on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. American Idiot is a hero’s epic concept album following a lower-middle-class anti-hero named the Jesus of Suburbia. It was inspired by the growing political unrest occurring across the world post-9/11. In the heart of the Bush administration and the invasion of Iraq, the country was divided. The album speaks to disillusionment with the American Dream and heavily criticizes the country’s consumerism, social dysfunction and the ongoing war during the 2004 election. Cool, previously stating he did not feel it was the band’s place to “preach” to their audience, now stated that he hoped this record would inspire kids to vote Bush out, or, in his words, “make the world a little more sane.” However, the band was also divided while writing this record. After the release of their 2000 record Warning , the master tracks for their unreleased album Cigarettes and Valentines were stolen and would not be recovered for another decade. With over 10 years under their belt, they were burnt out and had unresolved issues in their working relationship. They were unsure whether to continue playing together or break up and knew they had to completely shift directions. Ultimately, they decided to forego the idea of re-recording the album and embarked on the ambitious record. It would be the greatest thing they had ever done and American Idiot would launch them to new levels of stardom. In celebration of the 30th anniversary of Dookie and the 20th anniversary of American Idiot, as well as the release of their latest studio album Saviors , Green Day has spent the summer on the Saviors World Tour. Each night, they play both Dookie and American Idiot in their entirety in addition to some of their biggest hits from their other albums. I went to see them on September 18 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona. The air was electric as the crowd waited for them to come on. The stadium was sold out for the night, filled with people who had been with Green Day since the beginning and others who had joined more recently. Still, everyone knew all the words. This was my third time seeing them, but my mind was again blown like I was seeing them for the first time. I began listening to Green Day at 3 years old when American Idiot was released. My brother is six years older than me and somehow convinced my parents to buy the album for him at Hot Topic when it came out on September 21, 2004. From that moment on, he would make them play it on every car ride, no matter the distance, while those songs became the soundtrack to some of my earliest memories. I didn’t know it at the time, but they were my first-ever favorite band. Before Green Day came on stage, Bohemian Rhapsody came over the loudspeakers before transitioning into Blitzkrieg Bop by the Ramones. Their pink bunny mascot came on stage wearing an Arizona Diamondbacks jersey to excite the crowd during this song. Before long, he exited and the stage lights came down again. The screens lit up to display a compilation of the band’s music videos to show the evolution of their career. The stage lights came up again and Armstrong, Dirnt, and Cool launched into The American Dream is Killing Me from Saviors before transitioning into the first track from Dookie. The energy onstage was mirrored in the crowd's fervor as they made their way through the album and played some of their most iconic songs, including Longview, Welcome to Paradise, Basket Case and more. Now in their 50s, the band knew how to work the crowd and bring intense energy to the entire 50,000-capacity stadium. While they had stunning visuals and pyrotechnics (as well as an inflated balloon shaped like the plane from the Dookie cover art floating above the crowd mid-set), they could have commanded the stage entirely without them. During the album’s closing track, All By Myself , written and performed by the band’s drummer, Cool commanded the stage solo while Armstrong and Dirnt stepped offstage. Once the song was finished, Cool returned behind his drum kit to start the drumline of Know Your Enemy from their 2009 album 21st Century Breakdown. The rest of the band returned and began to play. This is one of my favorite Green Day songs and I have always felt that 21st Century Breakdown is criminally underrated. They paused in the middle of the song to scan the crowd for a fan to bring on stage for the song’s breakdown. This is something they frequently do on their tour to connect with their audience. Armstrong brought up a girl dressed in an outfit from the American Idiot era when the band frequently dressed in all-black outfits with red ties. After hugging the band, this fan was handed the microphone to sing her heart out along with Armstrong. She was met with applause from the audience before being escorted off once the song was over. The band saved space for a few more of their iconic songs, including Minority and Brain Stew, before launching into American Idiot. The crowd cheered as all of the nostalgia of this record came flooding over us. The joy on the band’s faces was evident as they made their way through hits like Boulevard of Broken Dreams, She’s a Rebel and Wake Me Up When September Ends. Written to commemorate the passing of his father, Armstrong stated, “It’s that time of year,” before beginning the song. The crowd lit up with phone flashlights and old-school lighters, enjoying the song’s tender reflection on the passage of time. Soon, the album’s final track, Whatsername , was played and Armstrong simply said, “And just like that… 20 years.” For the final two songs, they played Bobby Sox from the Saviors album and Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life) from their album Nimrod. It was bittersweet to know the night was coming to an end, but it made me grateful for all of the memories I’ve associated with Green Day throughout my life. I hope that there are many more Green Day albums and tours to come. It has been an honor to watch them evolve for the past 20 years. In fact, it’s been the time of my life. Written By Tessa Brainard Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.
- Review: "Desire" - Darla Jade
"Desire" is the newest single by Darla Jade , and is what she declares a song about self-sabotage. Her insecurities about herself get the best of her, and they break her down, and Jade gets upset with herself for letting this happen once more. She feels as though her insecurities have transformed her into a different person she doesn't want to be, referenced in the lines "Took everything that I have // And I want it back". She believes the control over her life and who she is has been placed in the hands of what interrupts the certain image she thinks she must uphold, but the failure to do so herself causes her great distress. Feeling this way is something many people can relate to, usually caused by societal rules and expectations, and Jade perfectly outlines this in "Desire". A song's lyrical content opposing its upbeat pop production is a striking, but unfortunately, far too underappreciated technique in making music. Akin to the likes of songs by Paramore , and more sonically MARINA , Jade executes this method flawlessly, remolding "Desire" into a nightclub playlist track, with its rapid beats programmed to match the timing of the flashing lights that wallop like lightning across the dancefloor. Paired with a distinctive and powerful bass and synths, as well Jade's incredible voice, "Desire" fits right into the categories of pop anthems, party songs, and what you play on the radio while you drive down the highway at night. Darla Jade is an electropop artist and singer-songwriter from Stroke-on-Trent, England. Her music has been featured on BBC radio multiple times and also on Love Island . She has been doing live performances since she was 15 years old, and recently performed at DevaFest . She has made other amazing songs in addition to "Desire", including "Broken Armour", "Backseat Driver", and "Buy More Time". She began releasing music in 2019, and released her debut EP Disconnect in 2021. A gifted songwriter herself, she also writes for other artists. Darla Jade is an incredible and immensely talented musician! Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW DARLA JADE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "SIREN" - Donnie
In an ethereal dive into the deep blue ocean of love, you can find Donnie’s new song “SIREN”. The track lives up to its title, enveloping seductive ideas of romance in amorous explorations of water and outer space. “Moonlight sky” and “under the stars” are just a couple of the natural images that take on an infinite feeling of allure, making this an ideal track for listeners who crave a little cosmic intensity. The speaker embodies the persona of a siren, waxing poetic about love in a way that draws you in. Lyrics like “my voice so sweet, leave the world behind” carry the entrancing command of these seductive creatures of myth, and make the song hauntingly bold. The chorus strays a bit from the mysterious trope of a siren, saying “I don’t wanna hide, wait for your love, I don’t need a disguise.” While the creature the song bases its premise on is secretive and reclusive, this deliberate break from that stealth emphasizes the love the speaker cherishes that much more. “SIREN” mixes rhythmic instrumentals with bewitching vocals to truly live up to the track’s name. A resonant and continuous fingerstyle chord progression brings the fluidity of moving waves as it opens and closes the song, continuing throughout. Beachy percussion and Donnie’s light and enchanting voice enter in the verse. The vocals are intimate and breathy, sounding almost like they’re whispering into your ear through the chorus. She melismatically vocalizes the last word of each line and trapping listeners in the sound. The word “intertwined” is repeated three times in the chorus, and with each repetition, the vocals give off a captivating echo. Coming out of the song, listeners are left with the feeling that they dove into an alluring wave of sound. Donnie is a London-based singer and songwriter from the Czech Republic who has listeners from around the world. Her music combines personal reflections and experiences with a resonant and transfixing style. In 2020, she released her debut album called “Donnie Darko” with Warner Music Group, which reached upwards of 100 000 streams! She has released singles both in Czech and English. Donnie has featured other artists like Ajvo and ANASTÁZIE on her songs, and been featured by artists like The Musa and Meeca . Check out the links below to listen to more music with Donnie’s entrancing alternative-pop sound! Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW DONNIE: Instagram | Spotify | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator
- Review: "Die Without U" - Abigail Sparrow
Abigail Sparrow's new song "Die Without U" is a beautiful and heart-wrenching exploration of the singer's relationship with being chronically ill. The words are a personal dive into the artist's experience with Cystic Fibrosis, with the song sounding like a love letter to her illness. If you don't listen to the lyrics too closely, you could easily think that the illness is a person who is devoted to the singer, constantly crawling into every aspect of her life. Abigail poetically details the many important parts of life that are impacted, like "family photos, at your insistence, you're always in them". If something's in your life for that long, no matter if it's good or bad, you are bound to develop an attachment to it. With Abigail's words, this attachment becomes something people can connect by relating it to relationships. The meaning that comes from this portrayal of her experience helps listeners understand just how large a part of life and identity an illness can be. Some of the lyrics give a profound and haunting image like "over my shoulder, you whispered and I never considered that you are a shadow I can't outrun." This personifies the Cystic Fibrosis, giving it a voice and a dark, constant, looming reach. The words bring intensity as the speaker grapples with just what this connection means to hear, physically and emotionally. Click here to listen to "Die Without U"! "Die Without U" has a cool, dark tune that blends intense guitar with Abigail's strong feminine vocals. The first verse starts simple, with dark and low muted guitar picking. The vocals start with a cynical narrative tone to the beautiful and low sound. Building up to the chorus, electronic instrumentals, piano, and a lighter vocal tone emerge. In the chorus, the vocals get higher and the instrumentals warm up, conveying that feeling of love and attachment that the singer grapples with in the lyrics. The verses throughout the rest of the song are loaded with emotion and power, as Abigail's voice forces that blend of feelings into the words. Bringing all the intensity and more, the vocals in the bridge belt with a range and force like Demi Lovato. The song ends with a chorus complete with layered impressive and emotional vocals, delivering the lyrics with all her heart. Abigail Sparrow is a New York-based musician and actor, who was raised in a musical home in Long Beach, California. “Die Without U” is her second single, demonstrating how she creates intimate narratives with bold vocals in her music. She studied musical theater and vocals at California State University, and has been very active in the musical theater scene. She took on important roles like Sherrie in Rock of Ages and Katherine Howard in Six The Musical. Her on-screen acting credits range from starring in music videos directed by Sydney Fitzgerald to appearances in a short film. Check out the links below to keep up with Abigail. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW ABIGAIL: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube
- Review: "Joyride" - Vlade Kay
Vlade Kay’s newest single “Joyride” is an upbeat and fun song about the thrilling feelings of love and life. Released just ten days ago, this song already has almost 70,000 streams, clearly demonstrating the relatability Kay has with his listeners. He sings both about how intoxicated he is by their love, by how beautiful their world is, and how happy he is simply going for the joyride of life. The soundscape is electronic and enticing, mirroring the energy and happiness Kay portrays in his lyrics. Kay’s perspective is refreshing and full of happiness, which is a nice change from the typical negativity in the world. “Joyride” gets right to the point, as Kay opens the song with the lyrics “I wanna joyride with your body”. The following lyrics are “Front seat my Ferrari / Fast lane Abu Dhabi / We can’t slow it down”, which references the fact that this track was written at a writing camp in Dubai. He carries on the metaphor of driving throughout the song, adding lines about red lights, the top down, and being in the front seat. The soundscape is extremely upbeat, and feels like the perfect song to jam out in your car to (as I would assume Kay would love). There are electronic synths and drum pulsations, following a steady tempo to tap your fingers on the wheel to. Vlade Kay has been releasing music on Spotify since his first single “Haze” in 2019. Since then, he has released various singles and an EP, and has amassed over 40,000 monthly streamers. His music is electronic and exciting, and clearly his listeners keep coming back for more. Currently in the works is a collaboration with Swae Lee for a track titled “Bailando”. They have stated that this release will include his typical pop sound with a blend of Latin beats. They have already wrapped filming in Dubai for the music video, and their teams are extremely excited for what is to come. Make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for more music from Vlade Kay. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW VLADE KAY: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "Dandelion" - WKND THERAPY
WKND THERAPY’s debut single “Dandelion” is an upbeat exploration of love, using the image of the flower in its title to tie in the glowing and delicate warmth of the feelings it conveys. The chorus embodies the uplifting nature imagery that makes love feel so pure with words like “you’re my sunlight, got me reaching for the sky”. There is a vibrant positivity that comes from these lyrics that will make you feel those warm, fuzzy feelings you get when you think about love. The song begins with intense portrayals of the speaker’s connection with a specific person, explaining how it transcends their current life, and exploring the attention and devotion felt with lyrics like “I’ve got you memorized”. Beyond being fascinated with your love, the song dives into the vulnerability that emerges from that closeness, saying “every wall in my heart crumbles when I’m in your arms”. There’s something truly beautiful and natural about being able to let your guard down with someone, adding to the pure romance that works through the words of this song. A glowing acoustic guitar picking pattern plays throughout “Dandelion”, paired with intense vocals that display the band’s emo rock roots in their sound. Escalating and inviting strumming joins in with the chorus, then percussion brings a new level of energy in the second verse, continuing throughout the song. The tune has the same adoring edgy mood of love songs from the early 2010’s, spreading that urge to seize the day and bask in the romance that is right in front of you. The vocals reach a warmer, louder volume in the chorus, feeling reflective and bold. An alternating vocal pattern–warm and slow contrasted by muted and rapid– in the bridge draws out the continual growth of connection that comes through in the lyrics. WKND THERAPY is a pop-rock duo, Brandon Ossont and Matthew ‘Jenks’ Jenkins, who developed their craft and performed as members of The Maguas . In their former band, they performed alongside artists like Secondhand Serenade and Rain City Drive , and received praise from platforms like Alternative Press. The Maguas explored emo rock music, but this duo’s new style showcases an entirely different sound. Music producer Seth Henderson helped the duo bring their new song to life, and continue to work with the producer and Derek DiScanio on their upcoming album. Check out the links below to explore their music! Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW WKND THERAPY: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "Life Of The Party" - Housewife
Sometimes when we’re supposed to be having fun, we have a revelation. Housewife’s new song “Life Of The Party” is the anthem of that moment when we ask ourselves what am I even doing here ? Touching on ideas of regret, confusion, and feeling lost, this introspective track sounds like a wake up call for both the speaker and anyone who needs to hear it. The song starts and ends with the same lyrics that express feeling trapped through their literal meaning of not being able to leave. A feeling of complete discomfort comes from the bold statement: “tear my heart out and my head off all at the same time”. This metaphor is so much more than expressing being uncomfortable in your own skin. With the heart representing emotion and the head meaning logic or sense, these words have so much power. The song also reflects on the masks we tend to put on when we want to escape into fun, saying “talk about myself in circles so nobody can follow me”. This fear of being known or attempt at self-isolation shows the way people numb who they are, or conceal it from others. Upbeat instrumentals meet gloomy and reflective vocals, making this song truly feel like you’re walking through a party but the rose-colored lenses you had on just shattered. Glowing and low electric guitar accompanies prominent percussion, giving the song a sense of progression or moving forward. When the vocals join in, there’s a melancholic lightness added to the excited depth of the instrumentals, giving a sound similar to music by Girl In Red . The verses have a narrative breathiness to them, while the chorus blossoms into a bolder and rounder sound. Housewife’s vocals climb to emotion-packed high notes through the chorus, emphasizing those questioning feelings the lyrics convey. There is an instrumental interlude that pushes power into the sound through reverberating guitar, continued bold drums, and ascending vocalizing, before the song ends with the same lyrics that started the song. The instrumentals cut out just before the vocals end, giving a true sense that the party is over. Canadian singer and songwriter Housewife–also known as Brighid Fry–is an award-winning independent pop musician with a soft rock influence to their style. Personal representations of self and identity come through in their songs, comforting so many of us who relate to their experiences. They are an advocate for environmentalism, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ+ rights both through the messages in their music and related advocacy. Housewife was amongst the team that brought Music Declares Emergency to Canada, allowing Canadian musicians to band together and draw government attention to current and pressing environmental issues. Platforms like FLAUNT and FLOOD Magazine sing praises of “You’ll Be Forgiven”, the artist's recent EP. You can catch a live show soon, as Housewife is touring the UK with Lauran Hibberd , and is playing at the Pop Montreal Festival soon. Stay connected with Housewife’s activist and music by checking out the links below. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW HOUSEWIFE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Pop Songs For Suicide Prevention Month
According to the National Institute of Mental Health , suicide is a leading cause of death in the US. To help combat this, September serves as Suicide Prevention Month with several individuals and organizations raising awareness across the country. As music is often an outlet for those struggling with mental health, Pop Passion has compiled a list of Pop Songs For Suicide Prevention Month, highlighting tracks that raise awareness for those struggling with suicidal thoughts and provide hope to those in need. 1. "Friend, Please" by Twenty One Pilots Written from the perspective of someone trying to convince a friend to stay alive, “Friend, Please” is a touching track from Twenty One Pilots that focuses on suicide prevention. The song feels deeply personal as frontman Tyler Joseph sings to a loved one who is considering suicide, encouraging them to believe that life is worth living despite how dark things may feel at the moment. “Friend, Please” comes off the duo’s self-titled album, being one song of many from Twenty One Pilots to tackle the intricacies of mental health. 2. "1-800-273-8255 (ft. Alessia Cara and Khalid )" by Logic A huge hit from 2017, Logic collaborated with Alessia Cara and Khalid to create “1-800-273-8255” (aka “1-800”). The track is named after the original number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline , and uses Logic’s platform as an artist to raise awareness for suicide prevention. Shedding light on the meaning behind the song, Logic discussed “1-800” during an interview with Genius, stating, “So the first hook and verse is from the perspective of someone who is calling the hotline, and they want to commit suicide. They want to kill themselves. They want to end their life. When I jumped on a tour bus that started in Los Angeles, California and I ended in New York City and did a fan tour where I went to fans' houses and shared meals with them, hung out with them, played them my album before it came out. Them along with other people on tour, just fans that I met randomly, they've said things like, ‘Your music has saved my life. You've saved my life.’ And I was always like, ‘Aw so nice of you. Thanks.’ And I give them a hug and shit but, in my mind, I'm like, ‘What the fuck?’ And they're really serious. And they tat shit on their arms and get shit like lyrics that save their life, and, in my mind, I was like, ‘Man I wasn't even trying to save nobody's life.’ And then it hit me, the power that I have as an artist with a voice. I wasn't even trying to save your life. Now what can happen if I actually did?” 3. "Jumper" by Third Eye Blind An upbeat power pop/alt rock hit from the 90s, Third Eye Blind’s “Jumper” has a deeper meaning that some might not realize due to its lightheartedness. The track’s narrative is based on real events, centering around band manager Eric Godtland’s high school friend who committed suicide after enduring bullying for his sexuality. “Jumper” has taken on multiple meanings over the years, including suicide prevention, anti-bullying, and encouraging listeners to have compassion for one another. 4. "Move Along" by The All-American Rejects A song with a powerful narrative, The All-American Rejects’ “Move Along” is a pop-punk classic that has an anti-suicide message incorporated into its lyrics. “Move Along” was written by Nick Wheeler and Tyson Ritter, serving as the titular track from the band’s second studio album and is considered by Wheeler to be an “anti-suicide message song about believing in oneself and persevering in the face of problems.” 5. "Call Your Mom" by Noah Kahan A deeply moving and touching song, Noah Kahan’s “Call Your Mom” promises unconditional support for those struggling with mental illness. The track reminds us that there’s always light at the end of a tunnel as Kahan tenderly sings to a loved one and begs them to stay. An emotional journey, “Call Your Mom” provides reassurance that others have been in similar situations and have lived through it, showing us that there’s hope despite how dark things might seem. 6. "Life's Gonna Kill You (If You Let It)" by Man-Made Sunshine Earnest and vulnerable, Man-Made Sunshine’s “Life’s Gonna Kill You (If You Let It)” reflects on struggling through a heavy depression and healing from that mental anguish. The track comes from Conor Mason’s solo project, giving a transparent look into the psyche of the Nothing But Thieves frontman. “Life’s Gonna Kill You (If You Let It)” shows that it’s possible to survive even the darkest of places in your mind, giving a gentle reminder to not give up and that any storm can be weathered. 7. "Reason To Live" by Malachi Gagnon Written as a letter to friend, Malachi Gagnon’s “Reason To Live” is a beautiful new release that has an equally beautiful message. The ballad debuted during Suicide Prevention Month on September 20, 2024, reflecting on the artist’s grief over losing a loved one to suicide. Gagnon wrote “Reason To Live” as a tribute to his late friend, using the lyrics to send a message of hope to those struggling with their own battles. It’s a reminder that you’re never alone and shows us that life is worth living. 8. "Forever Winter" by Taylor Swift A heartfelt reflection on the fear of losing a friend to self-harm, Taylor Swift’s “Forever Winter” describes the artist’s anxiety over having a loved one suffering from mental illness. The track shows Swift supporting someone through a dark time, trying to encourage him to see the brighter side of life and remind him that she’s there for him. “Forever Winter” shines light on two different perspectives through the lyrics, bouncing between how Swift’s loved one is feeling and how that impacts the artist. It’s often considered a cathartic song, acknowledging the difficulties faced by those struggling with mental health and the loved ones who are trying to support them. While the songs on this list can help those experiencing mental health troubles and suicidal thoughts, don’t rely on music alone. If you or a loved one is struggling with suicidal thoughts, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Written By Cheyenne Johnson Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.