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“I remember when you were my everything; funny how you just became a memory.” When you recall the people that you used to know, do you still feel a connection to them? Even years later? ‘The Mirage’ by Heather Bond discusses a long-lost relationship with this kind of endearment. She even second-guesses her decision to leave in the first place. That begs the question: do you love them? Or the memory of them? That very relatable conversation is what this song is all about. Bond has this angelic songbird energy that makes you feel like you’re walking on air. You can feel the groovy bass and guitar strums as they add a jazzy beat to the song. As she contemplates her past with this person, she keeps asking herself “did I get it right?” Just when you think she’s figured out the answer, she sweeps you off your feet with more vivid lyricism! Ultimately, you become enveloped in her marvelous mirage as you start to question your own memories. It’s a cinematic masterpiece! Nashville artist Heather Bond is a multi-talented songstress known for her radiant indie-pop music. As a highly praised singer-songwriter, she’s collaborated with numerous industry professionals. Her writing spans a kaleidoscope of ideas, from love and social media to nostalgia and politics. Her work has appeared in television shows like Jane the Virgin , Charmed and Sesame Street . Now, she’s teamed-up with renowned producer and bassist Viktor Krauss to create the Nashville top 100 hit ‘The Mirage’ and the rest of her full sophomore album ‘The Mess We Created’. Go check out Bond and her timeless sound! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW HEATHER:

“Loser Like Me”, balancing on the edge of gritty electropop, is the perfect song for the dance floor. The whole song has an air of a sleek finish as Gabriel casually croons that “you don’t want to be a loser like me”. She embraces her status as a loser, rejecting things that those within society would be able to pick up on. While all her friends are going out and clubbing, she’d rather stay in and chill with herself, not needing the social status or alcohol that going out might bring her. From start to finish, this production is slick. Accompanied by the plucking of a guitar as well as otherworldly synths that sound eerily like a flute, Gabriel’s sultry voice dominates the track, her backing vocals adding some much-needed texture. It’s nonchalant, almost flippant in its Y2Kesque nature that’s backed with Latin-inspired production, oozing coolness and hiding a hint of a menacing nature underneath. Ariane Gabriel is like Lana del Ray, but fast-forward a couple of centuries. In this song, she combines y2k aesthetics to commemorate the passing of a friend. Growing up in Paris, France, she sang in church choirs, bands, commercials, eventually writing music at age 16. With the motto to be real, be yourself, and forget the rest, her music carries an undertone of the glorification of social media and other trends, alluding to their fleeting nature and the unhealthy lifestyle of excess. Graduating from the Berklee College of Music, she combines genres like funk, jazz, and rock into her music, music that she grew up listening to. It’s clear that Ariane Gabriel is here to stay and make waves. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW ARTIST:

We all have felt guilt over something we did to shatter hearts. It may have been someone we kept close to us or even a person that we have deeply lost in our lives. The song "Better Off Without Me" as Kyle Hume sings "All the words I should have said; selfish me kept in my head." is how many of us can summarize these situations in our lifetime. We all wish we could fall back onto that one relationship. This dark, cryptic piano-pop tune invokes lots of pain and sorrow as Kyle sings "I wish you never knew about me; cause I know you're better off without me." which is the words that many of us say to ourselves when we feel that we have let down others that loved and cared about us. The black-and-white energy of the piano chords on top of Kyle's raspy yet captivating voice really pulls you in and makes you automatically self-reflect on the dark side of your past. The build-up of the song is impressive with a great bridge at the end that incorporates a fantastic set of strings that makes you feel as if you should let go of your demons and dark spots as a person. Just keep moving forward! Kyle Hume is an American singer, songwriter and producer who also has a passion for content creating as well. Currently, Kyle has over 2 million followers on TikTok where he posts regularly about travel, mental health and showcases new music covers for all the music appreciators out there! Kyle released a slew of singles in 2020 and 2021 on SoundCloud and Spotify including the song "Those Nights" that also has a remix on all streaming platforms. Go give him a shot! Written By Miles Tutor FOLLOW KYLE:

Have you ever felt a total loss of motivation in your life? Was someone building and burning bridges to make you feel this way? If so, the persuading vocals of HARIZ on his new song titled "Border" will help you relate to those times of emotional stress and trying to be able to cope with new changes as an individual. The phrase that is chanted "I'm gonna cross that border." truly hits home in everyone's minds when we think of moving on from past mistakes and trying to reconcile with the new sacrifices that we have to make in order to become happier and healthier in today's world. This multi-dimensional acoustic-pop blend is very pleasing on the ears as HARIZ beautifully vocalizes the sad boy blues of being down on your luck while maintaining the contrast of emotions that go on with these changes including the happy-go-lucky motivation from the chorus differing from the melancholy yet musical elements of the verses. Most of us have to take that hard-long look in the mirror in order to come to consensus with ourselves and this song has that theme written all over it. The background vocals on the chorus is a very nice touch as well! Justin Hariz is a Los-Angeles based singer and songwriter who has the main mission of creating music to uplift and provoke people in an emotional way. His energy and extensive knowledge of instrumentation and vocals really moves you in a positive direction. Justin has been learning and making music since 4 years old where he fell in love with the piano. He made a name for himself and grew his platform through his 2017 song titled "OVERBRD" which became a pop hit on multiple streaming platforms. He now has released new singles including "Better to Lie" which has a wonderful acoustic version up on YouTube now that has gained lots of support. Go give him a shot! Written By Miles Tutor FOLLOW HARIZ:

It’s hard to let go of what you love. Even if you’re better off without that person or the memory of them, it’s no less tempting to rekindle that love. ‘Fell In Love Again’ by Matt Wells and Victoria McCartney puts you on both sides of a fractured relationship. Whether you were the one who ended things or not, there’s likely a part of you that still loves them. “You stole my heart, tore it in half; you're making it hard for me to move on.” Love never truly dies. It’s reincarnated into a new form. The resulting intricacies of love are precisely what this song explores. Trap and pop collide as the two hearts become intertwined with one another. Wells speaks on how he doesn’t want to go back after getting heartbroken. McCartney responds with how she never forgot about him and realized how hurtful her words were. You can really feel their emotions tell the story. Their spectacular voices play an intimate game of call-and-response before they come together for a beautiful chorus. A standout guitar solo in the outro mimics their shared agreement that they’re falling in love again. The song clearly balances depth of character with an evocative message! Matt Wells is a Taiwanese-Canadian artist whose music reflects his internal struggles. He’s been releasing weekly vlogs and honing his production skills to better connect with his audience and himself. Fellow Canadian singer-songwriter Victoria McCartney has completed immersed herself in music. Her pop/R&B style takes inspiration from several major sources, including the surrounding world, her own experiences, and the stories she’s been told. These artists came together to create ‘Fell In Love Again’ and two other captivating tracks. With this song alone, there's no denying that Wells and McCartney are an unstoppable duet! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW MATT: FOLLOW VICTORIA:

“Won’t Ever Have Me” describes the bitterness of a breakup in a lighthearted teenage anthem. Lyrics like “if you were happy with her/ Would you be staring at me?” are sung almost cheekily, wondering if the ex is truly doing as well as he postulates. He says he’s doing so well yet it’s clear he’s still pining after his ex. Though he’s “[playing] it off at school”, both you and the ex know exactly what he wants, but he “won’t ever have [you]”. It’s the sweet revenge every person wants after a breakup; to know that while the ex wants you back, you’re the one that’s able to say no thanks and blow off the one who’s been causing this pain. Jordan Brynn is reminiscent of early Taylor Swift, a doe-eyed naivety in her voice. She crafts her stories carefully, teetering on the edge of heartbreak and the girl-next-door vibe. The upbeat strum of the guitar accentuates the easy-going tempo of the drums, confident and self-assured while taking jabs at the ex. This country-pop song is paired with Brynn’s bright voice adds bursts of color to her descriptive narratives. With faint soft rock influences, Brynn masterfully combines folk, country, and pop into an amalgamation of the lessons learned from a breakup. Jordan Brynn, a relatively new voice on the country-pop scene, is eager to crash into the industry. An experienced songwriter who’s been singing and composing since she was 11, she’s performed locally around the Nashville area, specifically at the Bluebird Cafe. Now, she’s still putting the pen to paper and performing on top of being a student. Her debut EP You Like Me Better, recounts teenage heartbreak, getting over him, a lot of remembering, and maybe too little forgetting. Brynn blends pop with a multitude of genres, from folk to soft rock, as she makes her debut onto the music scene. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW JORDAN:

Q: ‘Like It’s The Last Time’ has such an amazing vibe to it! What inspired you to write it? Andriana: During the last couple years of quarantine, I started to really sense moments differently. Especially whenever I got the chance to do anything that was outside my living space. It immediately became surreal, to go outside, to walk down the street, to pass a person on the sidewalk, to even go inside another building. My anxiety was pulsing, and my reality was warped and a bit dizzying. This song is about trying to come back to "reality" and feel as you once were, reaching normalcy, appreciating the present and the people around you. It's also about a few personal relationships that ended in the pandemic, too. Q: What made you want to pursue making your own music? Andriana: I started playing classical piano at a young age, then it morphed into my own compositions. Finally in high school I started my teenage rebellion fresh, by writing my own songs and playing with other musicians. Then I decided to go into the arts in college, and it continued since then. Q: You have such a unique sound! Who are your biggest music influences? Andriana: Oh! Well, thanks! I've been told that, but I that uniqueness also brings its' own set of challenges. My influences range on Chopin, to Bill Evans, to Amanda Palmer to Lorde...Regina Spektor, Ben Folds, Bat for Lashes, Fiona Apple, Arcade Fire, Rufus Wainwright, and Kate Bush. Q: What was your favorite part about filming the music video for ‘Like It’s The Last Time’? Andriana: Well, other than the food I was "required" to eat...(I had never had fried dough until then!)... I had this vision of my laying on the floor of a merry-go-round, while the grass spun around, over and over. I wanted to illustrate that dizzying ride of life that we all take, how our own selves are constant, as life's peripherals may spin around on their own. It was such a great effect on film! Let me tell you that I certainly had a few people staring and got some baffled looks. I'm just glad the guy in charge of the ride let me almost have free reign! I met a bunch of people who were so curious about what I was doing...such a different way to start a conversation. Q: If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would you pick and why? Andriana: Well, other than perhaps, the dream of Carnegie Hall in New York City.... perhaps on a ride of the London Eye, in the UK! Or either at the Lviv Theatre or Sydney Opera House. Some kind of historical monument. These places are just seeping with old culture. If I got an opportunity like that I'd just be so struck to the core that I'd perform on a completely other plane of existence. But I mean, ha, Lollapalooza and SXSW's energy would be lit too. Q: What’s coming next for you? We can’t wait to hear more! Andriana: My first, full length album! This coming year, an eclectic list of songs will be on physical mediums: CD & Vinyl. And most of them will be up on streaming sites too. Follow me on social media to see/hear more! Written By Sarah Curry FOLLOW ANDRIANA:

‘Call Me’ by Shoshan Dunamis is a sweet love song about being a dependable partner. There’s something so magical about being completely devoted to those you love. You’d do anything for them. “Whatever you need, whatever you want; you can call me love, yeah you can call me up.” Showing you're available and raring to go inspires people. The positivity within this song is like the thrill of riding a rollercoaster. It represents the euphoria of romance! Time stops as lighthearted piano and bass lines underscore the upbeat melody. As she repeats her eloquent message, she reinforces the idea of a passionate love that’s easily reciprocated. To make things even more compelling, Dunamis’s soulful voice has the richness of dark chocolate. Pair that with the sweetness of the chorus and you’ll be enraptured by the song from start to finish. It’s as if she enchantingly casts a love spell on you! Shoshan Dunamis is a bundle of joy who encourages others to feel that same joy. The indie artist has always loved to sing. Since 2009, she’s worked as a studio singer and songwriter for various professionals in the music industry. Her first solo album was released under “Sarah-Ann Music” in 2017. In 2019, she took on “Shoshan Dunamis” as her stage name. Her distinct electro-soul/pop sound is driven by an optimistic outlook on life. ‘Call Me’ is the 2nd of 17 songs that the artist is releasing this year! Go follow Dunamis for more of her exquisite work! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW SHOSHAN:

Who can recall the vibe and attitude of pretty much any epic Bruno Mars track like Uptown Funk? Anyone? “Girls Like You” by The Attire has that vibe to it, and honestly, I am loving it. When the track played, I stopped, ran over and played it through my studio quality headphones and I’d advise you do the same (to fully appreciate the art in this track). Now let me get into the story of “Girls Like You” – it revolves around a girl who is messing around with her boyfriend like forgetting his birthday and refusing to apologize…and of course wanting him back every time he decides to leave. Eventually he reaches his limit (and then I guess he wrote a banger pop track about it?). The romantic lyricism is very honest and relatable. What I appreciate most is the funky, groovy attitude in the song – you can literally be bawling your eyes out and still want dance to this track. The song features a strong 80’s sound to it. “Girls like you” leads you in with epic drums and bass guitar, followed by smooth vocals most girls will swoon over. Vocally the technique used in this track is on point and aligns with the brand of the track. The pre-chorus definitely stood out and served as a great hook. This track comes as no surprise because this pop duo, Greg Shilling and Stephen Santa Teresa, has worked with esteemed names such as Julien Bunetta (One Direction, Jason Derulo) and The Aftrhrs (Maroon 5, Louis Tomlinson). Also, how cool and relevant is the lyric video for this track? Greg and Stephen have been friends since adolescence and their bond features in the music. Their album, “Songs About Girls Like You”, is a compilation of tracks threading through the ups and downs of a relationship. “From falling in love to falling apart - it demonstrates the key moments of a relationship from beginning to end” says the LA based duo. The highly anticipated album dropped on the 24th of February 2022 and is available on all major media platforms. Do yourself the favor and have a listen to The Attire’s full album – you will thank me later... In conclusion, I leave you with a quote Greg stated beautifully: “Pain ends. We have to latch onto hope. Stephen and I do it with music.” Written By Nicholas Joubert FOLLOW THE ATTIRE:

You don't know what you've got until its lost. That famous old saying which most of us do not understand until it is "TOO LATE". Who gives out second chances? Some of us do and maybe it works out, but for XOHA that boy did her real bad and now its "Too Late". The song is about a girl who is always there for her (I assume) now ex boyfriend. No one likes waiting for someone who struggles to make up their mind. "Boy you're too late" as her lyrics goes, is pretty self explanatory. Click here to listen to TOO LATE This electro pop track features XOHA's strong vocals really well and showcases her talent. From the get go this upbeat track features her vocals and as the song builds towards the chorus, you're intrigued by her energy. If you listen critically, you will soon realize that vocally, she has great technique and skill to produce the perfect sound for her brand. She writes from the perspective of a strong female figure, concealing the confident punch that is packed within the track. You go girl, own your power! This teen pop singer is no stranger to the music industry. Since 5 years old, music and performing has been a part of her life. Over the years, she was selected to perform at school events, talent shows and was often chosen as the lead in school musicals, in addition to performing at many outside opportunities. In conjunction with her talent for music, she is a natural born writer, which opened the door to songwriting for her. This assists her greatly and sets her apart. At such a young age, XOHA is already reaching for the stars and hopes to utilize her platform to inspire positive change. At her core, she believes musicians can both entertain and use their platform to bring about transformation. Well done on a great track and we are excited to see what lies ahead for you in your career. Written By Nicholas Joubert FOLLOW XOHA:

Q: “Why Can’t We Be Just Friends” is giving the song of the summer vibes! What inspired you to make this track? Aut: First of all, I didn't plan and knew it would end up sounding like a Summer song. All I thought about was I want to make an uplifting and bright sound kind of song for the album. It's pretty crazy and makes me happy that everyone all said this song is the perfect song for the summer. My producer (Choven Prau) knew right away what kind of sound I wanted for WCWBJF based on the demo and the reference production after he heard them. Initially, I wrote and came up with the idea for this song in my bedroom back on 22nd August 2019. Basically, the idea and meaning behind this song is about wanting to keep a good relationship with the past lover or the people that you used to be so close to. And yeah so far, It ended up being everyone's most favourite song from my whole discography. Q: What made you want to start making your own music? Aut: I started making my own music back in 2016, because that year my favourite artists didn't release any new songs. Plus, it was the year where trap rap music was taking over the industry. So, instead of waiting for the type of music that I listen to to be released, what I did was I picked up guitar and piano and the journey started from there. Also, Taylor Swift is definitely the person who inspired me to write music, picking up guitar and piano. Q: I love your style! Which was your favorite look in the “Why Can’t We Be Just Friends” music video? Aut: Thank you so much! This is definitely the hardest decision to make, but I would probably go with the first outfit at the opening scene which is a Brown Coat outfit! Q: Which vinyl in your collection are you most proud of having? Aut: OMG, the one that I'm most proud of is Taylor Swift's 1989 Vinyl. I've been searching for it for AGES and I was lucky enough to get it exactly on my birthday last year! Q: It’s on my bucket list to go to Australia! Is there anywhere you recommend checking out when I’m there? Aut: That would be super cool! You will definitely love it here especially if you love beaches and sun. I would recommend you to come in summer, which is December all the way to March and the places that you must visit are Fremantle and Rottnest Island. Chef kiss. Q: What can we expect from the rest of your second album? We’re so excited to give it a listen! Aut: First of all, this is the proudest project that I ever created so far. So many surprises in it. There's 16 tracks in the album including WCWBJF. The 16 tracks have their own personality. The base of this album is Pop, but not pure Pop because it has a heavy infusion of Jazz, Funk, Rock and Trap. You would expect something darker for later releases after my next single 'So In. Love With You'. My favourite track of this album is Taxicab. It will serve as the third single from the album after 'So In. Love With You'. It's definitely the track I'm really excited to release the most and everyone should keep their eyes on. Well, the best word to properly explains and describes this Album is "a silver sunflower that's blooming in the summer night" Written By Sarah Curry FOLLOW AUT:

Imagine you are floating in the deep ocean on a warm summer day, waves pushing you up and down. Supposedly relaxed, you're at the mercy of the sea, aware of the impending danger, but like every good lifeguard has ever preached, do NOT panic. Is this not the same with anxiety as well? That is what "Tell Me" is all about. The band describes the story as: " It is about learning to interrupt the spirals we find ourselves in and how to navigate unhelpful thoughts” . It is absolutely brilliant and such a relatable topic. This dream electro pop track is lyrically about being in the throws of anxiety, but sonically it has an is uplifting feel to it. The deep electro beat which "Tell Me' starts off with, is producer & instrumentalist, Olly Shelton's way of drawing the outline. The track is further followed by vocals from Hannah Coombes as she colors this track with her vocals. This track is truly reflective in nature, shining the light on how to navigate your thoughts through the whirlwind of emotional anxiety. What puts the icing on the cake of course is the fact that the music video was shot in the beautiful St Mary's church in Kemptown, Brighton - it sets the stage for the mood of the song beautifully and showcases PELA at their very finest. "Tell Me" marks PELA's much awaited return to the music scene after taking a break from releasing music in 2021. Their run of superb self released singles throughout 2020 gathered support from many press, radio and tastemaker publications including BBC Radio 1, 1xtra, Notion, COLORS, 1883 Magazine, John Kennedy (Radio X) to name but a few. "Tell Me" is the first glance into their soon-to-be-announced EP project, so stay tuned with PELA on their social media platforms below. Written By Nicholas Joubert FOLLOW PELA: