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Tired of going to look at your phone the minute you get up in the morning? Do I have the song for you! ‘Turpentine’ by Nathaniel Paul points to the mass-overconsumption of media outlets as a source of daily disruption. There’s a boatload of information being thrown at us whenever we scroll our socials. If we’re on too often, our mental health can take a hit from the resulting overstimulation. “Take me off that assembly line.” Break away from the toxicity in today’s social culture and focus on what you want. Our lives are so much more than a news report or a screen! There’s a strong sense of empowerment that comes with taking control of our lives. “We have to help others on their feet again so they can dream of a better life.” Lead by example! Groovy guitar strums set the vibe right and give the song its characteristic chill rock sound. Paul’s soulful, melodic voice is a glimmer of hope in the uncertainties of the world. Upward-moving synth motifs reinforce that hope ten-fold. You also get this cool sludge-like effect in the post-chorus that allows for a moving, multi-sensory experience! Nathaniel Paul is a multi-talented individual who’s already demonstrated his prowess in the world of music. The award-winning singer-songwriter and producer is best known for his work as part of The Bergamot, a husband-and-wife indie/folk duo based in Brooklyn, NY. Along with partner Jillian Speece, Paul has become renowned for his rich storytelling and his passion for humanity. His biggest influences are Mac DeMarco and Tame Impala, with a bit of The Beach Boys and other acts mixed in. ‘Turpentine’ is the title track for his upcoming sophomore solo album! Go take a listen! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW NATHANIEL:

Q: Congratulations on the release of ‘I Know’! Can you share what inspired you to write this song? Georgia: Thank you! "I Know" was inspired by a nostalgic late night post lockdown, sitting with my laptop and humming over an ambient synth. I was in a deep memory of that bittersweet feeling of having to let go of something that you know has passed its time. Closing chapters at 2am. Q: What is your songwriting process like? Georgia: I usually establish a home for the track to sit in first, usually done by creating textures and soundscapes with production. From here I develop the feeling and the story that I want to tell, throwing down some melodies over the track and fitting the lyrical structure of that (I often lean towards a sort of Swedish pop approach to songwriting). Once i've moulded the lyrics to the melody, i'll layer everything up! Q: What made you want to pursue a career in music? Georgia: I was brought up on 2000's pop culture: Madonna, Justin Timberlake and Timberland. I remember summer days blasting "Way I Are" by Nelly Furtado and Timberland, wishing I could do something that made me feel as good as I did when I listened to that song. From there I got into rock and started playing drums at the age of 12 (which I still do now- I do some session work with Suki Waterhouse). My own artist project was formed by all these influences. Q: What is your favorite album of all time? Georgia: It changes daily... right now i've got to say "Juno" by Remi Wolf. It's so out of the box, I love it. Q: If you could perform with any artist in the world, who would you pick and why? Georgia: Billie Eilish. Her visuals surrounding her sonic landscape are insane, i'd love to be a part of that. Q: What can we expect next from you? We can’t wait to hear more! Georgia: Justin Bieber meets Joan Jett, dipped in 2000's pop. I'm excited to share! Written By Sarah Curry FOLLOW GEORGIA:

Who said we couldn’t take ourselves out on dates? ‘Drinking Again’ by Jillian Ann is self-care at its finest. It’s about not being afraid to treat yourself to a night at the bar. When you don’t have friends to go out with, that doesn’t mean you can’t have an exhilarating time in your own company! You could even go to Olive Garden on your own just to get their delicious breadsticks (and I would 100% support that decision). Whatever pleasurable activity makes you feel alive, do it whether you’re with people or not! “Don’t need you to love me, Jack Daniel’s set me free.” There’s something quite compelling between the physical atmosphere described in the verses and the internal thoughts like this one in subsequent lines. Jillian uses this clever separation of ideas to her advantage. Her voice starts off grounded in a deep, resonant tone and turns heavenly sweet when the transition occurs. It’s a great way to compare being in the moment versus being in your mind. Then it all merges into this gorgeous chorus where she turns into a showstopper! Jillian does a fantastic job engaging the listener with masterful wordplay and a party-worthy sound. Boston native singer-songwriter and performer Jillian Ann is a recent Berklee College of Music graduate. Her music catalog transcends a variety of genres, particularly 70s music. Her musical inspirations include the likes of Carly Simon, Linda Ronstadt, Heart and Led Zeppelin. She’s headlined at popular music venues like Hard Rock Café and the Middle East Restaurant and Nightclub. She's also in a duo with longtime friend Christian Colegrove called Intra Element. ‘Drinking Again’ is the lead single off Jillian’s latest EP ‘I Hope You’re Listening Now’ which is available now wherever you stream music! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW JILLIAN:

Q: Congratulations on the release of “Let Me Know”! What inspired you to write this song? Sharl: Thank you! The calendar date being 31st December was the initial inspiration! I felt so restless on that day about the year ending that I just had this need to write one more song before 2021 finished! Being in that impatient headspace took me right back to this time which I describe in the song, the impatience I felt after going on a few dates with someone. Q: When did you know you wanted to be an artist? Sharl: I think people will be surprised by this! I started learning musical instruments when I was three, I’ve loved singing and songwriting for many years and first released original music a long time ago. Music has always been my passion and a huge part of my life. But in all honesty, I didn’t feel completely comfortable being an artist, compared to just being a musician, until last year! I don’t know how but something switched inside me and now I feel totally at one with the music I’m releasing, and that I’m doing what I’m meant to be doing. Paradoxically there is real inner peace and fulfilment I get now from creating my music even though it involves sharing such personal and raw emotions. Q: What is your go-to karaoke song? Sharl: Enthusiastic rendition of Super Bass which no one deserves inflicted on them… Q: If you could have dinner with any artist in the world, dead or alive, who would you pick and why? Sharl: XNDA, even if music is not the career he’s known best for! He is a great inspiration: always working hard to be at the top of his game under immense pressure, and balancing multiple passions in the most impressive way. Also he is an advocate for disadvantaged communities and speaks out about causes he believes in, when it would be much easier not to. Seeing such commitment is very motivational to me, and he does it with a lot of humility and style too. Q: Who would you say are your biggest music influences? Sharl: Right now, I don’t really have any conscious influences! For my music I write whatever feels natural at the time, and sound-wise I go with whatever feels best for the specific song. I like a wide range of genres but I do lean towards listening to solo pop female artists, some earlier inspirations would have been Taylor Swift and Sia for their songwriting and Lady Gaga and Rihanna for their artistry. Somewhere along the line my writing must have been influenced by the girl and boy bands of the early 00s, as I think they have intrinsically timeless and catchy melodies that outlive their production. As a teenager I loved sometimes listening to pirate radio and underground dance music so that’s also a background influence for me, I can never resist a great EDM sound! Q: What can we look forward to next from you? Sharl: My next single “That Girl”, comes out on February 18th. I wrote it very recently too so it feels good releasing something so fresh! I wrote and recorded an album called City Lights last year. So the first single from this album comes out on 4th March. I’m really excited about the song, it’s called “I Fell In Love”: I think it blends together a truly awesome sound with telling a big story! For better or worse, I believe many people can relate to the lyrics, which encompass love, pain and resilience through bad times. I just finished shooting the music video for it, which has been an exciting collaboration with George Tsotsos, an up-and-coming filmmaker from Canberra. So I can’t wait to share that with people too and watch the song come to life with visuals that express the music further. More singles from the album City Lights will be dropping ahead of the full album release this year. It’s a diverse collection of pop songs across many subgenres so there’s something in there for most people.I am really lucky to be working with Daniel Bohen, he is not only an amazing producer but a great solo artist, so check out his music too! We are constantly throwing ideas around, experimenting with different sounds and evolving all the time. So you can look forward to a lot more music from me, with continued growth as an artist and absolute love for what I’m doing! Written By Sarah Curry FOLLOW SHARL:

One of the best feelings ever is meeting someone new and instantly connecting with them. Or when you go somewhere new, the atmosphere feels so invigorating that it speaks to your heart. “I wanna see you tonight cuz we hit it off last time.” ‘What If’ by sautereau is a song of love, excitement, and adventure energized by the backdrop of New York City. It describes the “what ifs” of spending more time with a special person you’ve met. The positive vibes from this song encourage us to appreciate the people and that come into our lives and the places we've been! Lo-fi guitars relax the insecurities in your soul. This is a fitting setup for the lyrics. “What if I could make you make you smile, forget what’s wrong about your life.” We want to make people feel loved! The chorus and bridge are partners in blissful endeavors. The upbeat, mellow tone throughout the song is refreshing like crisp autumn air rushing through us. The artist's soothing, evocative vocals are the magic mirror into the emotions we share with others. After a trip through your daydreams, you’re brought back to the present by the nostalgic ambiance of New York City traffic. It’s a wholly uplifting experience! Born and raised in Geneva, Switzerland, Chloé Sautereau began her career under the name Cee. She released her debut EP ‘As I Keep on Dreaming’ in 2019 at just 18 years old. She found great success on major Swiss radio stations. After moving to New York City, she decided to change her artist name to “sautereau” to signify the bare-face, modern pop sound that better represents her world. Inspired by artists like Finneas, Julia Michaels, and Jessie Reyez, she writes intimate songs about her experiences. ‘What If’ is sautereau’s second single under her new alias, which will also be featured on her EP coming out later this year! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW SAUTEREAU:

Q: We are obsessed with “Kool”! What inspired you to write this song? Tonty: Thank you! It's one of my favorites too! The song is inspired by the feeling of going through life trying to pretend you're okay or your "kool," when really you just want to be with that person you have real feelings for and everything reminds you of them. When I have a crush - and yes, grown people still get crushes - I try to act like I'm cool or chill, but really I think about them a lot! It's supposed to be cute and fun. The track is produced by VSHY, and it gives me early Mariah Carey or 80's Whitney's vibes! Q: Can you tell us a bit about your songwriting process? Tonty: Well, my songwriting process is very organic. What that means is: sometimes I start with a beat, sometimes I start with just lyrics. I try to do whatever my heart is feeling. My lyrics are always inspired by my own experiences, and I hope others can relate. Lately, I've been trying to write songs that speak to other things besides love or longing, like: mental health, or wanting to be an artist but feeling unnoticed, or even going out and being young. Q: What role did music play in your life growing up? Tonty: The BIGGEST role. I have been singing since I was old enough to make noises haha! My mom wanted me to be in medicine, but I've always just wanted to be where the music is. Music is not just my escape, it's my gateway to expressing who I really am. When I sing, when I perform, when I write music - that's the real me. Everything else outside of that feels like a mask. Q: If you were an album, what album would you be and why? Tonty: Oooooh, that's a really hard question. I'd say I'm either thank you, next or positions by Ariana Grande. Her and her co-writers always seem to write lyrics that make me think "Damn, they're talking about me." I can be sexy, I can be clingy, I can be a little mean, I want to be alone sometimes (a lot), I can be loving and giving, but above all I am so so grateful for every opportunity that comes my way. I accept the things that have happened so far in my life, learn from them, and am moving forward loving myself and choosing my happiness. Q: If you could collaborate with any artist in the world, who would you pick and why? Tonty: I would, of course, love to collaborate with Beyoncé - her work ethic is...ridiculous and I could only hope to be as hard-working as she is. I also really want to work with Cardi B. She's so unapologetic - I need more of that in my life - and I have loved exploring my rapping skills lol. Q: What can we expect next from you? Tonty: With luck, blessings, and faith you can expect me to be putting out more music and becoming one of the biggest names in the music industry. I don't say that to be cocky or over-confident - it REALLY is my goal! Haha I don't believe in half measures. Being good isn't good enough. I want to be the best, work with the best, learn from the best, and eventually be a part of teaching the next generation of the best. I plan on earning that right as soon as I get my big chance! Written By Sarah Curry FOLLOW TONTY:

The next dance-worthy single is here! ‘Fahrenheit 104’ by AXLS takes you on an irresistible trip to party town as you revel in the ecstasy of the night. With the hustle-and-bustle of working life, weekend “breaks” are like recharging your batteries to 50%. Occasional celebration is a great way to unwind and create enjoyment in your spare time. All you have to bring is yourself. Your brain will thank you for this dopamine hit of a song! Otherworldly and imaginative, the strong use of layered synths is a hype train of energy that never stops building. The dreamy melody line cuts through the reality shifting and fully immerses your character in a new dimension! As you party on, disco-like rhythms mimic a youthful vigor that’ll make you “dive in headfirst...keep movin’ and groovin’.” Catchy lyrics invite you to forget your stagnant days and live in your best moments. Unexpectedly exquisite vocals, especially in the 2nd chorus, will grant you the gift of invincibility! Dreamy female vocals and low-slung bass characterize just a couple of qualities AXLS emphasizes in their music. The trio got their start in 2018 in Newcastle Upon Tyne. From there, they released their debut album ‘First Contact’, a story of a young girl's resistance after Earth’s first encounter with an extraterrestrial race goes awry. It made a splash by revolutionizing the idea of concept albums in terms of electronic music. Taking influence from electronic artists like Nero and Grimes, as well as pop idols like Dua Lipa and Lady Gaga, the sound of AXLS is truly addictive! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW AXLS:

Q: Congratulations on the release of ‘Science’! What inspired you to write this song? NATA: I'm obsessed with Friends! (the tv show) and of course a sucker for quirky love songs. There's a main character in the show called Phoebe who falls in love with a scientist, David and I found that if I explore that concept and turn it into a ballad, science can convey quite strong symbolism. Q: Can you share a bit about your songwriting process? NATA: This was an extremely unusual process for me. I feel like this song generally has been living in the back of my head for a while and all I needed was a trigger or a character to develop, but when it all came together the song was done in about 20 min. The first line I penned was "Cause it's not the kind of science you're used to" and it's been in my phone for weeks. I like to think of my songwriting as quite detailed so I always need a character or a story to work off. This song is literally a collection of them. It's like that fridge "put the words together" game. Various lines depicted from various stories that created one whole. I also wanted to keep that sense of a chaotic search for character alive in the finished process, so the amazing Lily Be who did the artwork helped bring that to life. Another pitch I like to use for this track is "If The Scientist by Coldplay was written & performed by a woman in 2022". Q: If you could have dinner with any artist, dead or alive, who would you pick and why? You can only pick one! NATA: It would have to be Taylor Swift FOR SURE. My taste in music and influences as an artist don't necessarily match and Taylor Swift happens the common denominator between the two. Q: What made you want to start pursuing music? NATA: I started playing piano when I was 4, followed by guitar as a way to rebel against classical piano. I actually didn't realise how valuable and important piano was in my life until I was in my late teens. If someone would've told me I'd make a career out of it I'd laugh in their face (in a nice way) lol. I'm amongst the kind of musicians who had everything happen as a snowball effect. Q: Who are some of your biggest music influences? NATA: One of the most genre-diverse lists you've probably ever come across! Since I had so many cultural shifts up till now it's all impacted me as an artist. Earlier influences include (as previously mentioned) Taylor Swift, as well as other pop songstresses like Pink. Regina Spektor is always a big one too. On top of that I picked up songwriting techniques from Radiohead and Paramore. Growing up in Moldova, Russian folk music has wired my brain earlier on. Having done musical theatre as a teenager definitely added to that and impacted the way I write my melodies with added melodrama and spoken word flow. Q: If you could talk to your younger self, what advice would you give them? NATA: This would apply on both a personal and professional basis - stop trying to please everyone. Written By Sarah Curry FOLLOW NATA:

Q: Congratulations on the release of ‘November !’! What was the inspiration behind this track? Gauri: Thank you so much I am glad I was finally able to release this song. This all is very special to me since I am able to come out as a bisexual being through this song. Basically I got my heart broken by a girl and I never knew loving same gender could be such a perfect balance of happiness and sadness, dealing with my own emotions and suppressing them for a long time and at the same time having the best experience of making memories with person I'd see my lover and a best friend in has inspired me to write November!. If I could turn back time I'd definitely work out with my own emotions and I'd be more free that's the message of the whole song. But again love is a balance of holding on and letting go, so the same applies here too. Q: When did you know you wanted to pursue music? Gauri: Music has always been a part of me since I was a kid, however due to external circumstances I wasn't quite sure about music till I turned 13. I have been doing different kinds of jobs and education completely off of the topic of music and then I realised this is not something my heart beats for. By the time I turned 18 I became absolutely sure music is something I wish to do for the rest of my life because it gives me purpose and I never get tired of it. So yes right now I am pursuing music the way music has been pursuing me and will continue to do . Q: Who are some of your biggest influences? Gauri: They have changed according to the time and age to be honest. As of now they're George Harrison, Roger Waters, Jimmy Hendrix and Janis Joplin. I love these guys very much and they've been influencing me to write songs which have deeper meanings and melodies. Q: If you could swap bodies with any artist for a day, who would you pick and why? Gauri: If I could do that I think it'd be Jacob Collier. Amazing artist, I feel he can make the notes speak through any instrument. The talent he holds for arrangements and orchestral music is absolutely beyond this world, I'd definitely grasp all his knowledge and be more musical and friendly with notes and overall music theory. Q: What impact has music had on your life? Gauri: Music has taught me to be the real me. Allowing myself to feel any kind of emotions and releasing them with a proper guidance of music. Moreover, I have a different playlist for any kinds of events I create for myself in my day to day life whether it's feeling of love, frustration, motivation, having fun, dancing and all kinds of stuff we do. So for each event music has to be there, it's like my mental therapy and my meditation centre where I become nothing yet everything. It helps me transcend duality and become one with everything and shows me what oneness is like. Q: What can we expect next from you? Gauri: I have plans of releasing songs each month, and every song will be having different concepts of stories and mainly focusing on inner growth and becoming an empath, getting out of the matrix and getting to know who we really are if we go deeper in search of our soul. So I am super excited to see how people will be grasping my songs with each release each month. I personally learnt a lot while writing them and so will the listeners I believe. Written By Sarah Curry FOLLOW GAURI:

Have you ever felt out of place and don’t know where you belong? There’s a song called ‘4Walls’ by Kelly Floyd that I think would be perfect for you! It’s about searching for stability, both physically and emotionally. It also recalls important lessons that the artist learned through moving around frequently in a short time. “Kept the tears to myself...nothing pans out like they say.” Unexpected changes can leave you feeling lost, but you’re not alone! This song is like a warm embrace that validates any loneliness and bewilderment you may feel! “In 2009 they taught me about lines that some people don’t wanna connect; then 2020 turns and whole world learns that nobody can make it alone.” The verses are quick autobiographical snapshots, beautifully captured at just the right moment. Floyd’s luscious, hypnotic voice has an invigorating energy that’s only strengthened by the accompanying bass guitar and drums. Soft vocal harmonies in the bridge gently nudge us toward self-acceptance by unpacking the past. It’s absolutely enchanting! Kelly Floyd’s independent artistry stems from her love of journaling. At age 8, she kept journals that contained drawings with a few words written below to help capture a specific moment in time. At one point, she realized that the entries needed to come off the page. That’s when she began using her love of storytelling to create music. By turning journal entries into songs, she’s found a ravishing way of turning confusing times of change into strength. ‘4Walls’ is only Kelly Floyd’s second single and she’s already mastered her style of writing! Expect even greater things from this marvelous artist! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW KELLY:

Is someone leading you on? Are you stuck in a pattern that’s hindering your progress? When unhealthy situations wreak havoc, we may feel an inability to enact positive changes. ‘Let Me Go’ by Fior contemplates the idea of breaking cycles to create freedom through the story of a one-sided romance. “That distant love wasn’t used to a thing; gave me a reason to think I’m insane.” If they can’t fully commit to you, then why stay? Release the people and habits that restrict your voice or cause you to self-deprecate! Don’t let them weigh you down! A heavy-hitting bass amplifies classic trap beats and spices up the textural backdrop. Fior’s voice embodies a deep, raspy tone that masterfully blends strength and intimacy. “It’s pointless cuz you wouldn’t care, you wouldn’t hear me; nothing’s the same, why won’t you let me go?” The storytelling hits home! The first chorus is more subdued with the artist’s soulful low register beautifully placed front and center, but the second chorus is like a colorful bombshell going off! This canvas painting gets completed with a pop-infused melody that defies expectations in the best way possible! Zoe Fioravanti, known by her stage name Fior (meaning “flower” and “truth”), learned to play piano by ear at just 8 years old. As a teen, she embraced songwriting and began honing her music production skills. Her music features a wonderfully eclectic sound surrounded by a symphony of flavors and textures. Her self-taught style takes influence from artists like Stevie Nicks, Amy Winehouse, and Adele. Her lyrics encourage listeners to find power in vulnerability. ‘Let Me Go’ is Fior’s debut single. Her second single ‘Overdose’ is coming this Spring, followed by her full-length debut album! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW FIOR:

Q: I have had ‘Friends to Lovers’ on repeat since I first listened! Can you share the story behind this song? Melina: Throughout high school I had several experiences dating people who denied having interest in their girl best friend, only to find out after the relationship that they lied. I wrote this song from the perspective of the insecurity and anger I felt during and following these dramatic situations. It felt really freeing to finally be able to share my experience sonically and lyrically! Q: You have an incredible way of telling a story with a theatrical vibe in your music. What inspired this unique sound? Melina: Thank you!! I'm a total theatre kid and have been since I saw the musical Wicked when I was little! I wrote my first song for a Write-Your-Own-Musical Summer Program at The Real School of Music when I was around 10 years old, and that sparked me into expressing my emotions through songwriting. I continued acting and doing musical theatre through high school, and have always been super influenced by artists/groups like Sara Bareilles, ABBA (Mamma Mia the musical is iconic), The Killers, and Paramore. It has been so exciting to see people resonate with my sound! :) Q: If you could collaborate with any artist in the world, who would you pick and why? Melina: Abigail Barlow! Not only is she a creative pop icon who found her stride in the industry through promoting via Tik Tok, but she also writes musical theatre songs. Her duo with Emily Bear, Barlow & Bear, wrote the entirety of the Grammy-nominated The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical and took the theatre scene by storm! I also love her modern approach to marketing and how driven she is. It would be a dream to write with her one day. Q: What is one of your favorite memories from studying at Belmont University? Melina: I am super grateful to be a Belmont University Grammy U Campus Ambassador, and through this connection with Nicole Lewis I was able to be a part of the RedBull SoundClash: Bren Joy vs Jake Wesley Rogers Street Team. Getting to attend the exclusive Q&A with the Belmont Alum artists as well as cheer them on from the front row of Marathon Music Works was an experience I will cherish forever. Me and my best friends all went together and sang the lyrics at the top of our lungs! Q: What are some of your favorite spots to go in Nashville? Melina: I work at Song Suffragettes as a Social Media Manager Intern and through this experience The Listening Room Cafe has become like a second home to me. I love getting to support female country artists weekly and work with a team of empowering women. In terms of food spots in Nashville, I absolutely LOVE Nicoletto's house-made pasta on 21st. Bartaco is also a must, my roommates and I go at least once a week because it's just that good. Q: Do you have any advice to any artists just starting out? Melina: Be intentional in taking care of yourself throughout the process of releasing/posting music. Opening your heart to the world can bring out so many different emotions and all of them are valid! You decide what you share, who you share with, and when you share on your own clock. Surround yourself with those you love and follow what feels right to you. <3 Written By Sarah Curry FOLLOW MELINA: