LANI discusses topics involving mortality, leaving a mark on the world, and being afraid of the inevitable on her new track "Scared." The track is a beautiful, and insightful track on making the best out of the forces we cannot control. LANI lets us know that it's okay to be scared of the end, but in the time between then and now you have the opportunity to leave a mark on this world through your actions. It's about leaving a legacy and a mark on this world that lets us become immortal. The track starts with a beautiful piano instrumental, that progressively builds. After the first chorus, instruments like synth strings are added. Even the sound of a shaker that reminds the listener of a clock ticking helps build the song. We can also hear a detuned voice effect under the second verse that creates an amazing atmosphere. However, the most beautiful part of the track is LANI's soaring voice. It is unapologetically raw, emotional, and unique to her. You can feel she's delivering this song to us from her very soul. In the last chorus of the track, LANI delivers a heart-wrenching belt over a key change that sends it to another level. The lyrics dive into topics such as vulnerability, "They say // In this life we get to choose how // We get hurt, who we allow to bruise // I must admit, I never chose myself, I never thought that would be what I'd become." She also discusses the topic of mortality which can be scary to anyone. LANI, however, lets us know that depending on how we cope with this realization, we can build something to leave behind that is infinite, "Us we know // There is no eternity // But we can find // Our house lives of infinity in ourselves // In our minds // And what we hold close to our chest // I hope that I've shown the world my best." LANI even lets us know that she is scared of this herself, "Cause I'm so scared // Of losing everything I've built // Halfway there // Deciding I won't waste my guilt." LANI is an up-and-coming alt-pop artist based in Birmingham, United Kingdom. "Scared" is her first single of 2022. It follows her debut EP entitled "Parables," which featured the track "Drank That Night" from April 2021. LANI has been creating music that is uniquely hers, and talks to the human psyche in the best way possible. LANI is an artist that will for sure to take off fast, and you do not want to miss this! Written By Kyle Stiver FOLLOW LANI:

“Like the Holidays” is the perfect summertime pop-jam about putting your worries aside and just living each day like it’s a holiday. The best times among the cyclical work day are always the holidays; to know that on this day, you should have been working, but aren’t because it’s a vacation. But when you live every single day of your life like a holiday, then you feel a sense of ease and relief, the stress of your back. This song is full of cheerful horns and swinging rhythms. The chorus is positively infectious and just the first tones of it melt all of your stress away. The catchy synth hooks and saccharine-sweet vocals provide a rush of endorphins into a song that just makes you want to stand up and dance. “Like the Holidays” is a perfect break from reality that soothes your soul and encourages you to like every day like the holidays. The Astronomers are a Wisconsin-based duo who’s known for challenging the alt-pop space with their synthesis of unconventional elements in each track. They’re known for creating highly energetic singles that lead into awesome performances, complete with bouncy production and plucky vocals. Their genuine small-town pop duo with big sounds like trumpets, vocals with cool effects, and piano sending chills down your spine are only part of the allure of this out-of-this-world duo. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW THE ASTRONOMERS:

I am in love with your new single “Good Love”! It made me feel all warm and cozy inside and I can’t get enough! Can you share the story behind this track and a bit about the songwriting process? Meiko: Thank you! I wrote it because I was feeling very grateful to be in love and to live this life in love with my husband and son (and baby on the way…) I dont write a ton of happy songs, but this one just flooded out of me. I wrote it in under 20 minutes… What is one of your favorite memories from when you were younger and music first found its way into your life? Meiko: I used to practice playing guitar with my dad at the kitchen table. He would show me a couple of chords and I’d come back in a few days with the chords memorised and with a song written. I would play it for him and he’s get teary eyed… This was my way of communicating to him what I was going through at the time. I saw on your Instagram you recently moved to London which is so cool! Definitely on my bucket list of places to visit! How have the last few months been since you made the big move? Meiko: I love it here! It’s very busy. Lots of things to do and people to see… You really have to have a ton of energy to be here or you’ll burn out. I’m trying to take it easy… Overall- It’s my happy place and I can see being here for a while. I know you’ve had a bunch of your songs over the years featured on popular TV shows, like Grey’s Anatomy and One Tree Hill, so is there a show currently airing you’d want “Good Love” to be featured in? Meiko: I don't watch much current TV but any show would be great haha. What would you say is the proudest moment in your career thus far? Meiko: Having a #1 song on the radio in Japan and going there to perform multiple times and reconnecting with my grandmother's side of the family and my heritage. Do you have any advice for anyone just wanting to start their career in music and not knowing where to begin? Meiko: Play as much as possible to anyone and everyone who will listen... Interviewed By Sarah Curry FOLLOW MEIKO:

On the surface, Maddie Ettrich’s “Decaying Candles” talks about the morning after an incredibly fun party. The dance floor, with empty cups and drink stains, looks different in the morning light. The same is true for decorations that have fallen onto the floor in every which way. Both of these elements serve to remind us of the fun that was had. Knowing that the fun is now over can be a source of sadness. When listening to the song, I thought the party was really a symbol of life in general. Throughout our lives the happy times seem fleeting. However, Ettrich reminds us that “the seasons go, and they come back again. Nothing really ends.” I really enjoyed how Ettrich used sound and instrumentation. At the beginning of the song, there is the sound of people talking which stops as soon as Ettrich begins singing. The detail is subtle, but it really does justice to the song’s title. After all, Ettrich does sing about how fun the party is, so it is only fitting to add an illustration of that fun. Similarly, in the first verse, she sings about a lingering party ghost. She uses the “ooh” harmonies to represent his presence. Another aspect of the song that I liked was Ettrich’s voice. I thought it flowed with the instrumentation. Maddie Ettrich is an indie-pop singer/songwriter who was born in Canada. She now resides in Nashville, TN. It’s hard to believe that “Decaying Candles” is only her first single! It’s safe to say that she started off with a bang. I can’t wait to hear what else she has in store! Written By Kelli Dixon FOLLOW MADDIE ETTRICH:

There are times when we get the sense to step back from our life, take in the moment we've found ourselves in, and appreciate the things we've been through to get there. We go through a lot of struggles, and sometimes our days resemble rollercoasters with all of their ups and downs, but one lesson we learn from it is that while the world changes, we change with it. We're not the ignorant child we once were, thanks to everything we've been through, good and bad. However, it never hurts to have a good soundtrack to make the bad a little better, so my first song recommendation is "midwest blues" by nobody likes you pat, or Pat Kiloran. Now, music videos don't always do the music justice, but that's not the case with "midwest blues". With a nostalgic feel, the official video gives us the feeling of stepping back and being in awe of everything we've accomplished. There's a journey that Kiloran takes us on with the music, the video only standing to complement the dreamy and tranquil sound he achieves. Kiloran's voice has a soft quality to it, perfectly melding with the lighthearted melody and honest lyrics, pushing the feeling of calm through. There's one lyric that particularly does an excellent job of this: "Seems like every couple years/I'm somebody brand new". It describes the progress from growing up, realizing that our younger self would never recognize us, and knowing that it's always for the better. The gentle-sounding track combines this honesty with heartfelt melodies and matches the mood of being with the best people and part of the best moments in life. nobody likes you pat, or Pat Kiloran, is a Saint Paul, Minnesota-based singer, songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and so much more. He aims to be honest with his experiences, showing his growth and sharing with his listeners in a way that inspires them. He holds a comfortable and nostalgic feeling with his music, giving fans a space to relate and connect to him more intimately. But Kiloran does more than share his own experiences--he's worked, written, and produced music for countless artists, labels, and companies such as TXT, Jin of BTS, Jordan Davis, Disney, Netflix, and more. He returned with this latest single, "midwest blues" on July 8th and left eager fans awaiting more music with his announcement of his debut LP "imago" set to come out November 18th. Written by Jane Katryn FOLLOW NOBODY LIKES YOU PAT:

We’ve all heard of the relationship failures and falling outs, but how many of us can also say we’ve experienced this with a friendship? “Best Fake Friend” is about a real plot twist that happens with your friend. Usually, we never think of not being with our BFF, we never think of an end. But people change and surprise you by being fake after all. Talking behind your back, being jealous, fake smiles and spreading rumors, newsflash– FAKE! This new single released by KRYSTOF, was intended to close a chapter in his life and help him move on from a toxic past. “Best Fake Friend” is a slow, dreamy, soft pop track full of elongated melodic lines and sweet vocals. The synth heavy tune is relaxed until the buildup to the chorus where drum set enters the scene to add a bit of pick up. The main focus of the song is on the vocals. For the most part, the electronic bass lines are soft and in the background, setting the stage for KRYSTOF to shine. KRYSTOF has a nice tenor range in his singing and sounds similar to that of other pop icons such as Troye Sivan and LANY. The single runs at a time of only 2 minutes and 33 seconds, keeping it short and sweet. I think it’s nice that the song isn’t too drawn out, it gives you time to reflect on the past and then move on. This Austria based singer/songwriter has been around music since birth. Having come from a musical family where his mother was a professional folk-singer, KRYSTOF has always had a love for the arts. Starting at the age of 5 KRYSTOF expressed himself through music and at the age of 14 he wrote his first song with self-learning guitar chords. Promoting his song covers on Instagram back in 2016, led him to gain a Spotify and YouTube following from across 75 countries. Since 2020, he has been taking vocal lessons to perfect his craft further. KRYSTOF had his big break after being discovered on Instagram by A&R manager Jazz Egger. Since then, KRYSTOF has signed with the Viennese record label, Global Rockstar. Continuing to release popular tracks, KRYSTOF is headed in the direction of fame! Written By Emily Hancock FOLLOW KRYSTOF:

“No Is A Nice Word” is a pop jam with a strong underlying message; no is a nice word. Taking place shortly before two lovers go on different paths, the song highlights the importance of clear communication and boundaries. It is not rude to say no, especially to those who love and care for you. It’s important for you to say no to things that make you uncomfortable to respect yourself and those around you. Though the song begins almost melancholically, it gradually rises, fuelled by the epic guitar solo in the background. 7000apart carefully choose words to craft the narrative of a feeling right after a breakup, where you’re upset and unsure of your own actions. With a catchy and hard-hitting hook, the song has you take a pause and look at exactly what your boundaries are and whether they’re being crossed. 7000apart is a husband-wife pop sensation with a high school love story, international presence, and heartwarming obstacles. When Amelie Eiding left her hometown of Stockholm, Sweden to attend high school as an exchange student in Green Bay, Wisconsin, she met her husband, Jon Kresin and their love blossomed. Once she returned to Sweden, the couple started a creative project called 7000apart, referring to the 7,000 kilometers of distance between them. After three years of navigating the difficulties of long-distance and cross-continental trips, the couple reunited and married in 2016. 7000apart has now turned into a serious artistic endeavor, and their music concentrates on personal struggles that relay a universal message and mental health awareness. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW 7000APART:

Infectiously uplifting and vibrant. You know that scene in Spiderman 3 with Tobey Maguire, clad in a black suit, dancing, and throwing finger guns every which way? Yeah, that one that exudes unbridled confidence that borders insanity. That's what "When I Count Stars" will make you feel like... main character energy for sure. You could very well be sitting in a damp basement having not bathed in days but with eyes closed and headphones in this song will make you believe you're turning heads walking through Beverly Hills. Listen to "When I Count Stars" here! Trance synths and a balanced, pitched-up vocal performance center the song in its pop roots before the unmistakable bass guitar introduces the funk element that underpins the track. The percussion subtly shores up the song's structure, complete with cabasa shakes, hi-hat taps, and hand claps. The layers of the production, with fades and background vocals, provide a rich fullness to the song that allows the synth keyboard to shine on center stage before the single winds down. Live Now! is the solo project of Ilya Ruskikh, an up-and-coming pop artist and producer based in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Live Now! places heavy emphasis on melody, insightful lyricism, and danceability, and Ilya's production predominately finds its inspiration in funk and indie pop, though he is an avid fan of a wide variety of genres and enjoys producing anything from hip-hop and reggaeton to trap and retrowave. Though his discography may be sparse, he assures us that he has many projects in the works to be released very soon. Written By George McSherry FOLLOW LIVE NOW!:

Invincible is one of the many ways I'd describe how "Are You Down" by Elia Esparza makes her listeners feel. Imagine being on the dance floor of a club, the bass of this song loud in your ears, and nothing but living life on your mind-- it's a summertime dream coming to life. This powerful singer/songwriter describes an electrifying feeling with her new dance-pop release filled with intense groovy bass, sultry vocals, and captivating lyrics telling listeners to get "down for the ride" and make some magic. Esparza pulls this track together in a way no one else could and lets people know that it's time to dance our hearts out. There are some songs that make you feel powerful, and "Are You Down" by Elia Esparza is definitely one of them. The inclusion of the bass makes listeners get pumped up to the refreshing melody and entices people to feel empowered on the dance floor. Aimed towards the moments of meeting strangers in clubs or falling in love only for the night, this single speaks on living in the moment and not letting anything hold us back from being passionate. Esparza electrifies us with her seductive vocals, lingering in our ears with lyrics like, "only promise I'll make to you tonight/is that you'll think of me for the rest of your life"--which, after listening to this new release, I doubt listeners can deny. Elia Esparza is a Latina pop-soul singer/songwriter originally from El Paso, Texas but currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee. She's trained vocally since she was 15 years old, shown through her powerful vocals and dynamic energy, and was featured on The Voice in 2016, gaining many fans. Pairing her adventurous side with her romantic lyrics, Esparza establishes herself as a talented musician with her stunning performances and singles. Written by Jane Katryn FOLLOW ELIA ESPARZA:

Ozz Gold brings tropical house back this summer with his new track "Care For." It feels club ready, and it deserves to be danced to. The track evokes images of smoke and laser beams at an all out rave. It's all about the feeling of being loved, and to show that love to someone else. Love is something that everyone deserves and looks for in this life. It's an infectious feeling, and one that we need more of in this world today. The track is very EDM focused. It feels atmospheric, bringing in the sounds of tropical house. Gold's production mixes atmospheric synths, heavy bass, bright sounding drum pads, and uplifting piano chords. The vocal on the track has an autotune on it that is almost glitched out. The lyrics delve into the fundamental human emotion of feeling loved, and wanting to show that love to someone else, "I wanna love you baby // I need someone to care for // I wanna love you." This person is completely infatuated with this person, that their body is reacting to them out of love and adrenaline, "My heart is racing, tonight // And I start feeling." The track is ready to fill a huge space. It wants to feel the energy bouncing off members of the crowd. It was made for dancing. Ozz Gold is a producer and DJ based in Las Vegas, Nevada. Gold previously graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point as a pilot. Gold's career plans shifted once he moved to Vegas, and has been uplifting audiences since. "Care For" is Gold's third release of 2022. It follows "Unknown" from April, and "Rest of Me" from May. With "Care For," Gold has solidified his place in the tropical and progressive house scene as one to keep an eye on. Written By Kyle Stiver FOLLOW OZZ GOLD:

Congratulations on the release of “Not A Crime”! It is for sure some of your best work so far!! What inspired you to write this new track? Juli: Thank you very much, I really appreciate it. I try to inspire and make other people's lives better with my music, if only for a moment. In this world of indecision and overwhelming thoughts constantly running through our heads, we should hold our heads high, stay true to our values and never compromise our honour. And that's not a crime at all. What was your first introduction to music? And when did you know it was something you wanted to pursue further? Juli: I started taking vocal lessons at a young age and gained experience performing on various stages by competing in vocalist competitions, television music shows, and festivals. And now that I'm motivating myself by coming up with new sounds, lyrics, and melodies, I'm also crafting them. I think I've always been aware of it. My passion for music is limitless and unending. Do you have artists you would consider inspiration when it comes to your song and style of songwriting? Juli: My artistic sensibility and musical talent are two things that I adore passing on to others so that I can help them compose the soundtracks to their lives in the Juli Chan style. I am blown away by your music video for “Not a Crime”!! Can you take us through how you came up with the storyline for the video? Juli: I enjoy the game of chess and am still learning. If you've got a good move, find an even better one! I believe we've all been caught up in our emotions at times, unsure of our next "move." The video is inspired by the "Immortal Game," a chess match between Adolf Anderssen and Lionel Kieseritzky on 21 June 1851 in London during a break in the first international tournament. Anderssen's daring sacrifices made it one of the most famous chess games of all time. If you could pick three songs to be the soundtrack of your life, which would you pick? Juli: I've always been a POP girl, so the song "Finish Line" by Rita Ora would be the soundtrack to my life, which is a female empowerment anthem. Before presenting my own material, I performed Ari's "Bad Idea," which I interpreted from the bottom of my heart. The third is the song "Not A Crime" -by me! This is my first English release and I co-wrote the song with a Swedish writer and composer duo. I was curious to see how people would react to it. What’s next for you? Any projects you can discuss just yet? I have become such a fan after hearing this single so I’m so excited to see what else you do!! Juli: A debut album with some great unreleased singles is on the way. One of them is made in collaboration with the UK's leading producer. I'm so proud and can't wait to show this to you. The Chan World Tour is the pinnacle of fandom fantasy, but I have faith it will one day come true. Interviewed By Sarah Curry FOLLOW JULI:

There's a lot to learn with relationships from their favorite color, their little habits, and everything that makes them, them. We fall in love with those tiny facts, and somehow, they ingrain themselves into our heads until they take up more space than we allow them to. But with this comes a potential breakup, and everything you know about this person becomes useless. Then there's a startling realization that the information may never leave your head. With Brenden David's newest single, "On My Mind" we're brought along on this journey of moving on, and we can see how this breakup denial turns into sarcastic acceptance. If there's one thing I love about music, it's the way it can tell a story, and one of my favorite ways this is shown is through slow-building realization. "On My Mind" by Brenden David does just this--he starts by stating, "I can fill a library/with what I know of you", followed by examples that float off the top of his head, telling of how hard it is to forget everything after a breakup. Then we get to the chorus, and we hear David singing about how he's not still thinking of them, but it goes painfully detailed about them. We can listen to how what first sounded like denial turned to sarcasm in this way, our realization that he's aware that this isn't moving on. He does all of this in a catchy classic pop track, including a dance-y whistle hook and upbeat 80s sound--dragging us into this adventure and driving us deeper into the idea that he's not over them. Brenden David is a singer/songwriter with a classic pop vibe. Taking inspiration from many places, David aims to bring our minds there, painting pictures by creating music to touch on our emotions. Florida-born but Tennessee-raised, Brenden David sets meaningful lyrics to alternative contemporary instrumentations and garners groups of fans ready to sing along to each of his tracks. With "On My Mind", David releases his 7th track on Spotify and shows us exactly why we should be eager for more. Written by Jane Katryn FOLLOW BRENDEN DAVID: