"Runaway Cinderella" is a dance-pop piece with a jaunty set of lyrics and melodies. In this song, JULAPINK sings about how commitment and long-term relationships are not really her fashion. She prefers to connect with someone for the night, and then move on from the situation. It's refreshing to hear a song about infatuations, and how having a good time with someone you're interested in for a night doesn't mean that it necessarily has to turn into something long-term. This song is very light-hearted and focuses on how you can have a fun time with someone without the issue of feelings having to come up. The aspect of this song that stood out the most would have to be JULAPINK'S voice. She has a deeper tone to her vocals than most female artists that I have heard, and it's a very appealing sound. This deeper tone provides a good contrast to the melody of the song. The lively melody has such a light tone to it, so when mixed with her deeper vocals this new layer of sound is created. The high mixed with the low is such a good take and makes this song so enticing. As for the lyrics, they provide a truly neat take on this aspect of romance. Lines such as "envision me with you the rest of your life" followed by "that's not really my vibe" and "baby I'll be running when the clock strikes" give off an air of confidence and being assured in what she truly wants. The lyrics provide the audience with the idea of being confident in how they feel and what they truly want, even if it doesn't line up with what the other wants. JULAPINK was raised in New York City and started writing music at the age of 13. It was this early that she began self-producing and releasing her music. Just at the age of 6, she began playing piano and studying with Inesa Sinkevych of The Manhattan School for Music winning international titles and performing at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. Her love of pop music overshadowed her love for classical music and she found herself heavily influenced by listening to artists such as Lady Gaga, Kesha, Usher, and Maroon 5. Regardless of what genre and style she brings into her productions, JULAPINK’s hooky melodies and unique vocal tambor remain constant reminiscent of Olivia Rodrigo, early Katy Perry, Tate McRae, and Dua Lipa. Jula has worked with Grammy Award-winning mixers and engineers, as well as been mentored by acclaimed drummer, Sterling Campbell. Written By Melina Darlas FOLLOW JULAPINK:

There's a bitter feeling that comes with heartbreak, and while we might want to be the bigger person in that situation, sometimes that bitterness takes over. That urge to be heartbroken in the most chaotic of ways comes to life with Ari Dayan's new song, "Ashley" where she talks about her ex finding a new person--and how with her heartbreak (and a little internet stalking), she finds the person is fantastic and how unreasonable hatred arose. It's easy to hate when you're in pain, so "Ashley" is a song that fuels that anger and brings that other person down even if they don't do anything to warrant it, but who says anger has to be rational? With a fiery and distorted bass, Ari Dayan switches gears from her upbeat and fun pop sound for something a little more angsty and rock-inspired. It's catchy, intense, and strangely empowering-- and it makes for a fantastic track. Her voice melds well with the change, she's delving into a rawer feeling, and her powerful vocals only stand to emphasize that. It reads as a vent song, trying to put someone else down to make herself feel a little bit better after the breakup. It's witty and a little clever in a mean kind of way. She sings the words, "She can't love you like I love you" on the bridge, and it's the perfect example of the song's meaning-- that no one is better than her. Ari Dayan is from Los Angeles, born and raised. The brilliant pop artist has many stunning songs such as "One Hundred" and "Good Reason" and is only continuing to enamor listeners with her newest single, "Ashley". She contains a sense of authenticity within her song, leaving a reflective quality with a fun and powerful delivery. Dayan takes influences from amazing artists such as Stevie Nicks, Sia, and Robyn-- and with her unique sound is sure to leave listeners wanting more. Written by Jane Katryn FOLLOW ARI DAYAN:

“Survivor’s Guilt” is a timeless, breezy hit about how we deal with our feelings of guilt following losing something important to us. The original meaning of this single stems from the loss of Blais’s family dog, but the message goes much deep in the end. As we grow older, we find that we will inevitably lose that which is important to us. The challenge comes not from the loss itself, but from the guilt and blame we put on ourselves. You can’t help responsible for the outcome in some way, no matter it be the end of a life, relationship or something more. This song serves as a gentle reminder to not be so hard on yourself, and realize that you are not the one at fault for the circumstance you are in. Blais says that originally, this single started off as a sad piano ballad, very much matching the mood of the subject matter. However, in the end, “Survivor’s Guilt” turned into a more summery and upbeat tune that contrasts the lyrics. This difference may seem odd or out of place, however it makes the song have a positive outlook and meaning, which is what the end goal of this song is. Its purpose is to be relatable to listeners while also encouraging them to be kinder to themselves, this positive energy is really needed in order to do this. The song still carries a weight of importance to it, however the relaxed guitar and vocals makes this track a great indie-pop hit. Haley Blais is a Vancouver-based artist that has been in the spotlight for many years. Starting back in 2014, Blais grew an impressive following on her YouTube page which led her then to release her debut LP, “Below the Salt”. With her vlogs and songs combined, Blais has grown a following of over 175K on YouTube and reached 195K monthly Spotify listeners. Haley releases music that is vulnerable and raw, always containing lines of confession about serious topics in her life. These truthful lyrics and meanings are what keeps the fans coming back for more. Haley Blais is a name you’ll want to remember in the upcoming months, she’s sure to reach new heights within her artistry! Written By Emily Hancock FOLLOW HALEY BLAIS:

I'd never imagined a Thom Yorke and Imogen Heap collaboration before. Now I don't need to. Some intangible extends itself from the track that seals the piano balladry as a track made for staring out the window on your trip to the moon, brooding and reminiscing about what you left back on that rock that was your home. "Galaxy Eyes" features varied production that demonstrates range to the point that it threatens to split the seams of the MP3 file (do we still use MP3 files? 🤷‍♂️ ) Introduced by piano and subtle, pitched-up background warbles that set the scene out in the cosmos of the emotional mind. Andriana's low and fervent vocals enter just shortly before the supporting voice from collaborator Joshua Glass comes in to add a layer that fades in and out, highlighting the song's emotion and adding palpable depth. Dulled, rolling bass and 808s combine to fill the vast space while piano and distorted guitar take turns decorating the sound musical structure, the elements of which combine to curate a galactic, otherworldly musical landscape. In the crafting of her fine-tuned projects, Andriana Chobot employs a wide array of musical influences in her production, ranging from rock, folk, and indie to jazz. Having started her musical journey on the piano aged just four years old, Andriana has continued to develop her ever-evolving style throughout her career which has also taken her beyond the recording studio into work on dramatic theatre productions. The Canadian musician currently resides in Vermont with her beloved Rhodes keyboard. Written By George McSherry FOLLOW ANDRIANA:

The intersection of funky, gospel-inspired pop and vulnerable lyricism is oddly empowering. Emarosa's versatile new track "Attention" fits right into pretty much any playlist I can imagine. Crafted for catharsis, the song is rife with both emotional relatibility and plenty of energy; I fully intend to strain my vocal cords singing the track poorly and oh-so-loudly in the shower. Tight, staccato drum loops bounce in and amongst the synth chords that build the energy alongside the pitched-up falsetto vocals before the soulful crescendo into the chorus. The production is layered and vibrant, but best of all uncomplicated, relying on its stripped-back nature to allow the powerful vocals and percussion to really bolster the track's energy and depth. Gospel-inspired backing vocals croon alongside stomps & claps that are introduced to lead us to the song's end. Emarosa is the moniker used by the established, multi-talented duo of guitarist, ER White, and vocalist, Bradley Scott Walden who have collaborated for over a decade. The band has worn many masks since its formation in 2006 as band members have come and gone; Emarosa continued shifting its style accordingly, switching lanes from metalcore to alternative in its early evolution while building on a foundation of energetic pop-rock in more recent years. The duo makes use of an array of production techniques, combining elements of synth wave and alternative music to fashion "glittery pop". Their journey from the world of metal to their current style must have been a twisted road but the final product is undeniably infectious. Written By George McSherry FOLLOW EMAROSA:

In “You Became God,” Atomic Blonde sings about being consumed by an unhealthy romantic relationship. She became so focused on pleasing the other person with love and devotion that she forgot her own happiness. What good is love if it’s only one-sided? I have an analogy for you. Think about if all the love you have to give was stored in a bucket. You go to that storage of love to “fill up” other people’s buckets. If you are not shown love in return, then your bucket can not be replenished, and eventually, you will have no more love to give. That is exactly how Atomic Blonde is feeling in this song. I liked the simplistic instrumentation. During the verses, the repeating piano loop added on to melancholy-ness of the song. Moreover, Atomic Blonde adds to the depth of the song with her vocals. I enjoyed her harmonies and how she uses them to represent the song of angels that she sings about. It is worth noting that even though the song sounds sad, it has a happy ending. The chorus ends with the words, “I will no longer worship you.” This signifies a fresh start. Hopefully, Atomic Blonde will find someone to give her the love she deserves. Atomic Blonde’s musical inspirations include Billie Eilish and Lana Del Rey. When I read this, it was no surprise to me as “You Became God” sounded similar to the works of Lana Del Rey. As for her outlook on music in general, Atomic Blonde uses it as an escape from difficult times. I think expelling negative emotions though music is a very healthy practice, and it is something that more people should do. Written By Kelli Dixon FOLLOW ATOMIC BLONDE:

"Feel About Me" is a high-energy, dance-pop piece about not knowing whether or not you should take the risk and pursue the person you have feelings for. It's about not knowing whether or not the other person is as definite about their feelings as you are, so it's difficult to decide what to do with your feelings. This theme is presented in a lively EDM piece which has a beat and melody that heightens these emotions and feelings. This song has an incredible cohesiveness to it, and all aspects of the song connect with one another in such an excellent way. Anything related to love is an experience that's full of feelings, and Indigo Kxd produced this piece to reflect high-energy situations. The aspect of this song that stands out the most is the electric melody. It's very prominent throughout the song and heightens the emotions associated with the piece. The melody is perfect for a good dance-pop piece, as it takes listeners on a journey. It starts out rather chill, but it consistently picks up with new sounds and more volume second by second. Then at the chorus, it all releases. Even during the chorus, the melody switches up a bit to keep the sound interesting. As for the vocals, the voice matches the energy of the song very well. The vocals are full of passion, and the pitch intertwines with the tempo of the melody to create a very cohesive sound. The piece overall is full of life, emotion, and spirit and instantly puts listeners in a great mood. Indigo Kxd is a producer/songwriter from Leicester, UK, and is no stranger to the music industry. Having penned and produced hits for a multitude of artists from varying genres, he’s managed to amass well over 100 million streams. Despite working with artists across the musical spectrum, Indigo Kxd would emphasize House & Dance music as his true passion. At the start of 2022, he was able to put his admiration into practice with the release of his first record "Last Night" which secured a place in the Top 10 of the Music Week charts UK and received vast support from BBC introducing, who made the song track of the week. Fast forward to now, Indigo Kxd has teamed up with well-respected writers Syon and Amira Eldine to create a laid-back but energetic pop dance record, creating the perfect mood to transition into the UK spring with ‘Said and Done’. Written By Melina Darlas FOLLOW INDIGO KXD:

It's never easy to have a relationship fall apart, let alone experience the feelings that come along in the repercussions of the break up. To feel a sense of longing for a person is painful, and even knowing they won't come back hurts more. It can feel hopeless, and a little numbing. The feeling is something that Joost Laméris captures perfectly in their new track "Never Feels Real." The track draws images to mind of hues of blue, which Laméris has used in the tracks artwork. The track is synth-pop based, and brings in an atmospheric vibe. The instrumentation makes use of guitars, synths, and the sound of shakers. Laméris utilizes his voice as an instrument to help divide the chorus with layers and layers of "oohs" that sound vivid in an almost angelic way. The lyrics delve into the topic of feeling lost after a relationship has fallen apart, "I am waiting // And waiting // And searching // For someone // So long." Laméris also describes trying to rediscover themself, "Inhaling who I've been." The chorus discusses the topic of feeling numb to reality, "It never feels real without your sound // I'm ready to loose our common ground // It never feels real till I have found // A road where I know you're not around." Laméris even describes the feeling of breaking apart because of the fear that it was you who caused the rift, "I am breaking, patiently // Going over every step // The sky won't open up // And I'm still closed off // Standing in nobody's land // The rain on my cheeks // Close the feelings // Of the tears I shed for you // Over and over again." Laméris finally comes to the realization at the end that maybe this was all for the best and that things will get better, "If I keep racing // Maybe I'll outrun my shade // And I'll forget how heavy it weighs // Cause I can't go back again // To take the chance I know that we have missed // It's like we needed this." Joost Laméris is an up-and-coming synth-pop artist based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Joost got his start by self-producing, and releasing three singles back in 2021. "Never Feels Real" is the first taste of his new music. It was recently featured on Spotify NL's "New Music Friday" playlist. Laméris is planning to drop his debut EP later this year, and is currently working on the visuals to go along with it. Laméris has a exciting year to look forward to! Written By Kyle Stiver FOLLOW JOOST LAMÉRIS:

In this raw and powerful ballad titled "In Madness", Constance pulls on our heartstrings and makes us bask in our emotions. Writing this song from her feelings about the war and invasion in Ukraine, she brings a song that ignites a little spark of hope. The song is sentimental, emotional, and intense, dragging us into her mindset as she sings this. "In Madness" lets listeners feel everything they're capable of simultaneously, leaving us to explore this new combination of vulnerability and sentiment we didn't know existed. Click here to listen to "In Madness"! Constance starts off the song with soft piano melodies then comes in with her gentle vocals and lets the music meld and swirl around our heads, imbuing its meaning into our hearts. She sings, "in love and in madness/in strength and in sadness/when all of the world feels like it's giving up on you". This delves into the strength that comes with being human--being able to go through hard times and still find the power in us to love and live. She emphasizes this hope with the words, "cause I see the dawn in you/the light is breaking through" telling listeners that it's essential never to lose hope. Constance, or Christina Ann O'Conner, is a Canadian singer/songwriter. She uses her music to express herself, powerfully releasing fiery feelings through her authenticity, lyricism, and melodies. She takes on the stage name Constance as a tribute to her late mother by the same name. The singer/songwriter explores topics such as heartbreak, love, and loss through her spectacular and unique sound, sure to gain hordes of fans who are attracted to the stories she has to tell. Written by Jane Katryn FOLLOW CONSTANCE:

Elle Baez releases new hit single, “Pretty Insecurities” as a reminder to forget about beauty standards and just have a good time. The culture of today’s society places a heavy emphasis on the way we look. Life becomes all about our bodies, clothes, and diet. With plastic surgery being so common and social media spreading lies about beauty, the pressure to look perfect is even more intense. Baez’s new song is an anthem for the “depressed, overstressed, and overstimulated” society we live in. Not only that, but it serves as a positive reminder that no one needs to change anything about themselves in order to receive praise or love. Embrace what makes you different, because that’s what makes you beautiful. “Pretty Insecurities” is a show that pop music doesn’t all have to sound the same. This hit track features a moderate, relaxed tempo as well as backup vocals. These elements create a vibe that’s almost on the retro R&B side, yet it’s style is undeniably pop. The track’s best writing comes in during the chorus, where Baez is singing in a high soprano range and then she does something unexpected in the next line. Instead of continuing upward, like most pop chord progressions advance, Baez goes down into a tenor range and drops octaves so suddenly. I heard this and I thought “Wow! I love that”. It wasn’t what I was expecting to happen, it really stuck out as a good written line. Following the release of her debut EP, “Bold Soul”, Elle Baez received praise from numerous powerhouse’s such as Euphoria’s Best Songs of 2021, Flaunt Magazine, The New Nine, and more. Since her rise to fame, Baez still focuses on bringing real, authentic, and relatable music to her fans. Her goal is simple: to empower and inspire others through her music. Her theme revolves around “be you, be sexy, and above all, be confident”. The Latina songwriter/singer mixes elements of pop, Latin, R&B, and jazz to create a style uniquely her own. Along with new music, Baez is also dropping an all-pink lingerie line with brand, “Adore Me” which will be out July 22. Make sure you keep up with anything Baez has to offer, you won’t want to miss out on this icon! Written By Emily Hancock FOLLOW ELLE BAEZ:

In your new single "Castle" you express personal struggles so well and with an openness surely appreciated by your audience. What's the story behind this song? Luiz: I always wanted to have a song about my weakness. I had this verse saying “feeling weaker with kryptonite” for years. In 2019, I wrote the first version of the lyric and Markus Urbanski helped me to finish the first part of the track, but I knew that something was missing, until early this year when I went through a hard breakup, and then everything made perfect sense. I sat down and I finished the lyrics in less than a week. I think it’s all about trying to get over someone, but not being able to do that, because you still see them in all those places. And you’re not proud of that. You want to feel great when you’re not. When did you realize you wanted to pursue music professionally? Have you always had music in your life? Luiz: My dad used to have a radio station in my hometown and my grandmother used to sing in the local choir. So I grew up surrounded by different music genres, and when I was 10 I decided that I wanted to be an artist, but I only started to write my own songs telling my stories when I was 12 years old. Who are some of your biggest influences? What drew you to the Pop genre? Luiz: I just love pop music. I think that it’s the most flexible genre to work with. You can do a lot of things and not be labeled, just getting to be inside the music. My biggest influences go from Taylor Swift to Paolo Nutini, Jack Savoretti, Bon Iver to Ed Sheeran, and back to OneRepublic. What is your songwriting process like? Luiz: I’m always around some notebook or even my notes app on my phone. So I’m always writing some verse. But when I sit down all alone, I get my personal notebook and always go through some pages to read and understand what I was going through and what I was feeling back then. So I can write and tell the story of that moment with an open mind and heart, with no “castles”. Have you faced any particular challenges or been surprised by anything as you've entered the professional music world? Luiz: All the time. These days are not easy for independent artists because the algorithm changes every single day and we have to understand how to reach more and more people with our music. That’s a true challenge. Not just being a musician, but being the best publicist for ourselves. What's in store for you in the near future? Any particular gigs you're looking forward to or songs you're working on? Luiz: I’m working on my first EP, which is coming out later this year, but before we have two singles for this specific project to be released and I’m so excited to share those with everyone. Right now, I have to say that the "Castle" music video is making me nervous because I want to make something very special for that song. So there’s a lot happening in the following months. Fingers crossed. Interviewed By Hannah Conkin FOLLOW LUIZ:

"Walkaway" showcases palpable emotions with sincerity and transports me to an intimate, private show in a low-lit lounge where the light seems to continue to dim but never leave altogether. Comfort is found in and amongst the verses that tell the all-too-relatable story of complex sorrow and imminent loss. The fresh single, rife with emotion, is tailor-made for the cathartic indulgence of the emotions less popular than their romanticized counterparts. Stripped-back production places the underpinning elements at center stage; powerful vocals croon poignant lyrics against the backdrop of classic piano balladry that holds steady, unwavering in shoring up the song's fine-tuned and wonderfully simple structure. Layered production featuring gentle waves and an encompassing vibration provides the track with an undeniable depth. A slow crescendo builds with the introduction of fervent bass and clean percussion loops that lead us to the bittersweet fading out of "Walkaway". Lizzie is a young artist from England's southwestern peninsula with an impressive resume that seems to be amassing grandeur as it snowballs down the hills of the music industry. At just 18, Lizzie has released several singles (often with acoustic versions) and EPs, "Reality" and "Silver Lining". She made smart use of her established discography to make her way through to the Grand Final of OpenMicUK 2021 and continues to dedicate herself to her songwriting craft. Written By George McSherry FOLLOW LIZZIE: