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This song, “Harsh” by alt-pop artist BOBBI, is a stripped back, honest message about the difficulties of life and how the real world can end up being a lot rougher than you originally thought. With lyrics like “this is not the world I was told I’d die in when I was old” and “when the truth comes out and the lie runs deep and you’re bitter to your bones,” BOBBI encapsulates perfectly how you can feel almost cheated when you grow up and everything's so much harder than you were promised as a kid. When you’re young, you feel like you have infinite possibilities for your future. But then you grow up and you realize that not only is that not true, but you’re now the one who has to figure out what to do with the cards you’ve been dealt. “Harsh” by BOBBI is a remarkably exposed, electronic track. Relying mostly on vocals, BOBBI layers her voice on top of itself to create this echoey, airy, engaging energy. Starting out right away, you’re brought into the song immediately, grabbed by the simultaneous emptiness and utter fullness. What might be lighter in production is made up by the emotion in the vocals and in the lyrics. The message is brought to the surface by this production choice, and you connect all the more because of it. You can hear her emotion and her pain and her growth, and as a result, this song has you fully in its grasp for the entire two and a half minutes. BOBBI is an up-and-coming alt-pop superstar just waiting to make her mark on the music scene. After a period of reflection and honesty with herself after trying for years to break into the commercialized industry, she has fully embraced her unique sound. This truthfulness has garnered her an impressive amount of listeners still very early in her career, and will no doubt lead her to massive success. She released her first single in 2019, two more singles in 2021, and now, after three singles in 2024, she’s preparing to release her first EP “Harsh” very soon. Use the links below to explore more of her music! Written By Morgan Fischer FOLLOW BOBBI: Instagram | Spotify | YouTube

Ben Murphy's latest single, Seven Lives, touches on feelings of lost hope, personal stagnation, and the desire to excel beyond one's current situation – embodied by the line "This doesn't get me high anymore". The track is about seven childhood friends "now navigating the complexities of early adulthood" and their growing dissatisfaction amidst the comfort" of their hometown upbringing, with their once archetypal life they now feeling iterative and formulaic. Murphy explains that the inspiration for the song stemmed from his own experiences with anxiety and finding his place in the world. It is a candid depiction of disquietude that many of us unfortunately experience and sends a powerful message that any audience can get behind and empathize with. Seven Lives kicks off with Ben's voice and a heavily processed guitar track, possibly layered with a synth. It's hard to tell what instrumental is actually playing these chords, and the ambiguity of the unique instrumentation adds to the identity of the overall sound. The drum sounds are acoustic and roomy, which helps to make the rhythm section feel live and natural. These organic tracks are all glued together with modern, clean production that blends real instruments with interesting effects and transitions. The guitar chords and drum tracks maintain the rhythm throughout each section in the arrangement, while Ben holds the forefront with his voice. There is an atmosphere to this song that is hard to put into words, and the production has a soft sweetness to it that is difficult to achieve with so many intricate layers. Murphy's vocal performance is crisp and locked-in, as Ben nails every single note and phrase. Before the final hook, there is an intimate bridge that strips down the production to just guitar and Murphy's main vocal. Arranging the song this way helps to make the last chorus hit hard and puts the listener through one last climax before the finish line. Hailing from Northwest London, Ben Murphy is an artist, songwriter, and producer who is taking the British airwaves by storm with his infectious brand of indie rock/alternative pop music. Ben's journey with music started when he began playing the drums at just five years old and writing lyrics at age ten. Since then, he has gone on to pick up guitar and piano on his path to creating music that helps him "vent moments that hopefully relate to or just enjoy listening to". Murphy cites Sam Fender, Lewis Capaldi, and Holly Humberstone as some of the biggest influences on his sound and style as an artist. Ben is already making waves in the UK, having already been featured in Illustrate Magazine as a 24-year-old and titled "one to watch" by both BBC Radio 1 and BBC. When not working on his music, Murphy enjoys spending time with his three dogs and tossing back a few pints of Guinness. Written By Dan Caddigan FOLLOW BEN MURPHY: Instagram | Spotify | Twitter | Facebook | Website

Ciara Cavalieri just released her new and empowering single “That’s my Bitch.” This song is an anthem about finding independence after being trapped in a toxic relationship. Ciara personally wrote this song about her best friend. She sings about how proud she was when that friend started healing and moving on.  I’ve witnessed people in my life get lost in love, especially when it isn’t good for them. There is something so exciting about seeing your friends pick themselves up from the pieces they were left in by another. “That’s my Bitch,” is upbeat pop punk song that brings all the edgy, uplifting energy. My favorite line throughout the entire song is “don’t need no man or attention.” It’s a blunt reminder to everyone that we don’t need validation from anyone but ourselves. Self love and respect is so incredibly important because with that comes peace within ourselves. Ciara is the friend everyone should have. Celebrating the wins and being supportive through the loss. There is no better feeling than watching your friends thrive. “Sad girl era is over” is something to root for. Ciara Cavalieri is a Los Angeles based singer-songwriter. She graduated from UCLA with a degree in psychology and uses music to relate to her audience. She understands how powerful emotions can be and every song is a reminder that you aren’t alone. “That’s my Bitch” is the perfect song to scream with your friends and it came out just in time for summer. She brought edge and attitude with the punk vocals and guitar textures. Her discography is growing and she is currently on tour with Leah Kate. Follow all her socials linked down below to follow her exciting career. Written By Emylee Herring FOLLOW CEARA CAVALIERI: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

Hearing stories about people becoming a version of themselves that they never thought they could be is truly touching. There’s a new spark in their eyes, a brighter smile and deeper sense of self-love. WRTR’s song, “I Am Me,” captures this journey of self-realization. It reflects on the singer's transformation from a child with dreams of becoming a person he once thought was unattainable, to becoming exactly that as an adult today. Looking back, he sees a young boy—his younger self—who was once lost and confused, struggling for something more. But with time and resilience, he transformed into the person he always envisioned. When he looks into the mirror now, he sees his reflection. He sees himself full of pride and happiness, knowing that he's finally become the person he once desired to be. This song is a reminder that growth and self-discovery will always lead to peace and fulfillment. Click here to listen to "I Am Me"! I love how WRTR constantly expresses how much happier he is now that he’s found himself. He begins by seeing his past-self crying, upset that he didn’t think he could get to where he wanted to be. After overcoming the sadness, reminding himself that this feeling won’t last forever and then finding himself again, he eventually blossomed into the person he initially thought he couldn’t be. He feels the little boy that was once sad and crying, now smiling: “I look deep into the mirror and I see that sad boy smiling. No, no, I see him smiling. I’m no longer crying out. I’m who I thought I couldn’t be.” This feels like a relief to WRTR. A breath of fresh air. A weight lifted off of his shoulders. It feels like this is who he was supposed to be all along. This version of himself was always in him. He just had to find it and he's so grateful that he did: “I let the sadness wash away. Oh boy, now I’m happy. Oh boy, now I’m me. Oh boy, now I breathe.” Other than following the artists’ road to self-discovery and happiness, I also loved how this song makes me feel as if I’m in the 80’s at a rollerskating rink, with neon lights flashing, and fun vibrant energy in the air. It’s so catchy and infectious with an upbeat rhythm. It also has nostalgic vibes to it. In fact, I could definitely see this song playing in an episode of Stranger Things because it perfectly captures the aesthetic of the show. WRTR is an electronic-pop singer-songwriter and producer from Northern Ostrobothnia, Finland. He gets inspiration for his music making process from 80’s music and combines it with today’s sounds and stories, which I can definitely hear in “I Am Me.” In fact, his debut EP, “Mirage,” includes 4 songs that are all inspired by the 80’s. He’s been writing songs for years, and the themes of his songs typically revolve around expressing feelings in their deepest truth. After diving into producing music back in 2020, he's now working with other producers and artists. “I Am Me” released back in 2022 and charted on the iTunes Music and Pop Charts that year. Currently, this track has over 36,000 streams on Spotify. Keep up with WRTR by clicking on his social media links below, and check out “I Am Me”! Written By Sneet Efrem FOLLOW WRTR: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube

Tess Anderson tackles the dangers of falling too hard, too fast for someone with her latest single, "Anodyne." Like the song's title, Anderson describes her lover as a drug, addictive and making her numb to some potential toxic behavior. Expressing how she can't see the red flags, the singer states, "I’m too high/Can’t read warning signs/You’re messing with my state of mind/Addicted, caught up in your ties/I keep crossing a line/When you’re my anodyne." Despite seeing that the relationship is dangerous, Anderson can't help herself in "Anodyne" and keeps coming back for more. Falling past the point of no return, Tess Anderson holds nothing back as she exposes the truth behind a risky, perilous relationship in "Anodyne." The fiery track features heavy hitting drums, bold guitar riffs, and feisty melodies, giving it the perfect pop-punk soundscape. Anderson's vocals are spellbinding with her seamlessly shifting between singing sultry lines and belting over the song's impactful moments. A compelling listen, Anderson balances the track's intoxicating verses with face-melting choruses, masterfully expressing the conflicting feelings in the lyrics. Based in Vancouver, Tess Anderson is an up-and-coming singer-songwriter who began charting the path to her music industry debut at a young age. She started training as a vocalist and pianist at the age of 12, and by 15, Anderson had recorded and released a self-produced album under a different name. After moving to Vancouver in 2016, she received a diploma in songwriting, audio engineering, and music production. Anderson since went on to sign her first record deal with BCR in 2019. Some of her many achievements include becoming a finalist in the 2020 Canadian Songwriter Challenge, receiving a 2021 Amplify BC Grant, and continuing to build an impressive catalog of original tracks. Highlighting her incredible work, some of Anderson's popular songs include "Gaslight," "Self Control," "Run," "Prison," and "Never Seems to Fade." Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW TESS ANDERSON: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

“Ghosts” by Jay Moussa-Man intimately tells the story of a traumatic experience that ultimately shaped her as an artist and person, using haunting visuals and narrative lyricism that feels as if we’re reading her diary. The song begins with Jay pleading to her parents “I’ve changed my mind I don’t want to stay/Please take me back but it’s too late” and is then promptly whisked away to a boarding school, entering a world far from the one she has spent the first fourteen years of her life knowing. She “Lost everything in one plane ride,” with no family left to support her and surrounded by cruel classmates who “use freezing words.” With lyrics like “took my passport and my purse” she poetically describes how she was stripped of her identity, an identity she was able to rebuild through music. In the bridge, she says “And sit at a row of ivory keys/And let my desolation sing back to me/Maybe it made me,” with music becoming the means by which she found her voice and confidence again after losing everything. This song is beautiful and poignant, and her vulnerability allows the listener to truly connect with her. The production of “Ghosts” is stripped back and raw, with a haunting piano melody serving as a constant throughout the song. The raw and emotional vocals accompanied by the piano seem to recreate the scene Jay sings about in the bridge, with her singing and playing piano in the middle of the night, with her words being her only comfort. The song builds up to the bridge, which comes in full force with haunting background vocals and drums. It’s incredibly cathartic but also reflects the confidence she has gained through music. All her pent up emotions finally have an outlet, and as the listener, we get to experience that journey with her through the song. Jay Moussa-Mann is a UK based singer-songwriter, known for her genre-defying music. Jay’s music has received airplay on BBC 6 Music's Tom Robinson Mixtape and BBC Tees Introducing, and has been featured in Music Crowns, Skope Magazine, NE Volume, NARC Magazine, Love Life; Love Music, and Headstuff. Her single 'American Tennessee' was highlighted in the BBC Introducing Tees Best of 2021 roundup, earning Track of the Week on BBC Tees Introducing. Additionally, it has been aired on Amazing Radio and Roxanne de Bastion's Monday Morning Shake Up Show on Boogaloo Radio. The song was also among the last 50 semi-finalists for the Road to Nashville International Song Contest, selected from over 20,305 submissions. Written By Rachael Bach FOLLOW JAY MOUSSA-MANN: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

Described as a “choose your own storyline” song by Caroline Romano, her latest single “Doesn’t Matter” details a relationship that may or may not be worth the heartbreak that would come from its fated downfall. It is about unguardedly falling in love while surrounded by that simple intimacy, imagining that everything else disappears into the background as long as you can capture this moment forever. It doesn’t matter where they’ve been, who they’ve seen, or even who they may have kissed– you just want them and their love. That said, this song is meant to connect to your personal experiences with relationships, and its dreamy synth and contemplative lyrics help twine that universality into its track. Its flowing songwriting will make you feel seen; and combined with such rhythmic instrumentals, Romano has crafted a track to match anyone's lovesick heart. “Doesn’t Matter” begins with a compelling introduction with winding synth and driving percussion; it spins and spins and spins until there’s a “pop!” and Romano’s vocals enter the track. I found this little moment extremely captivating, the sound being so singular in a rather hypnotic way. It truly sets the tone for the rest of the track as the synth and percussion form the song’s instrumental backbone; they introduce the track and keep it going for its entire runtime. Combined with Romano’s dreamlike vocals, you’re treated to a track that makes you feel as if one with the song’s lyrics. As the songwriting details getting lost in another person– so much so that nothing else matters– one line particularly stood out to me: “Turn me on like the radio”. Much of the lyrics describe how encompassing this relationship is to the narrator, and the fact that this lover can turn them on like a piece of machinery, it really hammers home how large their influence is over the narrator. It’s all-consuming: it literally does not matter what the lover does outside of the narrator, as long as they are there in the end. It’s so very poetic, and the track does a phenomenal job of illustrating these types of relationships through both instrumentals and songwriting. Singer-songwriter Caroline Romano is known as a multifaceted artist who is able to breezily transition between ballads and anthems. Her resolutely honest songwriting delves into the trials of young adulthood, painting all the details of youth through vibrant soundscapes. Her debut single “Masterpiece (feat. Jacob Whitesides)” dropped in 2017 to great success; and her debut album released in 2022, entitled “Oddities and Prodigies”, which gained vast support from tastemakers such as EARMILK and Sweety High. Throughout the years, Romano’s music has grown; today, it leans into that alternative sound that we all know now, which was heavily featured in her 2023 EP “A Brief Epic”. For those who enjoyed “Doesn’t Matter”, consider checking out her extensive discography, which will leave you with plenty to listen to while we all excitedly await her next releases! Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW CAROLINE ROMANO: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

“Contradiction” delves into the twisting emotions behind your actions being contradictory to your feelings in most instances. An unspoken difficulty of life is realizing that contradictions run rampant. There are many things you desire but have no effective motivations to actually act on them. What seems so easy to pursue may never come into reality. Your morals are readily apparent yet you find yourself not displaying them, even when you have no desire to be the opposite of what you stand for. You pour so much of yourself into making every aspect of your life thrive, but you never flourish. Every tool is available to you to make something of yourself. You drown further further into desperation and unable to get out of this rut. is Something is missing and desperately needs to come to fruition. It is though you are awaiting permission that pushes you past your inaction and drastically alter your life for the better. However, these ideas and emotions you have remain stagnant, remaining only within the discomfort of your mind. “Contradiction” is an indie pop that flourishes with its folk instrumental foundation and ambient mood. The principle base to “contradiction” is the simple yet effective guitar strums. These strums remain throughout the single and all elements sweetly compliment them. Familiar indie sprinkles of harmonious vocals and instrumentation blend together. The low almost whisper quality of the sisters’ vocals permeate throughout the single. The sisters' voices twist around each other alongside the ambient effects and harmonies. Each element mixes together to create a sweet melodic experience. LULLANAS is an Indian-American twin sister singer-songwriter folk duo from Philadelphia. The duo first began their music endeavors while on a trip to Mumbai, where they recorded a song on a cotton-mill-turned-music-studio. The song they recorded here earned them 4 million streams on Spotify and kickstarted their career. They take inspiration from musical artists such as the Beatles and Shania Twain who they were introduced to by their parents. They regularly collaborate with other talents such as producer Keith Goodwin and artists like Sam Lynch and Jake Etheridge. They collaborated with indie pop artist Katelyn Tarver to co-write “contradiction”. Make sure to follow them on social media and give “contradiction” a listen! Written By Willow Gray FOLLOW LULLANAS: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

Navigating romantic landscapes is always difficult, but navigating them through years of personal growth and changes can be even harder. When you meet, you never stop talking. Maybe life gets in the way, feelings change, and you fall distant from each other. But you never stop remembering what could have been and little details about each other, like birthdays. Molly Baker's new single, "June 28th" explores the uneasy feeling of realizing that you only speak to someone you once knew so well once a year. It's that uneasiness paired with the hope that maybe you'll become close again. It's a melancholy concept, but it's one we see all too often in our fast-paced lives. Musically, the track is a somber story, straight from the heart. It begins with soft piano and Molly's sincere vocals. Gentle harmonies and bass join them, building suspense along with the lyrics. This song is heavy on creative layers placed at just the right times, making space for the most important moments during silent breaks. I think it's especially clever how the song ends on an unresolved chord. The lyrics leave us on a cliffhanger and so does the music as we're left to wonder what happens next. I'm a big fan of using the music itself to tell the story, as it brings the most authentic kind of immersion. It truly makes listeners hear what you're trying to say. This is a great example of composition done well and it's definitely worth a listen. Molly Baker is a musician, singer, and songwriter deeply inspired by artists like Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, and Olivia Rodrigo. She's a multi-faceted artist, with a passion for indie, pop, and alternative music. She released her first Spotify single, "Go With the Flow" in 2021, and has since gone on to release several other heartfelt pop tunes such as, "Lightning in a Bottle", "Runaway", and "One Year". Molly's style and storytelling have evolved over the years, truly showing her growth and confidence as an artist. She boasts that "June 28th" is the first song she has put together entirely from scratch, having written the lyrics and chords all herself. This is an awesome achievement as a new artist, and I have no doubts that Molly will go far in her career. "June 28th" is available to stream on all platforms now. Written By Shelbi Baker FOLLOW MOLLY BAKER: Instagram | Spotify | Website | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

// Gettys Images // Looking to have a little fun this year? Concerts are one of the best parts of Summertime, where you can enjoy the nice weather and be within the same vicinity as your favorite artists. If you didn't know what your options were this year, here's a list of some of the top pop tours and artists you can try your chance at tickets for! Billie Eilish After announcing the release of her third Studio album, "Hit Me Hard and Soft", Billie Eilish also announced that she will be going on a world tour in promotion of the album. The album hasn't released yet, so we don't know exactly what this tour will entail. However, it's Billie Eilish and I have no doubt it's going to be a hell of a time. Get Your Tickets Here! Tate McRae Pop / RnB princess, Tate McRae released her second album at the very end of last year, "Think Later". Her single, "Greedy" took the world by storm and gave Tate the recognition she deserves as an artist. Her world tour has already kicked off but don't worry, if you're in the USA you still have time to grab some tickets. This high-energy show is perfect for a fun night out this Summer. Get Your Tickets Here! Conan Gray Earlier this year, Conan Gray released his third studio album, "Found Heaven" which is a pure nostalgic 80s concept. These are just the USA dates, but if you're international, he's going to Europe, Asia and Australia as well. These tickets go fast, but I'm sure there are plenty on resale. The tour starts in July and goes on through the entire rest of the year. Conan is bringing along an artist whom they share a fanbase with, the lovely Maisie Peters. With Maisie opening and the incredible retro theme, this is going to be a concert of a lifetime and an experience you won't forget. Get Your Tickets Here! Avril Lavigne We love pop punk princess, Avril Lavigne! Throughout her 25 year career, she's released so many songs that have been engrained in our millennial / gen z brains. She knows exactly what her fans want to hear, which is why she is embarking on a greatest hits world tour! The tour starts this month, so go get your tickets now while your still can! She's got a great line-up of openers as well. Get Your Tickets Here! Meghan Trainor Megan Trainor had announced that she'd be going on tour in anticipation for her sixth studio album, "Timeless" which is set to release in June! The tour doesn't start until this fall, so you've got plenty of time to listen to the album and decide if this is a show for you! Get Your Tickets Here! Charli XCX & Troye Sivan Charli XCX and Troye Sivan have banded together to create an unforgettable show as they share the title of headliner. Troye released an album last year, "Something To Give Eachother" which included hit songs like "Rush", "One of Your Girls", and "Got Me Started". Charli is releasing her new album this Summer, "Sweat" which is also the name of their tour. They're going to every corner of the USA, so find the closest city for you! Get Your Tickets Here! Imagine Dragons Everyone knows an Imagine Dragons song; so you know that you're bound to have a good time at one of their shows. Their sixth studio album "Loom" is set to release this Summer, and they've got an incredible show lined up as they plan to tour around all of the USA. They are great, high energy performers and you can't fail with going to one of their concerts if you're looking for something to do! Get Your Tickets Here! Jennifer Lopez Another artist who won't fail to give you a good time is Jennifer Lopez. Jlo has been around for over 25 years and has released hits beyond hits. This tour is named after her most recent album, "This Is Me... Now", but she plans on performing some of her greatest hits from throughout her career. You don't need to know every Jlo song to know you'll have a great time if you need a concert to check out this year. Get Your Tickets Here! Did any of these concerts interest you? Which one are you going to try and get tickets for? Follow us on our socials below and comment on our post to let us know! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Donata’s sophomore album is an electrifying indie-pop record that contains meaningful lyrics that symbolize who the artist is. Through each of the ten tracks, the singer details stories of heartache, betrayal, and anger. Since the release of her debut album, Imaginary Land, she felt a “disconnect from the music.” Those songs were written during a difficult time in the artist’s life, but due to negotiations with a label, it took her a long time to release them. After this ordeal, Donata challenged herself to write, produce, and release a new song every six to eight weeks. She took control of her life and her career, and she ended with enough songs to release a full-length album. During this period of her life, she began to realize she was turning her hardships and struggles into something positive. Just like alchemy is the action of turning basic metals into gold, Donata was alchemizing negative emotions into poetic songs. Alchemy is a compilation of ten songs that underwent this moving process. Track List A Song About Being In Love Moon Will Fall Winter Solstice Façade Long Time All There is To Do Lenore Easy To Leave Lemonade Goodnight My Love (cu in hell) Donata is a Berlin-based singer, songwriter, and producer. She co-founded the acclaimed indie-pop duo, NOSOYO. After two albums and several singles, Donata chose to venture out to her solo career. She released her first single in 2022, followed by her debut album, Imaginary Land, in 2023. Her music is a beautiful blend of indie-folk and pop, making music that comes from the heart. Her lyrics delve into themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. Her art is known for being profoundly deep and exploring personal and spiritual growth. She thrives to create moments of “heartfelt reflection on the transformative power of facing dark emotions.” Her songs have been featured on FluxFM and RadioFritz in Berlin, and also featured on many relevant playlist curators like AlexRainBirdMusic and Indie Folk Central. Additionally, her single, “A Song About Being in Love" was selected as part of the Listen To Berlin Compilation 23/24. With her impressive work ethic and overwhelming talent, Donata shows no signs of slowing down. Follow her on all socials to keep up with any new announcements! A Song About Being In Love Donata kicks off her album with the lead single, “A Song About Being In Love”. With a mesmerizing acoustic guitar, a soft piano, and Donata’s stunning voice, she shares the story of finding love just to lose it again. Every time the singer sits down to write a love song, the relationship ends before she can finish the track. The airy folk-pop soundscape effortlessly tugs on the listener’s heart as they empathize with the heart-wrenching story. She ends the song with the lyrics: “So next time I long to write// A song about being in love// I swear to God// I’ll be quick enough// To catch that seldom melody// Before it’s lost.” Next time, she will make sure to hold on tight and not let it go, at least until the song is complete. Moon Will Fall “Moon Will Fall” is an introspective track about trying times and seasons changing. Donata reassures the listener that “like the moon will fall” she will persevere through the dark times, even when it “hurts too much.” She delves into her fear of staying stagnant and wanting to “dare to fly.” Alongside the gloomy acoustic soundscape, these lyrics showcase the singer’s darker side, perfect for the background music of a somber film scene. "Moon Will Fall" is the first glimpse into Donata's experience of alchemizing. The only way to move on and change her outlook is to accept the past and hope for a brighter future. Winter Solstice The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. It often symbolizes the “death and rebirth of the sun.” The greatest darkness before the light begins to shine again. In the track of the same name, Donata shares the story of a love that was lost around this time. Throughout the song, she references classic Christmas sayings and utilizes winter to symbolize these cold, bitter times. In the chorus, she sings, “Winter solstice// It’s about damn time// That we turn things around// And let the days grow bright.” After the darkest moments with the subject, she is changing her outlook and spending this year to “make it sweet and light a fire” just for herself. The production and the lyrics are more optimistic than the previous two tracks, perhaps hinting at a change in Donata’s perspective. Façade Donata holds nothing back in her feisty, yet soothing indie-folk track, “Façade”. Throughout the track, she exposes her toxic, perhaps even narcissistic ex-boyfriend. The cheeky lyrics share his unacceptable behavior, like when he would “dive off into the night” returning with stories so grand they put stars in his eyes. She hints that he may have been cheating when she sings, “When you came home to me// You would sneak through the door like a dog// Afraid to get caught.” She let this slide, ignoring these problems and allowing the cycle to repeat. Until now. The filter is off and she realizes now, that it was all a façade. Long Time “Long Time” is a deeply poetic and vulnerable track. The song can be applied to multiple situations: unrequited love, a relationship that is over, or being in love with your best friend. Donata’s profound lyrics explore her difficulty with being emotionally vulnerable with the one she loves, afraid to tell them the truth. She admits through her song that she has “felt this way a long time.” Rather than admitting how she feels, she was hoping the silence would “kill the way” she felt inside. But they will not fade and she spends every night thinking about her muse. In the bridge, she declares, “So tonight, I’ll say it for the first time// Straight to your eyes.” She imagines herself finally swallowing her fear and expressing her true feelings. It is a stark change from the more melancholic and disheartening tracks, showing a sliver of hope in Donata’s life. Throughout the song, her heavenly voice carries the folk-pop atmosphere, guiding the listener effortlessly through the beautiful song, making it one of my instant favorites. All There is To Do “All There is To Do” kicks off with an angelic vocalization before an acoustic guitar takes over the soundscape and guides the listener into the first verse. The grim lyrics instantly caught my attention, stunning me with the fierce message. The dark track delves into society’s unhealthy outlook on mental health and healthcare’s toxic method of treating patients. She holds nothing back as she describes just what it is like to be institutionalized. As someone who received a degree in psychology, this track instantly resonated with me. The taboo and stigma that is attached to mental health care is disturbing. We have come a long way in just 50 years, and yet there is still a long road ahead. Donata begins the song with the lyrics: “No one’s asking any questions until you’ve become a problem// Now you’re locked inside a room that feels more like a giant coffin.” Mental health is often ignored until people are pushed to their breaking point and they need to be held for their own safety. But the treatment in mental institutions is subpar, from uncomfortable clothing to little to no stimulating activities. “All there is to do” is eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Nothing else. Patients cannot take a walk and there is no one to truly talk to. Throughout the song, Donata provides stunning high vocalizations that capture the listener’s soul and haunts them, like the lyrics haunt their mind. “All There is To Do” instantly became my favorite track for its honest and vicious lyrics that share the truth about mental health care—something not often done in music. Lenore “Lenore” is another detailed track that describes a dark and somber narrative—this time about someone else’s experience. She shares the love life of her friend, Lenore. However, she describes the emptiness that her relationship has. In the first stanza, she details her friend’s exciting intimate life with her love. But the next stanza shows the depressing side Lenore tries to hide. Donata sings, “My friend Lenore// She comes home to her man// And rinses off as fast as she can// To kill the residue of promises overdue// Tryna keep it down and keep it cool.” While remaining vague, the singer reveals that Lenore is unhappy. She feels like she has to keep parts of herself hidden from her lover, unable to be authentic to who she is. The end of the song sees a shift, where Lenore is accepted by the one she loves and gains the confidence that Donata hopes for her friend. It is a unique storyline that I have not heard touched on in a song, highlighting Donata’s originality and talent. Easy To Leave The next song has a bit more edge than the previous tracks. “Easy To Leave” has an energetic and feisty atmosphere led by an acoustic guitar and Donata’s compelling voice. The soundscape is reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac while maintaining the singer’s individuality. Alongside the captivating production, “Easy To Love” shares a vulnerable narrative about a toxic relationship that Donata struggled to end. The lyrics describe a narcissist who only cares about themselves—who “rides people’s success” while “trashing them behind their backs.” They are a cheater and a manipulator. Someone who cannot be trusted and uses their charm to control others. Throughout the song, Donata sings the clever hook: “Now it’s easy easy easy to see// Why it was never easy to leave// Keep twisting my reality// Til I choose to stay.” Donata never left because the subject would say the right things to change her mind, only to continue the cycle. But now her eyes are open and she is free from the compulsion they had her under. Lemonade Keeping with the upbeat energy, “Lemonade” has a more pop-focused, synth production, differing from the acoustic folk songs earlier. The track shares her journey of taking her broken heart and turning it into something good. It ties into the meaning of the whole album and the title itself—alchemy. She sings, “I’m taking my time to alchemize the hurt// Making all this lemonade// I’m buried in work.” Just like alchemy turns basic metals into gold, Donata is turning her heartbreak into something meaningful. She is turning it into art. With only one track left, it is clear that she has successfully turned her pain into a golden masterpiece. Goodnight My Love (cu in hell) The final song was the moment the entire album clicked for me and my eyes were opened. Throughout the record, Donata mentions cheating. But it never seemed like she was the victim of this infidelity. Instead, it appeared that her muse had cheated on someone else. In “Goodnight My Love (cu in hell)” Donata sings, “I’ve been standing tall for my mistakes// Apologized to her face// I don’t think that I will see you do the same.” A few lines later, she says, “Tried to hide in plain sight// Well that didn’t work so well?” When I heard these lyrics, it dawned on me that Donata may have been the other woman. Unbeknownst to her, she was fueling the narcissism of her former partner, being a part of an affair she never asked for. Now, she viciously tells the subject: “Time to say goodbye// I’ll see you in hell.” However, the venom does not end there. At the end of the song, she tells them, “It’s not so smart” to use her as “your emotional vault,” because did they forget? She writes songs. It is a clever and powerful move, ending the song and the entire album on a cheeky note that listeners will not forget. Alchemy is a remarkable album consisting of incredibly detailed and vulnerable tracks. Donata does not hold anything back as she shares her personal experience with love, heartbreak, and mental health. The indie-folk and acoustic-rock soundscapes throughout the album effortlessly guide the listener through the personal storylines. Each song is entirely unique while also naturally flowing together to create one cohesive soundscape. After only my first listen, I had already determined that Alchemy was one of the most introspective and poignant compositions written in the modern era. Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW DONATA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on SubmitHub. A contribution was made to help create this article as part of a promotional campaign.

The guitar invites the listener into the mind of Camden West. As the listener, I genuinely felt as if I was having a conversation with a friend and they were telling me this painful story of a past relationship that seems to linger. West begins to sing and we first find out what he does want to know/hear. “I just wanna hear you say you’re needing me and you’re feeling lonely, alone.” And then, what the song is essentially about, what he doesn’t want to know. “I don’t want to know what you’re doing on the weekends or who you’re with. I don’t want to know how he makes you feel or that you think this is the real deal.” West sings of a former lover and how they’ve seemingly moved on before he has. So, West is apparently still in contact with his ex and said ex has discussed their new lover with him. West hints at the fact that this lover appears to be doing so to hurt him. So, the guitar continues strumming and the drums are now in the mix. West's vocals are front and center not drowned out by either as we get more details into the aftereffects of the relationship West sings about. West takes it a step further from proclaiming that he doesn’t want to know anything about his former lover’s new person by stating "To tell the truth, I just wish you'd lie." Willful ignorance is a path I've chosen many a time in life. I genuinely don't want to know some things, even if I do know them, I don't. Wishing that someone would spare you the pain of the truth is painful in and of itself. “This isn’t closure, you call me up just to fuck me up by saying he don’t treat you like I did.” As previously mentioned, this former lover is seemingly rubbing their new relationship in West’s face who doesn’t seem to have moved on from their love. However, West continues “Then, you come over, you wear that smile and then you stay awhile and say he gives you things that I can’t give.” West has crafted this song that dives into the depths of having your emotions toyed with by a former lover as well as the complicated web of keeping in touch with a former flame that you've not exactly let go of just yet. West warns the listener of this confusing nature to West and his former lover’s dynamic with the beginning of the song mentioning things being “complicated.” Complicated is certainly the word for the relationship that West describes throughout the song - someone who can’t move on, but hasn’t jumped to someone else and someone who has jumped to someone else but appears to only have done so to hurt their ex. Although West chooses to embrace willful ignorance by not wanting to know the details and also hoping for lies instead of the truth, at least West is doing so by himself. The drums are heard the most on the chorus and seem to help West relay his angst amid this situation while the guitar has been the steady partner throughout this song. Although we’ve all wanted to (and probably have) chosen willful ignorance over the truth, the truth will always be better than falsehood. So, we must accept the truth and move on, no matter how painful it is. Camden West is a singer/songwriter based in Las Vegas and Nashville. West is described as being someone who is “sharing and spreading his vision of hope, peace and love through his music and lyric imagery.” His musical style is described as pop/rock with some funk and alt pop elements as well. Camden has previously released an album titled, “Outside The Lines”, an EP, “The Space Between”, as well as other singles that can be found on all music streaming services. West cites artists such as John Mayer, The Rolling Stones, and Eric Clapton as some of his biggest influences. I most certainly hear the John Mayer vibes in “I Don’t Want to Know” and believe that he would definitely approve. If you approve of West’s single “I Don’t Want to Know” and do want to keep up with him and his music, then do follow him at his socials below! Written By Keiunna Thompson FOLLOW CAMDEN WEST: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube