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- EP Review: "BIG SADS" - St. South
Australian indie-pop artist, St. South has just released her third EP, "BIG SADS", a project that has been a long time coming. This EP has been in the works for quite a while now, and consists of 5 very personal tracks that St. South wrote after the passing of her father in 2020. TRACKLIST BIG SADS A Good Year So Many Places Better Days Didn't Need You St. South, also known by Olivia Gavranich (she/they), is a Perth-born, now Sydney based singer/songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist. She officially debuted in 2014 with her single "Slacks" which went viral when it was featured on multiple TV shows like The Vampire Diaries , UnReal , and MTV 's Finding Carter . The song has amassed almost 50 million streams on Spotify alone. In 2016, St. South released her first EP, "Nervous Energy", which also gained millions of streams and led her song "Another Way" to be featured on FreeForm's The Fosters . She released a second EP in 2017, "Inure", and then her debut album in 2020, "Get Well Soon". Sadly, in 2020 St. South experienced the loss of her father to cancer, which really took a toll on her mental health. She stepped away from writing music, what was described as a "creative paralysis" - until six months later when she sat down in her home studio while now dealing with the end of a long-term relationship, and she let all of her pint up emotions pour out onto paper. Thus, the process of the "BIG SADS" EP began, and so did the process of St. South's healing. As we listen to each song on this project, we are experiencing the very personal journey of St. South; from loss and grief, to a sense of hope and optimism. BIG SADS We kick off the EP with the title track, "BIG SADS". St. South says this is the last track she wrote for the EP. She felt the project needed one more song, but didn't know where to start because of the depression they had been struggling with. So she sat at the piano, and starting singing about how sad they felt, and thus the song "BIG SADS" was born. St. South also says she instantly knew that this was what she had to name the EP, because it really sums up the emotion she was feeling behind every song. "BIG SADS" has a hip-hop-esque looped beat, with a piano melody and gentle guitar. It's a very alt. pop production between the heavy percussion with a contrasting folk-like vocal style as St. South sings softly with heavily reverbed layers of background vocals. Her voice in this particular song was reminding me a lot of Phoebe Bridgers , with the very conversational, nonchalant type of tone. A Good Year "A Good Year" deals with St. South's depression after her father's passing head-on. After months of not leaving the house and completely shutting down, St. South finally said to herself one day while sitting on the couch, "I just want a good year". This one sentence sparked a melody inside St. South's head, which led her to go to her piano, and begin writing this song. For the first time since losing her dad, St. South was starting to come out of her funk. She was allow herself to feel, and she was using writing and music as her outlet again. The lyrics take us through all the darkness that had been reigning over St. South for these past few painful months of her life, and how she just wants to be able to feel better. "A Good Year" has a catchy beat, with a unique bedroom-pop vibe and synth-filled production. St. South's vocals are pitched and distorted with effects that give it a slight hyperpop tone. It's a very gentle, soft soundscape but has that hard-hitting percussion to amp up the energy just ever so slightly. So Many Places Next, we have "So Many Places", which is about St. South looking back on all the things that have happened in these past few years, and how much life has changed to the point that places she used to go all the time, are now places she will probably never go again - both literally, and figuratively. From going through a global pandemic, to losing her dad, to breakups, to just the wonders of life and how we're constantly evolving, St. South uses this song to reflect on how different things are now, and how fast things can change. It's a bit of a melancholic song, but it's vibe is very mid-tempo and laid-back. The style is very influenced by RnB, especially in it's mellow guitars, popping bass and emphasized beat. St. South sings delicately, and you can tell the words come straight from the heart. Her tone and the melody in this one really reminded me of not only Phoebe Bridgers again, but Gracie Abrams as well. That sweet, whispery timbre really draws you in. Better Days Although "Better Days" has a bit of a somber soundscape, it's actually a song of love and optimism. A few month's before St. South's dad passed, she met someone who now today is her fiancée. "Better Days" was inspired by her, and St. South wrote it as an anniversary gift in which she performed it for her before proposing. It's about having someone by your side to love you when you're having the battle of a lifetime inside your own mind. Because of this person, you know they can help you heal, and bring you better days. This track has a very hip-hop inspired rhythm and beat, with a haunting piano melody. The lyrics repeat, with pitched vocals, sounding like a cry out, or a longing for better days, while also still fighting those dark voices inside of your head. It's a very relatable song, with phenomenal production that you just have to listen to to understand. Didn't Need You Lastly, we have "Didn't Need You" to bring the EP to a close. "Didn't Need You" was originally intended to be the last track of St. South's debut album, "Get Well Soon", but ended up not making the cut. So now, it finally gets a chance to shine, as it's story perfectly fits in sonically and with the theme and emotion of "BIG SADS". This song has layers of dissonant, synthesized vocal harmonizes and a minimalistic pop instrumentation. St. South puts her voice and lyrics at the forefront, you can almost hear her smile through her tone as it's a song about that moment when you realize you're strengths and capabilities as an individual; when you finally break free from the chains of someone toxic in your life, and you know now that you never needed them in the first place. “The only thing greater than being physically free of someone is knowing that you’re free from the belief that you couldn’t survive without them,” - St. South . St. South has a signature sound that is already hard to beat; but then when you pair that with the most vulnerable and personal lyrics she's ever had, it takes her music to a whole new level. It's indie / alt. pop perfection - not to mention the pure, genuine emotion behind her voice as well. Listening to the "BIG SADS" EP is like being able to hear inside of St. South's mind while she was going through one of the most difficult moments in her entire life. Music like this, that comes straight from the heart and is honest work, is the best kind of music - not only because it makes listeners really feel things, but because there's many out there who can relate to these situations as well. They need this music to help them along in their own journeys, and to make them realize that they're not alone. If you enjoyed "BIG SADS", I highly suggest diving into the rest of St. South's impressive discography and giving her a follow below! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW ST. SOUTH: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on SubmitHub. A contribution was made to help create this article as part of a promotional campaign.
- Review: "Emotions" - ANANYA
"You did me wrong, you did them wrong.” Ah, so we’re talking about a douche bag as the subject. Noted. Very 80s coded, loving the quickness of the chorus, very reminiscent of the way our brain races especially when dealing with emotions. Sometimes, the emotions hit you hard and fast, it may seem like they’re out of nowhere. However, they’re always somewhere in your subconscious, waiting to come to the surface. Ananya invites the listener to tap into those feelings and perhaps “deal” with them, or just dance to this bop of a song. Or, maybe both?! With a title such as “Emotions”, of course we, the listener, knew that it would have us in our feelings in some capacity. But, being able to process your feelings while dancing? Now that’s an idea I can get behind. “Maybe I’ve still gotta do some healing.” Very relatable, when dealing with relationships, it almost feels like you tap dance between trying to not be judgmental and forgive the person and who you were with them, but on the other hand, you have strong feelings of disdain for this person who may have ruined your life, in a way. “You crossed too many lines.” Sometimes, we give way too many chances, and, again, you never know when to say when. Sometimes that “second chance” happens three, four, or even five times. The 80s vibes shine the brightest in the chorus and I picture someone doing Courtney Cox’s dance from Bruce Springsteen’s “Dancing In the Dark” video with a side ponytail and leg warmers, paired with sneakers, of course. This song encapsulates feeling all of the feels but also wanting to dance and forget about what you’re feeling, which may be a healthy balance, right? The single’s description reads - “‘EMOTIONS’ is the anthemic new single from London-based Zimbabwean pop rising star ANANYA, which sees her delving into the complexities of emotional healing and the liberation that comes from letting go.” An anthemic song, indeed. Emotions are one of the most complex experiences one can have in this life and that feeling of freedom once you are finally over someone does make all of the stages and pain feel worth it. “Feels like I’ve crossed oceans, but I still feel emotions.”, is such an important statement to make about the process after a breakup. It’s saying – “I feel like I’ve done so much to get over you and have come so far, but I still remember, you were my world at one point in life”- and how those feelings don’t just go away, it takes time, and that time varies. Ananya has done a great job at capturing so many emotions while also giving the listener something to vibe to as they ponder whoever this song makes them think of. The song is very realistic in that it doesn’t sugar coat the sometimes-long process of truly being over someone which of course includes analyzing the different aspects of the relationship and it ends with Ananya stating that she still feels emotions once more, that thought being the last thing the listener hears after experiencing this song just further drives home the point of it’s a process and it’s okay to still feel emotions. Ananya was born in Zimbabwe and currently lives in London and is an artist through and through having been described as “not just an artist and musician but a budding fashion designer and creative.” Ananya is also a multi-instrumentalist, playing the drums, guitar, and piano for much of her life. Ananya recently co-founded The Nani Wellness Project which is said to be for addressing the mental health crisis that is currently plaguing her home land of Zimbabwe. Ananya’s musical inspirations include Lorde, Joni Mitchell, nad Taylor Swift. The Zimbabwean star’s musical style is mainly described as indie pop. Ananya’s online following includes thousands of followers across Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, Spotify, and YouTube. Ananya’s monthly listeners on Spotify are currently at 19,000. If “Emotions” is any indication, Ananya has plenty more where that came from. To keep up with all things Ananya, follow her on all of her socials below! Written By Keiunna Thompson FOLLOW ANANYA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "The Rabbit Hole" - MORI
Breaking through with a sinister aura that’s simply mesmerizing, MORI’s debut single “The Rabbit Hole” is a dark electro-pop tune that explores the journey of letting go and entering an unknown reality. “The Rabbit Hole” truly understands how to transport listeners into this mysterious world that matches the melancholic inner thoughts most of us have. The production style of this track is incredibly immersive, bringing forward vivid visions to its audience. Adding to this, the featured vocals of artist Ashlee add to the emotional depth of the song. One of the best things about “The Rabbit Hole” is how unique the track is, and only excites you as to where this musical project by MORI will take you. The lyrical content of “The Rabbit Hole” really portrays the sense of feeling lost in solitude and not feeling safe from the lack of control. With a song that’s subject matter is this dark electro-pop would probably not be the first style you choose to portray it, but in this situation, the genre works so well. From the moment you first hit play, it’s hard to miss the talent that MORI has for creating detailed soundscapes. This, mixed with the hauntingly beautiful vocal performance by Ashlee fully develops this twisted world. What one should take away from “The Rabbit Hole” is this can be seen as a support system for those who find themselves on a difficult path they don’t yet understand. MORI is a French producer whose work is influenced by his passion for Rap, R&B, and Rock. His music explored detailed storytelling through unique cinematic sounds to create unique worlds for audiences to immerse themselves in. While he is still very new, his musical style definitely understands alternative electronic music and based on his first single, it’s clear that his future work will stand high as well. “The Rabbit Hole” is the first release of his new project, Vice City that will soon be released. As far as debut singles go, “The Rabbit Hole” is a great pick and while it’s unclear what path MORI will take, one has to trust that he is a creative individual who will develop some great works of art. Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW MORI: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator
- Review: "Bring You Down" - Eliza Harrison Smith
Sometimes the weight of our feelings control how we treat others. We can get lost in our own thoughts and drown in our distorted perspectives. Reaching out for help and letting someone in when you’re going through a hard time can sometimes make it more complicated. “Bring You Down” by Eliza Harrison Smith is about shielding the hurt you’re going through and masking your own emotions to prevent the people you care about from worrying about you. In the first verse Eliza takes us through how she’s feeling singing “I don’t think I’ve slept in weeks/ December’s got the best of me/And I’m just hoping you can’t see it”. She wants to just carry on and make sure that no one is aware of how she might’ve changed. The lyrics “Is it inconvenient that I’m crying/ Bet you think I’m just tired/ So I guess I’ll let you believe it” show that she doesn’t want the fact that she’s not okay make everyone worry about her. She would rather deal with everything on her own than let anyone in. Opening up and admitting that you are struggling takes a lot of courage and leaves you in a very vulnerable place. It's also difficult when there are other people involved in your own feelings. The lyrics in the chorus “Cause I don’t want to bring you down/ I don’t wanna freak you out/ If I say it all out loud/ We’ll be under the same dark cloud” is Eliza admitting she doesn’t want anyone to worry about her. When you see a dark cloud, you know there’s going to be a big rainstorm. Her dark cloud is filled with all the negative thoughts she has. Her rainstorm could be all those pent-up emotions flooding out. She wants to protect her people from the rain but doesn’t know that they would gladly stand outside with an umbrella. She doesn’t know how to speak up because she doesn’t want her feelings to impact anyone else and the lyrics “It’s probably nothing that you haven’t felt/ And I know you would wanna help/ But I always keep it to myself” reflect that. She knows she isn’t a burden but knows her pain can cause pain to the people she cares about which is why she'd rather stay silent. “Keeping it close is worth it/ Or is that just a story I tell?” is her convincing herself that suppressing her emotions would benefit everyone around her but she knows deep down that might not be true. There's symbolism in the lyrics “To the place I’ve been, if I let you in/ I can’t lock that door again/ To the place I’ve been, if I let you in/ Will you regret it, will I regret it?”. Locking the door is storing those emotions and keeping them hidden. Opening the door allows them to come out. Once she opens it, she might never go back to that room alone again. Regret can cause feelings of guilt and shame. If she has regrets she would want to un-do her actions, but if they have regrets, how will that impact Eliza? The song opens with a beat that immediately caught my attention. Produced by Christian Harger, “Bring You Down” is an indie-pop song about not knowing if you should turn to the people closest to you for help when you’re struggling or if you should keep everything to yourself. It starts out with a techno-electronic beat but when the guitar comes in, it changes the sound of the song. Eliza’s voice is smooth, and I really like how you can tell when she emphasizes certain words. When she sings “Cause I don’t wanna bring you down”, it scratches a part of my brain that makes me want to rewind that section over and over. When you really listen you can hear the backing vocals which sound like an echo. They also add reverb to the song. The backing vocals also make the lead vocals sound more prominent in the recording, almost like they push them forward. In the song Eliza goes back and forth contemplating her decision to speak up and in doing so she also describes her fears with either outcome. This song has a really important message that combines a serious topic with an upbeat production. This song has the power to start a bigger conversation surrounding mental health. Eliza Harrison Smith is an indie-pop singer from Washington, D.C. and has since moved to Nashville to further her career. She’s released multiple singles over the years like “August” and “Didn’t Love Me”. She has over 25,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. Eliza’s ready to make her mark on the music industry. She has already performed at several iconic music venues across the country. Her talent has earned her an honorable mention in the American Songwriter’s 2022 Song Contest. Her 2023 single “Back Of My Mind” has over 450,000 streams on Spotify. She is set to release an EP later this year. Eliza is a rising star, check out “Bring You Down” and give it a listen! Written By Alexa LaMalfa FOLLOW ELIZA HARRISON SMITH: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube
- Review: "Poison/Remedy" - Christine Bauer
Take in the excitement of an intense relationship, with just as many highs as there are lows, in Christine Bauer’s new song “Poison/Remedy”. This song embraces the spice that comes from a little chaos in love. The title is a repeated metaphor throughout the lyrics, with other words explaining the contrasting interactions of the relationship. The speaker calls their relationship “turbulence, serenity”, amongst the descriptions of the ways they need one another and the ways they let each other down. Through all the back and forth of the parts of life they make better and harder for one another, there’s a need to persevere that shows the love and genuine connection. There is an alternative country sound in this song that brings the spirit of an alternative Lady A. Christine’s feminine voice brings a hint of that folky twang during the verses. The guitar works through the song to first carry a soft pattern that brings a personal and vulnerable sound to the beginning, before picking up an uplifting and energizing feel in the chorus. The pre-chorus uses an unexpected speed as the vocals feel rushed and jumbled with a little bit of the confusion conveyed by the lyrics, before the sound gets rounder as the chorus balances this sound with an understanding, slower pace. Percussion becomes bold in the chorus, which has a melody that sounds cyclical, building on the back-and-forth ideas of the lyrics. Christine Bauer is an award-winning singer, lyricist, and self-taught guitarist who has been writing music since her teen years. In 2013, she released her first EP and has been releasing music ever since. In January of this year, WSMV’s show “ Today in Nashville ” marked Christine’s first live televised performance. Interviews and her music have also been aired on radio stations like the Australian show, “Saturday Night Country with Beccy Cole”, and KIX in Wyoming. She co-writes music with Sarah Harralson , including their album “West of Me” which they performed on tour in 2019. Check out the links below to enjoy Christine’s heartfelt and catchy music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW CHRISTINE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "Lucky Ones" - Brett Matthews
Brett Matthews’ song “Lucky Ones” embraces the way love fulfills us so completely. Material things have nothing to do with how fortunate we are; it all comes down to love. This song is truly something special. It reminds listeners why they have every reason to be happy. Sometimes we can get caught up in having the nicest things or being in the best place, but simple analogies like “penthouse with an ocean view or a one-bedroom shoebox, I’m still loving you” reminds us that any place can be the nicest place if we have love. The lyrics express the gratitude the speaker feels that their love is so grounding, with powerful words like “they live the fast life but we took it slow”. “Lucky Ones” isn’t just showing how the speaker feels about his partner; it is a message to listeners to embrace all the wonderful things love can be. With ambient percussion, romantic guitar and uplifting electronic instrumentals, “Lucky Ones” brings the encouraging lyrics to life. Brett’s smooth and catchy vocals spread warmth through the verses and bring a groovy, high, and energetic tone to the chorus. The bridge combines soft electronic instrumentals with the insistent and passionate vocals, before diving into a final chorus with layered vocals that hone in on that upbeat and floating feeling that love gives. If you’re anything like me, after the first chorus, you’re going to need to sing along. Beyond the way the tune sticks in your head, it feels so incredible to embrace the lyrics for yourself. Brett Matthews is a Canadian artist from Nova Scotia who developed his craft under the guidance of the artist Classified . Brett joined his band and toured across Canada, playing at events like Halifax’s JUNOfest. The two continue to pair up, as Classified continues to tour and produce Brett’s work. Brett fosters his heart-warming genre-blending sound as he continues to collaborate with artists like Kayo on the song “Dark Night”, and Ria Mae who worked on “Lucky Ones” alongside Classified and Brett. His song “If I Die Today” reached over 150, 000 streams on Spotify, and his music continues to bring a deep, personal, and grounded touch to all who discover it. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW BRETT: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator
- Review: "I Don't Want Nobody But Your Body" - JOA
Hedda Rysstad Uprising artist, JOA, has entered the pop world with emotive verses and a catchy melody fitting for her debut single! JOA’s “I Don’t Want Nobody But Your Body” showcases her vulnerability through a beautifully lyrical track of heartache and youth. Wearing her heart on her sleeve, JOA captures the intensity of longing for someone after a breakup, singing “I’m not ready to let you go fully yet”. “I Don’t Want Nobody But Your Body” is sentimental, it’s tragic, it’s addictive, and it perfectly encapsulates the emotional turmoil we undergo when we care deeply for someone who has already moved on. JOA embraces the uncomfortable moments and puts her conscience on display for the world to see; her genuineness draws in listeners of all backgrounds! Following “I Don’t Want Nobody But Your Body”, JOA’s unique sound and brilliant sense of lyricism have fans waiting for more songs in the future! "I Don't Want Nobody But Your Body" offers a needed change of pace, bringing a poignant, compelling essence to the pop scene. The instrumentation in the background is soft and acoustic, yet still holds traces of modern pop elements. JOA's tone paired with the delicate piano sets a mood that places the listener in a state of melancholic bliss. Hanging on to her every word, the chorus comes in and hits the listener like a truck as JOA sings with such raw emotion. The addition of JOA's hums between the song's transitions gives the song a sweet, down-to-earth vibe and showcases the many aspects of JOA's artistry, style, and production. "I Don't Want Nobody But Your Body" is a strong debut single that hits every listener in their feelings all while solidifying JOA's status as an upcoming pop icon! 20-year-old JOA is an Oslo native with a strong passion for music! Her authentic approach to pop has made her relatable and accessible to a diverse audience, with her heartfelt lyrics and knack for story-telling projecting her forward into the industry. "I Don't Want Nobody But Your Body" has already reached over 35k streams on Spotify, not only emphasizing her popularity among fans but also the impact she's to leave on her supporters throughout the globe! JOA's sincerity can be felt through her rich melodies, aesthetic vocals, and creative vision. With the start of her promising career already underway, fans should be on the lookout for JOA's imminent EP coming in early 2025! Want to see more from JOA? Make sure to check out the socials below! Written By Pejah Carr FOLLOW JOA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "different" - MACKGRACE
Soulful pop singer, MACKGRACE, returns with her latest single, “different.” On this track, she sings about falling for someone that stands apart from everyone else you’ve met before. A person that you actually want to stick with and don’t want to mess things up. Perfect for fans of artists like Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, and Tate McRae, MACKGRACE blends vulnerable confessions with infectious pop hooks that make you just want to dance around and sing along. This is the perfect addition to any playlist, so make sure to save this song on whatever your favorite streaming platform is. “different” by MACKGRACE is a candid look into the experience of finally meeting someone that you’re scared to lose. In the honest refrain, she sings, “This time it feels different / I can’t find a reason / To treat it like it’s over” and “Make me wanna risk it / Fight or flight my feelings.” Usually, she is able to walk away from a guy she dated and act like it never happened. She sings about being good at goodbyes, trying to sabotage their relationship, and now feeling like this guy is different from the rest. Her lyricism is delivered through impassioned vocals and complemented by a synth-pop production, creating a track that is earworming and authentic. MACKGRACE is a rising commercial pop artist, who graduated from Berklee College of Music in May 2021. She has been building her skills in songwriting for over a decade, including attending programs like Grammy Camp and NJPAC and working with other creatives in New York. She has also worked on forming her stage presence, having given more than 50 live performances. Her latest release, “different,” comes as the follow-up to her debut EP, two boys , put out earlier this year in January. With strengths in both vocals and songwriting, MACKGRACE is already cementing herself as one to watch in this industry. You can keep up with all the latest information on her and music by following the social media links below. Written By Sydney Gray FOLLOW MACKGRACE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook
- Review: "playing pretend" - della
This song, “playing pretend” by della, is an interpretative folk song that tells the story of a girl who’s trying to piece together her own world view in light of someone else’s. Right off the bat, you’re drawn into this song through her talking about this guy and how he “wrote a song about the ways [she feels she’s] lacking,” and how she doesn’t [understand how beautiful [he sees] the world.” She tries to connect with him but he would “rather just stare into space.” She admires him, she’s jealous of him because she has “the tendency of ignoring beauty in the world” when he somehow seems to see it all. But by the end, she wonders if he’s also “always a little boy playing pretend.” It’s easy to see other people around you and feel the need to compare, feeling like you’re missing something or there’s something wrong with you. But truth is, it’s never that simple. “Playing pretend” is a soft yet upbeat indie-folk song that uses simple guitar strum and emphasized vocals to keep a soothing melody and a strong story throughout the three and a half minutes. Starting off quickly with della’s voice sliding right into the first verse, you’re not asked to wait to hear what to expect. With slightly frantically paced lyrics, perfectly conveying the almost frantic emotions, della balances the weight of the story with the instrumentals supporting it. As the verses shift to the choruses throughout the song, there is a slight tone shift to complement it, and overall the tension rises as you journey through the soft melody. Overall, della has created a peaceful yet impactful song, perfect for those who love subtle masterpieces. Della, real name Natalie Schroeder, is an up-and-coming indie folk artist whose focus on poetic, lyrical, and intentional songwriting has gathered her an impressive amount of fans still early in her career. She started developing her own sound as an artist, playing pop-up shows and working on music, from the age of fifteen, and now two years later, she’s finally ready to share her art with the world. She released her first single, “matthew’s in love,” on June 14, 2024, and her second single, “scar tissue,” shortly after on July 12. “Playing pretend” marks her latest single, accompanied by an EP of the same title just recently on September 6. Use the links below to listen to more of her music and follow along on her very promising career! Written By Morgan Fischer FOLLOW della: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube
- Review: "Pause" - Alexis Lynn
Alexis Lynn is back with “Pause,” a relatable and heartfelt single about the pain of long-distance relationships. Whether it’s counting down the days until you can see your significant other again or yearning to finally bridge the gap, long-distance relationships are constantly being tested. Alexis utilizes simple and effective lyricism in "Pause," with lines such as “I don’t wanna be on pause anymore/ I just wanna see you walk through the door.” Here, the feelings presented feel raw and real, and it will certainly be an emotional rollercoaster for all who have been in a similar situation. The instrumentals of “Pause” are soft, yet commanding. The heavy utilization of synth sounds on this Pop/R&B anthem creates an atmospheric and modern texture to the track. They also act as an appropriate backdrop to Alexis’ aching vocals. Comprehensively, the production is well executed. However, the harmonies on “Pause” are definitely some of the most impactful parts of the track. Overall, the tone of song is gentle but melancholy. It would be an easy song to swing your hips to, as it feels like Alexis Lynn has generously let us all into her personal daydreams. Alexis Lynn is a masterful singer-songwriter from Surrey, British Columbia. Currently based in Los Angeles, she draws inspiration from hip-hop and R&B; with powerful influences such as Amy Winehouse and Rihanna . Consequently, Alexis weaves a unique mix of genres into her songs. She is also impressively authentic. Her 2023 album entitled “Real Talk” showcases her ability to combine catchy hooks with smart personal storytelling. Now, with nearly 5,000 monthly Spotify listeners and a successful single entitled “Fall Apart” which charted No. 5 on Sirius XM's Indigenous Music Countdown Alexis is getting the recognition her talent deserves. If you have Alexis Lynn’s brand new single “Pause” on repeat, you should follow her on all social media below! Written By Casey Hascup FOLLOW ALEXIS LYNN: Instagram | Spotify | YouTube
- Review: "Expire" - Lottie McLeod
Lottie McLeod’s new breakup song “Expire” explains the emotional struggle that comes from a break up with someone you love. This track shows how painful a breakup can be when it isn’t caused by conflict. It talks about a lesser-covered topic in lost love music niche, and truly resonates with listeners who grew apart from their partner. This particular breakup happened at the age of eighteen. For many people, this is a transitional stage of life where you are gaining more freedom as you move into adulthood and determine what it is you’d like to focus on most in your life. “Expire” comes from a place of honesty and vulnerability, saying “I know you too well, you know how my head works, but we don’t talk much”. A relationship needs more than familiarity to lift you up. It takes communication and continuous growth, but this song tells the story of a stagnant, though comforting love. The speaker dives into personal details of how the relationship and continuing on together simply feels wrong. Listeners can feel the discomfort the speaker experiences through the harrowing lyrics: “I just feel like I’ve been sitting here holding somebody else’s place”. While the narrator was the one to end things, their partner knew it was coming. The speaker compares the feeling to death, capturing the unavoidable truth that no matter the reason, breakups are the worst form of heartache. “Expire” uses a soft and somber narrative sound to take listeners into the emotional strife of the lyrics. The tune uses acoustic guitar and soft vocals with a high and vulnerable sound similar to Phoebe Bridgers. The guitar strums warmly, providing a simple alternating pattern of emphasis while the confessional vocals loom like an echo. After the first verse, the strumming stops as Lottie’s haunting voice carries out the last word, then there’s a pause. In this brief moment of silence, I was struck with the ghostly feeling like something’s missing. It emulates that post-breakup loneliness carried through the lyrics. Gentle percussion follows the pattern of the guitar, punctuating the resounding acoustic sound. The drums pick up a texture of their own in the second chorus, bringing a soft rock feel to this alternative pop song. Lottie McLeod is an Australian musician whose music career started just last year and has been flourishing from the start. She is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist. In her time in the spotlight, she won a Queensland Music Award in the Youth category, and has performed alongside artists like Mia Wray and Asha Jeffries . Lottie has an emotional lyricism that fans really connect with, covering themes of love and growth. She was granted the Billy Thorpe Scholarship with which she is recording her first EP. Recently she showcased at Bigsound , an Australian music festival. Lottie continues to work on an upcoming new project, to be released next year. Be sure to check out the links below to keep updated on Lottie’s music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW LOTTIE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "Sentimental" - Thomas Day
All the warmth and devotion that blossoms from a romantic love comes out in the meaning of Thomas Day’s song “Sentimental”. The speaker describes his love through the song, and the words are the way so many crave to be seen by their partner. The lyrics carry a glowing perspective, treating the love as something the speaker sees as holy, and hopes to be eternal. The words “I can’t love you just a little” begin the chorus with a sense of comprehensive and all-consuming love that cannot be minimized. The song explores the senses–scent, taste, sight, touch–to depict the complete adoration the speaker feels. It’s these small sensory details like “blueberry perfume” that add that personal touch and give us a look at who this partner is. This is the song to listen to on a lazy day with your partner, encouraging listeners to bask in the beauty of their love. “Sentimental” is such a gentle sounding song, giving upbeat acoustic guitar and Thomas’s light, raspy vocals the chance to sink listeners into the bliss of genuine connection. Through the verse and chorus, the vocals hold a softer tone, and gain a soulful boldness at the end of the chorus, expressing an open passion that reflects the gratitude of the lyrics, “what a day to be alive when I’m looking in your eyes.” Strings and percussion join in through the song, layering in a way that conveys a comforting want and intensity, enhancing the emotion in the lyrics. As Thomas vocalizes near the end of the song, listeners can feel like his voice is reaching out, bringing a feeling of connectivity to the sound. Thomas Day is a pop singer and songwriter who captured the attention of listeners all over the world with song covers on TikTok. With a soothingly passionate voice and deeply meaningful lyricism, Thomas’s songs resonate with listeners across the world. He has almost a million monthly listeners on Spotify, and has sold out a headline tour. Thomas is joining Joshua Bassett ’s The Golden Years Tour, and fans are eating up his talent. The artist has an album out called "Love Me For Another Day" which came out in 2023, along with EPs and singles that carry his touching and powerful sound. Listen to his music and keep up to date on his performances by clicking on the links below! Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW THOMAS: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube