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Have you ever had someone mean so much to you, that they took up so much of your thoughts and it feels as though they've captured you? This is a specific and vulnerable feeling ICEBERG beautifully depicts in her song “Captor”. “Captor” sorts through these feelings and is an attempt to make sense of them. Surrounded by this struggle is the infectious pop-rock melody that constitutes the song. ICEBERG brings a tender but powerful presence to “Captor” with her unique voice. Her voice is haunting yet comforting, something that sets her aside as a vocalist. Her voice is the perfect pairing for her deeply vulnerable lyrics. Together the lyrics and instrumentals create a euphoric feeling, in spite of the heaviness the subject matter of the song brings. Arguably the most euphoric part of the song is the bridge which is very climatic and provides a satisfying feeling as listeners approach the end of the song. ICEBERG is originally from Pennsylvania, but moved to London, and is now currently living in upstate New York. For the past four years she has been working as a producer and songwriter in London. Honing these skills, ICEBERG plans to release her new EP shortly, showcasing her immense talent. Just like the EP is sure to do, "Captor" also showcases the musical abilities and talents of ICEBERG, as she is able to beautifully tell a story, while crafting music that perfectly pairs it. Written By Alison Holst FOLLOW ICEBERG:

Starting with upbeat and catchy 80s synths, “I’m At A Loss” by Alta Falls, merges together sounds of the past and sounds of the present. Using this approach Alta Falls creates a passageway to nostalgia in the present time. Alta Falls has created their own niche in music, supplied by their immense talent, and ability to create intricate instrumentals. You will not only be hooked by “I’m At A Loss”, but it will also make you fall in love with the rest of their fantastic discography. “I'm At A Loss” opens with 80s style synths and beats, transporting listeners’ ears to sounds of the past. As the song continues the song begins to adopt more contemporary sounds found in Pop, that become most evident in the chorus. During the chorus the varying sounds and vibes of the song merge to create its own unique presence. The bridge is the most electrifying part of the song with the lyric “keep on breathing” being sung repetitively in the background, building anticipation and tension for the song's completion. The melody created throughout the entire song, finds a way to hold so much depth, and give listeners a melancholic feeling. Whilst, all of this takes place in the instrumentals, the lyrics of “I’m At A Loss” tell a sullen story, of feeling lost in one’s own head. Alta Falls is an Australian based group breaking into the indie music scene. Alta Falls is bringing something new to the table with their ability to mold and combine different styles of music together. Their style of both lyrics and instrumentals create a euphoric, and melancholic feeling for their music, something that attributes to why “I’m At A Loss” is the type of song you want to put on repeat for a few hours. Written By Alison Holst FOLLOW ALTA FALLS:

“Hollow” by Hunter Nelson is a truly exceptional song, due to its catchy and unique beat, and emotionally creative lyrics. The instrumentals capture the sullen tone of the song, whilst providing an impressive indie-rock beat. “Hollow” is what it feels like to go through a period of change, where you are left scrambling to find yourself. In this search you often find that you feel lost and empty inside, a feeling Hunter Nelson perfectly captures in “Hollow”. "Hollow" incorporates references from both the pop and indie-rock genres, creating a unique but familiar sound for this song. The most impressive and significant part of the instrumentals is the drums. While supplementing the overall rhythm and melody, the drums also seem to have a melody and rhythm of their own. The drums essentially feel as though they are the song's main character, and rightfully so. Furthermore, the song is remarkable in how seamless and natural the transitions between the chorus and verses are. Hunter Nelson is an up and coming Australian musician. He has the remarkable ability of using contemporary references from genres such as pop, and indie-rock, while still creating a unique sound for himself. The unique sound he has established for himself is also a reflection of his talent for production. Nelson has already released impressive songs showcasing his talent, such as “Hollow”, and plans to release more songs in the near future. Written By Alison Holst FOLLOW HUNTER NELSON:

"Changed" by Mary Ella Hunt is a deeply personal song that is both vulnerable and honest. These aspects make it feel as though listeners have gotten a peek into Hunt's diary. In taking a glimpse into the mind of Hunt, listeners are shown how insightful and reflective she is. Her insight comes through in the song as she shares a story and her feelings toward a particular person. This person is revealed to have done wrong to her and has qualities that make them unsuitable to remain in her life. Despite this, Hunt expresses a hope that this person will be able to change for their own good, whether they are in her life or not. With this, it feels like Hunt is reflecting on this person and receiving closure. The song's slow nature and soft vocals establish the essence that Mary Ella Hunt creates. These elements also help to develop the theme of the song which is change. The simple guitar that opens the song creates a sentimental and honest tone, which are aspects that will remain consistent throughout the song. As the song progresses, an excellent harmony accompanies Mary Ella's voice, creating a beautiful sound. At the end of the song, the piano becomes the focal instrument, rather than the guitar, which helps to close out the song and leave an emotional ending. Mary Ella Hunt is a vivid storyteller who translates this ability into her lyrics. Her abilities are apparent in both singles she's released, including "Changed" and "Need a Minute". Not only do her lyrics hold heavy and vulnerable emotions, but so do the melodies that accompany them. The melodies of her songs beautifully match the emotions and experiences of the story she is trying to tell. Written By Alison Holst FOLLOW MARY ELLA HUNT:

The song “7 years” by KARLOU immediately transports one to the peak feeling of summer. The euphoric and intricate melody delivers a light and happy feeling, while the lyrics paint a different story. Surrounded by a fantastic pop song, KARLOU sings about her bad luck and not wanting it to ruin something new, which is so far great. A significant lyric of the song, which really resembles the song's concept as a whole is, "I broke the mirror, I've just been given". The song starts out strong, giving an indie-pop presence. Listeners are then introduced to the fantastic vocals of KARLOU, who sets herself up as having this “premonition”, which she will reveal through the song. This “premonition” reveals itself to be rooted in the bad luck she feels she’s always had and is worried it will ruin a relationship of hers. Throughout the song the melody is backed by an electric guitar that sets the tone and pace. The song remains upbeat until the bridge and end of the song slow down and satisfyingly complete the piece. KARLOU is an energetic pop artist who can express emotion and creatively tell a story through her lyrics. Not only that, she brings a fun energy to her projects that is easily received by any listener of her music. KARLOU recently moved to the Sunshine Coast, which is most definitely attributed to the coastal vibe in her songs. KARLOU is beginning to plan an upcoming tour to showcase all of the fantastic songs she’s released so far. Written By Alison Holst FOLLOW KARLOU:

Photo Credits: Phoebe Wrapson Photography and Aurelia Forte Art When someone is your safe space you can’t let that go. Having a person you know you can always come back to is a blessing. No matter how treacherous the waters get in life, you'll always have your harbour to dock in. Finding that peace in someone else for the first time should be cherished. In her song, Harbour, Aimee Iris, reflects on that feeling of safety. Finally, she feels like a happy ending is possible. That no matter where you go, you know you have your harbour to assure you a safe home. Harbour is comforting; Cradling the listener into the same sense of security the song describes. Aimee uses her captivating and bright vocals to paint a story of fairytale love. Trust is the first seed that buds the flower of safety in a new relationship. Aimee can finally feel safe in her lover's arms and it is all calm in her eyes. The instrumental beautifully entangles piano chords with strings that subtly sweep through the track. Aimee has a classical feel to her vocals. Her voice is so powerful yet so dainty and feathery that it meshes extremely well with the simplistic instrumental. Together they create a soundscape that is truly irresistible. Harbour is a cozy folk-pop ballad that gives you a glimpse into the warmth that is having a home in a person. Always have a place to come back to after any emotion you face. True love is crooned about in Harbour and it’s oh-so-sweet. Aimee Iris is a UK-based artist who takes a lot of inspiration from her musical theater background. This is incredibly evident in her work. The way she composes her lyrics embraces the fantastical elements of storytelling. Combine this influence with the musical styling of Sara Bareilles and Ben Platt you're left with beautifully produced acoustic pop. Aimee fills her music with honesty which makes for an impactful listen. Harbour is a tune that will stick with you well after the initial listen. Aimee is only at the beginning of her journey and I can’t wait to see what more is in store. Written By Kaiana Lee FOLLOW AIMEE IRIS:

Do you sometimes think about the past when you were a teenager? Being rebellious, sneaking out of the house, stealing your parent’s alcohol, remembering old friends and partying? “Ed’s House” by Ben Ellis has the perfect nostalgic feeling about partying and enjoying life in your teen years. This song makes me miss those moments before I turned into an adult, and I feel like a lot of people can relate to it as well. I can imagine a montage video of friends hanging out together on multiple occasions, enjoying youth and not caring about anything other than that exact moment. This song screams freedom, and I know when you're a teenager, that is all you want; to be free and live life the way you crave. The introduction of the song started with upbeat guitar before the lyrics begin. “ Where are you going? / There’s a party at Ed’s house / We stole some liquor from our parents who drink too much. ” Ellis’ says he wanted to capture the moment of living while we’re young with this song. The lyrics radiate optimistic and youthful energy which makes it hard not to sing along. Ellis’ voice is soothing and ran smoothly along with the tunes. His voice is clear, delicate and full of passion. The percussion is introduced after the first verse which leads to the chorus with a little bit of acapella. The second verse flows beautifully with the music which would have to be my favorite part of the song. There's a nod to the classic Wheatus’ song, “ We’ll play Teenage Dirtbag on repeat / cause we don’t know what to do at seventeen ”, reiterating that this is an anthem for the forever young. The vibe is nostalgic and perfect for reminiscing the old times as a teen. From Cardiff, Wales, singer-songwriter Ben Ellis has been singing for as long as he can remember. He started writing music at the age of 10 and started to learn how to play the guitar at age 14. During the pandemic, he has written numerous songs and collaborated with other artists from around the world. His debut single called “not this time” was released on March 9th, 2022, and his second single, “Ed’s House” was released on February 22nd, 2023. He was also featured in a song called “Night Shift” with Aidan Cross. He enjoys performing around London and Cardiff, playing covers and his own music. There's a lot more in store from Ben Ellis, so make sure to follow him to keep up with his musical journey! Written By Lyndsey Cheng FOLLOW BEN ELLIS:

Have you ever wanted to live in the 80s? All the different streaming and TV series set in the 80s, makes me wonder where I could have fit in within this period. Would I have been playing D&D in Mike Wheeler’s basement or participating in ballroom culture alongside Blanca Evangelista? This is a train of thought that is hinted at or touched on within these shows. The undercurrent theme for the bulk of them has been identity – who you are and who you aspire to be. The group Selfish Bodies keeps in tune with the feel of the 80’s but expands on the theme of identity in their latest single, “Disassociated”. “Disassociated” is a pop-rock single that centers on feeling disconnected from the identity we’ve created for ourselves. The song opens with heavy synths that immediately transport a listener to the 80s and invoke a feeling of nostalgic bliss. Don’t be fooled, though. This is lyrical dissonance at its finest. Despite the upbeat nature of the rhythm and melody, the lyrics tackle a heavy subject; actively undergoing disassociation at the hand of someone else. In the first few lyrics listeners understand that there’s a detachment from a recognized identity. This detachment is solidified when our vocalist begins to call themselves “little scarecrow”. Traditionally, scarecrows are symbolic of death and rebirth – but we land on disassociation when this process has been forced upon us as it has in the single. And I think this transformation has been forced because of the lines “You set me on fire / Even though you say you love me”. When the push for a transformation of this magnitude originates from an external source, you’re bound to feel disconnected from yourself. You might even feel like a foreign entity in your own body, or even a scarecrow – just a pile of straw in old clothing that you once wore. “Disassociated” successfully explores the surreal experience of an identity that's been thrusted upon us. The Edmonton A.B. trio, Selfish Bodies, came together in February of 2018 under their combined passion for creating cinematic atmospheres, genre-merging writing, and introspective lyrics. The group is fronted by lead singer Brandy Sharpe, with Michelle Bessette on piano, and Garrett Jette on the guitar. They dropped their first EP, Gold Hair, in 2019, and began the new year by releasing “Hideous”. Over the last five years, their passion for creating unique music has evolved into a transformative art that listeners can engage and relate with in various emotional states. To celebrate the alternative pop-rock group’s fifth anniversary, show them some virtual love in the form of streams, likes, and follows! Written by Giavanna Gradaille FOLLOW SELFISH BODIES:

I think we all have heard of the Big Bang Theory; and no I'm not talking about the awesome sitcom. I'm talking about the actually scientific theory that our universe was created by a giant explosion that continues to expand indefinitely. Somehow this moment in space and time is why we are here today. I think this is something we don't often sit down and think about, mainly because it's hard for our brains to process, but life is an incredible and magical thing. We are all made up of atoms and molecules that allow us to walk the earth and experience life and love. "Bang! Bang!" by Only Bricks has a play on words by comparing being in love with the science of the universe. When you've got strong feelings for someone, it literally feels like all the stars have aligned. "Bang! Bang!" is an incredibly catchy hyper-pop influenced sound that will 100% have you on your feet and dancing. The song starts with a soft dynamic that slowly builds throughout the song, a genius and subtle detail that makes the song literally sound like the expansion of the universe. Lead vocalist Anne DiGiovanni guides her voice through the same dynamics, starting soft and then giving us life with her incredibly smooth and strong vocals in the hook of the song. The chorus is heavily electro-pop in it's beat and features galactic synths that send you off into a ethereal experience. If you close your eyes, you could put yourself into the scene of a rave concert where all you can see is lasers and strobe lights flying in the air and surrounding you are people dancing like no one is watching. Let's just say the production on this song is out of this world. Only Bricks is an indie-pop duo project by the two love birds, Anne DiGiovanni and Joseph Lewczak. Inspired by the lyrics in The Vamps song, "Risk It All", they came up with their band name - " For you I’d risk it all / I’d rather crash, I’d rather crawl / then never have your love at all / with only bricks to break my fall ". After getting married in 2017, Anne and Joseph used their chemistry together to combine their musical talents and released their first EP, Foundation, in 2018. Since then, they've released several more singles and they, literally, started out 2023 with a bang with their first single of the year, "Bang! Bang!". If you like this song, I'd also suggest checking out there other most recent songs, "Contact High" and "Smile, It's Over :)", both in which also give off fantastic energy and electro-pop rock tones. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW ONLY BRICKS:

In Taylor D’s latest release “Wasting All my Love” her unrequited passion is far from wasted. She manages to take the bottled feelings of silent love and transform them into a beautifully expressive song. “Wasting All my Love” is a rendition of a dynamic everyone experiences, especially at the young age Taylor herself is. That is the story of rejection and an acceptance of it. It is vulnerable, so empathetically written that the listener cannot help but feel Taylor is speaking directly to them. And she is speaking to someone, that is clear. “Wasting All my Love” represents the last love letter this subject will ever receive, it is a painful but never reluctant goodbye. Her voice reflects this theme, it is gentle but her words make the strength of the singer clear. The melody matches her voice with a gentle ongoing tone present in much of the song. But, it is impressive beyond just how well it compliments her. This melody is the perfect balance of original and classical. The basis of it is Taylor’s own instruments, a soothing piano and guitar but with touches of modernity that find their way into the beginning of the song. She manages to avoid being overproduced while maintaining a professional and unique sound. The song begins with a swaying beat that lasts only a moment before the immediately recognizable piano chimes in. It has the essence of a classic even before the chorus with repetitive chords that are impossible to avoid humming even after just one listen. After a moment of this piano solo, Taylor begins, “I see you every day” she sings. She begins the song, of course, in the midst of her love. She speaks of her various attempts to reach out to the subject of her admiration with no avail and of her supposed insignificance to them. Taylor seems to be trapped, unable to extinguish her love but also incapable of spreading it. However, she never makes the love she has to give the enemy. She never regrets her feelings, rather, she regrets they can’t be put to good use. “Here I am wasting all my love on you” the chorus begins. The start of the song implies it to be a solemn and lonely tale but with the third chorus this becomes evidently untrue. She sees her emotion as valuable, not as a weakness. “There you are wasting all your love on her” she resolves. Taylor D. began writing songs when she was only thirteen, and within a year, she was making newspaper stories and gaining views by the thousands. As a self-taught pianist, singer, songwriter, and guitarist there’s nothing Taylor can’t do and there is nothing she hasn’t. In the past two years, she has released eleven singles, seven of them being in 2021 alone. And her labors have paid off. In 2022, she won artist of the year for First Choice Radio U.K. and a president Gaisce award. Her music has reached 99 countries and she has gained hundreds of thousands of streams on Spotify. But even amidst her consistent growth she continues to give back. She has participated in several charitable events, most recently announcing her upcoming contribution to the Big Busk for Focus Ireland, a group whose intent is to build funds for unhoused people. Her kindness, commitment, and hard work are deservingly being noticed; don’t waste your love elsewhere, go stream Taylor D.! Written By Hailey Schap FOLLOW TAYLOR:

Virginia To Vegas’ “casamigos” tells the story of a night out that we’ve all lived before. Two souls who went out to be invisible feel seen by one another and find comrade within small talk and big shots at the barstools. When the drinks start flowing and the music is blaring, you become unsure if it's the tequila making you hot or if it’s the coquettish glances exchanged with a stranger who feels like home for a moment. The music blurs, and the background fades, and what’s left is two strangers with nothing to lose; two shot glasses and two people who don’t mind being used for the evening. Maybe it’s the Casamigos, and maybe it’s the company, but it’s an indescribable intoxication. Let’s be drunk in love for the evening, and pray the lights never come on, and the hangover never hits. “casamigos” is an infectious pop song that is sure to get you on your feet. Whether you’re at the club, or in your living room, the music flows through you like a chilled double-shot, and it requires no chaser. The lively tune and sensual lyrics combine like a delicious mixed drink, and it’s one we want to order over and over. Like all good nights and good stories, this song started with a bottle of Casamigos tequila, and the rest is history. The progression of “casamigos” mirrors a night out that only continues to get better. Unlike a sunrise to end a night on the town, we are transported to a bar, club, or dance-floor whenever we hit play, and this is one “casamigos” night we’re sure to remember. Virginia To Vegas is one of Canada’s most promising global exports. He is a singer, songwriter, and producer who's talents were first discovered on YouTube. Widely known for his sticky pop choruses and electronic hooks, Virginia To Vegas is an international phenomenon. He has accumulated over 735 Million streams, and is a multi-platinum selling artist. While on a National headlining tour, VIIV continues to collaborate with today’s best songwriters and producers like Mike Wise, David Mescon, and Geoff Warburton. “casamigos” is the focus track from his latest album, “life gets interesting…,” and his work is sure to brighten your day like that first sip on a Friday at 5 o’clock. Virginia To Vegas… to the universe, and as we pour ourselves a glass of Casamigos, we hope he is the soundtrack to every night out and every morning after. Written By Grace Chapman FOLLOW VIRGINIA TO VEGAS:

She Is Jules tackles the unique relationship between therapists and their patients in her latest single, “Do Therapists?”. She wrote this track from her own experience with therapy and how it has impacted her life. Throughout the song, She Is Jules wonders about the mental health of her own therapist. She begins the track with the hook, “Do therapists need therapists ‘cause that’s a lot to hold?” She goes on to discuss her concerns that the trauma she discusses in her therapy session only puts overwhelming mental stress on her therapist. She asks agonizing questions like, “Do I got too much baggage// It’s bursting at the seams,” and “Am I so traumatic// That she’s been losing sleep?” She is worried that her trauma is becoming her therapist’s trauma—that even though she is a professional, she herself is falling apart on the inside. But because it is her job, she has to keep it from her family and loved ones. She Is Jules even sings, “And I still can’t help but worry about her// ‘Cause if I sat in her chair// Think I’d lose it, I swear// Hearing everything that I’ve been through.” For those that have experienced anxiety themselves, these lyrics cut deep. It reminds them of their own anxious thoughts, where they hate asking for help because they are afraid it will only be a burden to this person. In the track, She Is Jules even admits that sometimes she likes to overthink, or “at least that’s what she tells me.” These lyrics hold a deeper meaning for those that are self-proclaimed overthinkers, and recognize that these thoughts are not the truth—yet they still worry. Although the answer is ‘yes’, therapists do often go to therapy, it is not due to her trauma. In the end, the therapist is happy to let She is Jules unpack all her emotions and trauma. “Do Therapists?” opens the door for important conversations on a delicate topic such as mental health and allows listeners that resonate with the lyrics feel less alone. “Do Therapists?” wraps the sensitive lyrics up into a perfect dreamy pop production reminiscent of Taylor Swift’s Midnights album. The track starts with a synth keyboard riff that is paired with She Is Jules humming the harmonies. This sets up the ethereal atmosphere that remains for the entire track. After several measures, the lyrics begin, introducing the first verse. The keyboard riff remains steady, keeping the focus on the vulnerable lyrics. Leading up to the chorus, the production intensifies, introducing a light guitar strumming and a synth sound effect that ebbs and flows with the melody. In the chorus, the track is led only by the keyboard and She Is Jules’s vocals, including her angelic harmonies in the background. In the second verse, the song reaches a full production, complete with the high energy drums. This production continues into the chorus, complemented by unique synth noises that enhance the whimsical nature of the track. In the bridge, the song returns to the keyboard and vocals only, before exploding back to the full production in the last chorus. The exquisite track remains in the heads of listeners for days, as they are constantly drawn back to the relatable lyrics and airy production. “Do Therapists?” further demonstrates She Is Jules’s outstanding songwriting and solidifies her spot as one of the world’s next big pop superstars. Julianna Pollifrone, known as stage name She is Jules, is a singer-songwriter from California’s Bay Area. At only 8-years-old, she learned how to play the guitar and began her musical journey. In 2017, she released her debut single, “Eyes Shut”. Since then, she has released over 20 singles, including collaborations and remixes with other artists. She has over 113 million streams on Spotify alone. Her sound is a mix of acoustic pop and electronic dance, providing an ethereal production that consumes listeners. She not only writes for herself, but for other artists as well. She lends her talented voice, creative songwriting, and infectious production to her peers, making her an essential asset to the music industry. She has made an enormous impact and continues to blow away listeners with her unmistakable talent. Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW SHE IS JULES: