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In "White Widow," by Frances Fiend, the singer is spiraling after a failing relationship. Part of Frances's struggle is emotionally moving past it, which she clarifies by saying, "I wish we never met." However, Frances has found temporary relief in Marijuana. In her mental state, Bina has smoked through most of her Black Widow and Red Widow strains. But possessing a batch of her new favorite, White Widow, Frances allows it to continue blinding her from the harsh reality of her relationship. Unfortunately, in "White Widow," Bina resorts to a coping mechanism that she's used to and wants the freedom to do it peacefully, which may reflect a deeper issue. "White Widow" by Frances Fiend is short and to the point, spanning only two minutes and thirty-one seconds in length. From the start, Frances sets the tone for the record with aggressive staccato hits from the percussion and guitar parts as she sings through the song's chorus. Once reaching the verse, the instrumentation increases in movement, defining the track's pace. And complementing the fast tempo is not only changes in the arrangement but the expressiveness in Frances' vocal performance. In "White Widow," the use of vocals through screams, stacking, adlibs, and effects leave no room for a dull moment. Not to mention Frances' Persian influence, which allows her melodic choices to shine within the rock genre. Frances Fiend is an Iranian-American singer-songwriter from Southern California. Frances' musical interests started early with piano and songwriting until later introduced to rock music. Inspired by bands like The Clash and Nirvana, Frances began playing guitar and bass, which would encourage her to self-produce demos. With a background in psychology, Frances' discography reflects on issues within the mental health community. And with her debut album expected in 2023, Frances intends to continue advocating through her musical platform. After all, with her previous appearances at Whiskey A-Go-Go and Viper Room, and opening for acts like Chris de Burgh, there's no doubt Bina will be growing her audience within the new year. Written By Jeffrey Ade FOLLOW FRANCES:

Photo Credits: Luis Garcia What does your song “White Widow” mean to you? What are you trying to tell your listeners? * Frances: “White Widow” started as a subpar diss track to my college roommates after a trivial disagreement, but as I played with it more and more, the song began digging deeper into what I was personally dealing with at the time. If you really read into the lyrics, they reveal a lot more about my private life than I’d like to admit! Today, the song is a personal reminder of the dangers of self-medicating; it’s really a cautionary tale for myself. In your song “White Widow,” listeners can hear you mention three colors: black, red, and white. What are these colors supposed to represent? Frances: I love this question! The “black widow” represents a very intrusive, dreadful memory, and the “red widow” is the enduring, trauma-related guilt associated with said memory; their recurring emergence impels the speaker to, almost instinctively, use the last of her White Widow stash to numb herself from the ever-present black and red widows (trauma and regret) that she can’t bear to live with. How does being Iranian and American affect the way you create your music? Were you raised around both American and Iranian music or what types of genres did your family introduce you to? Frances: Absolutely! Growing up with both Persian and American music has empowered me to take more chances and tap into multiple genres within a single song. A lot of the songs that I’m writing at the moment have a Middle Eastern flare to them, and I look forward to exploring more of that Persian influence in the studio. Now that I have my first album recorded, which feels very authentic to me and my pure love of rock, I feel more open to experimenting with different sounds from my upbringing and fusing that with rock. In the music industry, if you could work with anyone, who would it be and why? Frances: Oh, this is a tough one! I can’t pick just one! It would either be Iggy Pop or Dave Grohl. I absolutely admire Iggy Pop—he’s the godfather of punk, and I think he’s been a lot more influential over so many different rock and pop artists through the decades than he’s given credit for. I think he’s an incredibly talented songwriter, yet so underrated, and I’d give anything to write with him. I’d also love to work with Dave Grohl because he’s such a strong advocate for young artists and keeping rock a relevant genre. Nirvana has also been one of my favorite bands since I was 12 years old, so working with him has been on my mind forever! Photo Credits: Luis Garica As someone who studied psychology and has a passion for bringing awareness to mental health issues, how are you working to achieve those goals? Are there any big projects in the future you hope to be working on? Frances: Most of my songs are about my own experiences with mental health, but there are times when I try to write from a hypothetical perspective outside of myself. I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t know everything, and I will only ever really know mental health as far as my own experience goes, but I’ll always try to educate myself on other mental health issues. Studying psychology has helped me better articulate my interest in mental health and learn about others’ experiences with it. The most I can do is try to understand and perhaps write a song about the things I can comprehend, in hopes that it will resonate with someone. It’s exciting to see mental health finally being included in more public conversations, but I believe there still needs to be more attention given to those who have been historically underrepresented. You are currently recording your debut album with Grammy Award-winning producer Josh “igloo” Monroy, how exciting! Do you want to tell listeners what they can expect to hear from this new album? Frances: People can expect to rock the f*** out! Interviewed By Sophia E. Henry FOLLOW LAYLA:

Photo: Magdalena Bay via Bandcamp On August 23, 2024, American alt-pop band Magdalena Bay released their sophomore album, "Imaginal Disk." Described by the duo as a concept album, this collection invites the listener into an alternate universe to follow the story of True. Aliens implant 'imaginal disks' into primates to create consciousness. Unable to properly process the upgrade, True embarks on an intense and personal journey, one that enables her to explore and begin to appreciate what it truly means to be human. TRACKLIST She Looked Like Me! Killing Time True Blue Interlude Image Death & Romance Fear, Sex Vampire in the Corner Watching T.V. Tunnel Vision Love is Everywhere Feeling DiskInserted? That's My Floor Cry for Me Angel on a Sattelite The Ballad of Matt & Mica The duo known as Magdalena Bay consists of Matthew Lewin and Mica Tenenbaum. Born in Argentina, Tenenbaum's family immigrated to Miami when she was around a year old, while Lewin was born in Miami. The two met while in high school, participating together in a program offered by Live! Modern School of Music , joining a classic rock cover band. Based in Los Angeles, California, the pair produce and write together, creating three EPs, three mixtapes, and two studio albums. The group credits Chairlift , Charli XCX , and Grimes as featuring among the most significant of their artistic and musical influences. She Looked Like Me! The album's opening track begins with sounds that feel reminiscent of a scratched and skipping CD, eventually smoothing out to sharp, clear notes plucked directly from a childhood music box. Percussion joins in, a staccato rhythm that perfectly complements the song's vibe. The music continues to progress and evolve, creating a rich sonic experience for the listener to immerse themselves. The tempo and sounds abruptly shift, becoming distorted and mildly unsettling, almost eerie. 'We stood mirrored 'til I leaned in/And then, you know what she did?/She shot at me like an earthbound bullet/And then she wrapped her hands around my neck.' Killing Time Synths create a magical, dreamy sound punctuated by an intense bassline. The production and sound layering both in this song, as well as throughout the album, are beautifully done. In the beginning, Mica's voice is quite striking, sounding innocent while still delivering a commanding performance. The music provides subtle hints at discord simmering just beneath the surface, becoming fully realized when Tenenbaum's vocal delivery dramatically shifts. Ominously chanted lyrics give the feel of one gripped by an indelible paranoia, 'I'm looking in the mirror and swallowing the key/It only takes a minute to forget a week/Count up all the years that we spend asleep/If time is meant for living, why's it killing me?' True Blue Interlude Dreamy piano notes evoke the cleansing sensation of water, with chimes sprinkled in for shimmering accents. Paired with the magic of Mica's spoken words, this entry is reminiscent of high-caliber meditation or manifestation tracks. This soothing sonic offering is sure to help the listener restore their sense of calmness and serenity. The lyrics echo this sentiment, 'Say hello, it's you, the purest you/The next stage, the next phase is here (True blue)/Instinctive, impatient, impossible (True blue)/In memory, mirror, and membrane (True blue)/It's here, say hello, it's you (True blue).' Image The album's second song sounds like it was plucked directly from a video game. This funky and imaginative pop song encompasses the warm, vibrant days of summer, with a heavy synth beat weaving a hypnotic pattern. The result is an earworm that unapologetically ensnares the listener. The throbbing, distorted bassline toward the end leads to ominously sinister gaming sound effects, culminating in a jarring and discordant crashing of piano keys. Mica's flawless vocal delivery continues with the lyrics, 'I'm the best you've got/True or not/I've got common sense/I've got all the common sense/Time to let me in/Let's begin (let's begin, let's begin)/There's no heaviness/Just over the precipice.' Death & Romance This was the album's first release and the collection's longest track, clocking in at nearly eight minutes. The song quickly envelops the listener with an infectious piano melody, sparkling synth flourishes, and a peppy percussion beat. With so many complicated layers of sound to lose oneself within, the song seemingly passes in the blink of an eye. Nestled within the effervescent music, somber lyrics spin a tale that alternates between hopefully upbeat and tinged with sorrow and regret. 'Monday, through an echo/Feels like heaven/Feels like heartache/You run, streetlights like halos/As the rain falls/Are we too far?' Fear, Sex This feels almost airy compared to the previous tracks; it is stripped-down and musically less densely layered than its counterparts. However, this by no means diminishes the duo's effort, creative ingenuity, or attention to detail in creating the song. Lyrics and vocals deliver the palpable emotional punch of yearning for a lost love while navigating its accompanying mental battlefields, 'Please don't die alone, overhead/I'll surrender to the voices in the end/Shoulda known those dirty bastards would put wires in your head/Are you there? All alone, lost in forever.' Vampire in the Corner This is another tune that, sonically, feels relatively pared back. Soft vocalizations culminate in the slightest of giggles, and Tenenbaum's delivery feels coy and playful at first. However, as the song progresses, these emotions deepen into reflection, self-pity, and a tinge of desperation. The higher registers as the song reaches its conclusion provide an almost church choir, hymnal feel. 'Sorry, like a flower that never gets any sun/I hang my head down, let the bees do their buzz/Baby, you're my rainy day that's starting to flood/My God, it's only 'cause I love you too much.' Watching T.V. This song's smooth, steady flow oozes a mellow vibe, setting the tone as the lyrics implore the listener to tune out unnecessary, outside noise pollution to turn within for self-reflection. A heartfelt invitation is extended to meet our proverbial monsters within, to accept and make peace with these sometimes unpleasant aspects of ourselves. There is a moment that conjures memories of Lady Macbeth, 'If you wanna be clean/You gotta scrub until the blood comes out,' but then takes an abruptly dark turn, 'Get the spots in between/Slip your skin right off and hang it out.' Tunnel Vision The record's third single is a psychedelic tune that slowly devolves into the fallout of carefully orchestrated chaos. This song encapsulates the nuclear-level emotional fallout accompanying extremely toxic Joker/Harley-style relationships. It takes the listener along for those intoxicatingly addictive emotional highs, then plunges them into the anxiety-riddled moments of a prolonged panic attack. What was once comforting and nurturing has warped into something painful and destructive. 'I burn/I burn my candle out/I burn my candle out/So nobody else can see/I've learned/I've learned what made me start/What turned me on/Now I'm scared of all my parts/'Cause suddenly I can see everything wrong.' Love is Everywhere This dreamy, upbeat track would be perfect as the theme song for a TV romcom-drama series. It incorporates rumbling baritones, which contrast pleasantly against the accompanying joyful and blissful vocals. This theme is mirrored in the music, which features a funky bassline paired beautifully with harps and an orchestral arrangement. This feels like True has reached the point in her journey where she's becoming self-aware and learning to love herself despite her imperfections. 'Love, love is everywhere/If, if you want it there/Look inside/Through holes in the sky/The fallen days bring tears to my eyes.' Feeling DiskInserted? This interlude, concise and succinct at fifty-eight seconds long, invites the listener to reflect with gratitude on the wisdom, awareness, and unexpected blessings accompanying a self-discovery journey. Gorgeous harp notes sparkle amongst the breathy lyrics, 'Look inside/Through the sky/All around us/Angel on a satellite/Glad you found us.' That's My Floor The album's final single features catchy guitar riffs and bubbly synth, resulting in an infectious and groovy offering. It's almost guaranteed that the listener will find themselves vibing along with the beat at some point. This song feels like the acceptance of surrendering to the moment and opening oneself up to new experiences, even though it feels awkward and counterintuitive. 'Took the elevator in a fire/Pressing the alarm just took me higher/Never really noticed you're a sentimental guy/That's my floor/I'm coming up to the party and I want more/So open up for me.' Cry for Me Retro and disco-inspired, this track features glittering keys, swelling strings, and dreamy vocals. While largely optimistic and upbeat, the song incorporates darker elements, such as dramatic music and a sinister, menacing laugh. These aspects emphasize the moments of self-doubt and self-criticism that can unexpectedly bubble up when embarking on a journey of healing and discovery. The vocals here are a combination of both wistful and accepting, 'Thinking of you from a road that has no bends/Bound to get lost, but the dogs don't stand a chance/I'll take all your thanks and all your sympathies/Cry for me/Cry for me.' Angel on a Satellite This deeply sentimental and touching song was designed by Mica as a tribute to Matt and the band's loyal fans. Elements such as bongo drums, prominent piano, building synth, and sweeping strings pair beautifully with the song's tender vocals. The final result is an authentic and emotionally vulnerable highlight that sets the tone for the album's final track. Beautifully uplifting, the track celebrates acceptance as well as healthier coping mechanisms. 'A thousand eyes/Turn to stone/In monocrhome/Surprise, surprise/They turn to smile/At the same time/That's why I don't look up/That's why I'm always dancing.' The Ballad of Matt & Mica Reflective and personal, this track celebrates the transformation, growth, and inner peace earned by emerging triumphant from the skirmishes littering the battlegrounds of life and mental health. Jaunty synth flawlessly accompanies Mica's joyous vocals, fusing together to create a flawless and unapologetically feel-good song. The album's final sonic journal entry mirrors the obstacles that the duo has encountered and overcome along their journey and rise to fame. 'Long way into nowhere/Two years from home/Most days are for nothing/I keep kicking the stone/Fly high overzealous/Past paragon/That's why I'm the greatest/I keep shining the stone.' "Imaginal Disk" is an ambitious and impressively creative storytelling journey and concept album. Complex and introspective, repeated listens reveal additional nuances and layers, sonically as well as thematically. The dedication to production, artistry, and ingenuity is readily evident, showcasing the duo's continuous need to challenge themselves and push boundaries to grow artistically. The result weaves together a compelling and emotional tale that Magdalena Bay's audience will continue enoying for years. Written By Vanessa Siebrass Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *Copyright not intended. Fair Use Act, Section 107.

Released just last week, The Kind’s latest single “nashville” is a hit you don't want to miss. Perfectly produced, the track follows the aftermath of a relationship so hurtful, the narrator had to move away to Nashville. It deals with the all too common feeling of wishing the other person the best, but not knowing why the best could not be with them. The track is a perfect mix of indie-pop that The Kind tends to blend together, with an underlying drum beat and intense guitar chords. Jane Barkley Young’s emotive voice puts the listener right in her heartbreak, and her tone is clear cut and almost pleading. The lyrics cover all of the thoughts she is too scared to actually verbalize to her ex, but that she needs to get off her chest all the same. This song starts slow with just an acoustic guitar line, and the narrator sings about her ex finding a new girl who ‘looks amazing’ (ouch). As the first verse ends and spirals into the chorus, the drums come in and the soundscape picks up speed. The last two lines of the chorus hit hard, as she sings “I want you to be happy / I just wish it was with me”, with a sucker-punch of a tone, simultaneously kicking herself for not being enough and her ex for needing more. The song slows down entirely, going back to just the acoustic guitar line for the bridge. Young sings, “Maybe I just can’t accept that this is really over / I can’t imagine a world where we’re just friends / So if the door is closing can you keep it open / Please don’t leave me out here again.” In her last line, her voice explodes into emotion and begging as a last resort. The Kind is an indie-pop duo, made up of Adam Rowley and Jane Barkley Young. The two met in London, and immediately clicked, now stating that they are more like family. Because of their similarities in music influences and personal taste, they quickly found their personal style, and blended perfectly together. Their music has been racking up accolades across the UK on BBC radio stations, as well as being placed on multiple Spotify editorial playlists. “Nashville” is only their third single, but they have accumulated almost 4,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. Make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for more music from the Kind. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW THE KIND: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Your Friend, Claudine’s song “Qu’est-ce que C’est” is a tune that searches for clarity. It starts listeners off by taking us on a gloomy drive down the rainy streets of Seattle. The weather bleeds into the tired and hazy way the speaker is feeling. The contemplative lyrics “maybe one last drive and I’ll pack my bags for Chicago” are a really cool way to show a need for change, phrased so casually it embraces the confusion exuded by the speaker in the song. A switch comes through the chorus as the narrator directs their confusion towards an individual, begging them to “say what you mean”. The title of the song, the words ‘what is it’ in French, are repeated as a way to reach out. It feels like the speaker and person they are speaking to are out of sync, with one another and lyrics are a pursuit to keep up. Slow and resonant electric guitar picking sounds through the entire song, as Your Friend, Claudine's smooth, melodic, and soft vocals work through the lyrics. " Qu’est-ce que C’est" has a relaxed, hazy vocal and percussion style that is perfect for Frank Ocean fans looking for a more gloomy "Lost". The pre-chorus features the vocals climbing to cerebral high notes, then reaching a smooth low sound in the chorus. Drums come in at the second verse along with a vibrating mellow electronic instrumental, bringing an ambient roundness to the sound. Electric alto vocals repeat near the end of the song, blending with Claudine's gentle, mellow voice. Your Friend, Claudine is a Seattle-based musician. They are a singer, songwriter, and electric guitarist. Pairing a peaceful and genuine vibe with themes of romance and self-reflection, Your Friend Claudine's songs are perfect for listeners who want chill music with deep meanings. They recently performed at the Seattle music festival Capitol Hill Block Party . Keep an eye out for a new release in October, and while you're at it, enjoy the simple and powerful music video for "Qu'est ce Que C'est" on Youtube. It uses a bike ride on the shore line to represent the feeling of the song. Click on the links below to listen to their music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW YOUR FRIEND CLAUDINE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

Get in touch with your emotions and find yourself within “What Am I Looking For?” by artist Andie Case. The emotional pop-laced ballad sticks with you, bringing deep sincerity and a vulnerable perspective. In “What Am I Looking For?”, Case explores the experience of being lost and waiting for a turning point to come afoot. The experience is one that is detailed and grueling, yet beautifully raw and intimate. In her writing, Case does not hold back from laying it all on the table and exposing the inner workings of her mind and life experiences to listeners. The audience is taken on a journey that brings you throughout a life, its hardships, and the difficulties of navigating change – as well as dealing with the repercussions that change brings. It is a story that is attention-grabbing and lends its entire heart to you, all while showcasing musical talent and hard work. The sound created for “What Am I Looking For?” reminds me of a familiar, nostalgic blend of elements of genres like pop, country, and singer-songwriter. Case’s sound on this track comes with a delicacy and softness much like Norah Jones, including light piano and sweet vocals. This song’s lyrics, while they match the tone of the song, have an impact similar to lyrics written by artists like Amy Winehouse. There is interactive, personal, and experimental aspects layered together in “What Am I Looking For?” that make your head (metaphorically, but I did experience a take or two) turn. Case writes with a maturity and understanding attitude that allows her personality and talent to shine through, and this track makes that all the more evident. In addition, the range of her vocals is not only catchy but makes me think of other genres like classic rock, alternative, etc. With her ranging vocal ability, raw writing, and smart execution, she could dominate in many different categories – all while still sticking true to the beauty of pop music. Andie Case is an independent singer/songwriter from Seattle, Washington. Since a performance at her fifth-grade talent show, Case has wanted to pursue music and has continued on doing so. She draws inspiration from artists Demi Lovato, Hayley Williams, Christinia Aguilera, and Kelly Clarkson. After uploading covers of songs by artists like Rixton and Jason Derulo to her YouTube, as well as her own material, Case’s music received worldwide attention. She has been featured on the reality program “Breaking Band” and competition show “Usher’s Megastar Talent Competition, where she won the grand prize of the competition. Her music comes from a personal, deep place and as her career is unfolding, she continues to shed light on matters like sexuality and addiction. Written By Madison Spies FOLLOW ANDIE CASE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Laura Tesoro takes listeners into the story of a fun and fleeting night-turned complex and uneven relationship with her new song “So Naive”. The lyrics bring you into the moment of first feeling an attraction, pushing intensity into the words “hunting eyes can’t see the tension, everybody kinda disappeared.” The pre-chorus continues the sense of free and in-the-moment spark, before completely flipping the script in the chorus. Listeners are made to feel just as blindsided by the lows of this new relationship as the speaker does. The pre-chorus ends on a figurative cliffhanger, with the words “never would expect that this was gonna make me feel…”. That's where the title comes in, and throughout the chorus, listeners' eyes are opened to the narrator’s being strung along in a relationship where she is not a priority. She diagnoses this partner with a fear of love, detailing the contradictions in his actions and avoidance of commitment. The song ends with some self-love for the speaker, saying “you might think of me and feel so naive.”  The tone of this song follows the journey taken in the lyrics. It starts with euphoric vocalizing and instrumentals before Laura’s vocals begin. Her voice brings a level of nostalgia to what feels like the narration of a scene through the verse. Sustained, uplifting keyboard chords gently play in the background, along with fluttering, high electronic instrumentals which add to that dream-like memory atmosphere. Her deep and entrancing vocals ascend through the pre-chorus, before percussion, slightly louder instrumentals, and Laura’s bold and emotional voice emerge through the chorus. The second verse is faster, and carries this enthralling aggression that comes through in her expressive vocals and the muted, rapid instrumental background. She belts out the bridge, and her strong voice makes you feel that emotion packed into the words, before growing gentle at the very end of the song. Laura Tesoro is a performer whose music rose to popularity in 2016, when her song “What’s The Pressure” represented Belgium in the Eurovision Song Contest. On top of being a singer and songwriter, Laura also hosts television. She has almost 150, 000 monthly listeners on Spotify, and several of her songs have had millions of streams! Three years after performing in Eurovision, her debut album “Limits”  was released. The album touched listeners with its personal exploration of self-acceptance. She participated on Season 10 of  Liefde voor Muziek , a Flemish reality TV show, where she performed a cover with Tourist LeMC . Laura has collaborated with other artists like Loic Nottet and OSKI . Check out the links below to listen to more of her music! Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW LAURA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

“Somebody Else But Me” by Francis On My Mind sends well wishes to an ex-partner, inviting them to move on. This is a resolute and kind breakup song that speaks to listeners on multiple levels. It starts with an aesthetic snapshot of the speaker’s life: “smoking alone on my best friend’s bathroom floor”. These first lyrics put an image in my head of a person taking a relieving and solitary moment to themself in a place they went to for support. The words become a direct message to the ex, explaining that the breakup gave the narrator clarity and strength. No room for confusion is left in the chorus; there is no way the speaker will backslide into the relationship again. The lyrics “you really wanna change, but just save it for another” make listeners understand that even if someone is working on themselves, you’re never obligated to be with someone or give them more chances. When you hear this song, it’s easy to understand that you can care about someone and still make the choice that is best for you. This track is freeing, progressively moving from a softer and more intimate sound to a loud, bold, and happy one. Gentle echoes of the vibrant chorus play in background vocals along with patterns of soft, rapid percussion and simple guitar picking to open the song. Then comes the verse, where the background vocals end and Francis On My Mind’s breathy, smooth voice begins. There’s something very personal about the way she glides through high notes, like she’s taking the meaning from the words and trying to let the ex down easy. Her tone cushions the lyrics with an angelic sound. The vocals bring an emotional strength and range that sound like Jess Glynne. Francis belts out the chorus as the instrumentals grow strong, fast, and excited. That same comprehensive instrumental energy pushes through the bridge as the vocals layer in a flat staccato before growing deep and expressive. “Somebody Else But Me” has such an empowering sound, it is perfect for that liberating post-breakup moment of dancing your heart out! Francis On My Mind is a contemporary pop musician from Romania with a resonant and emotional style in both her lyrics and sound. She has over 310, 000 monthly listeners on Spotify, and has captured the attention of listeners across the world from Sweden to Australia. Four years ago, she released her debut song “On My Mind”, which explored teen love and reached a global audience. She has collaborated with other artists including DOC on the song “Asasin de suflet” which premiered on Virgin Radio Romania , and Superdream and Clem Beatz on their song “The One”. Francis has also received support and praise from platforms including BBC Radio 1 . Click on the links below to enjoy Francis On My Mind’s cool and impassioned music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW FRANCIS ON MY MIND: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Laila’s new dark pop single takes listeners into that confusing time when you have labeled your relationship as “Talk”, which incidentally is the name of the song. Listeners can relate to the way this song maps out this contradictorily casual type of dating, one most of us have either experienced or witnessed through a friend. This track causes us to reflect on the things we’ve experienced and written off as normal behavior, like “he’s still texting me every day saying that he just needs space”. These lyrics make you think when they point out the hypocrisy when actions don’t align with words. With all this wondering and confusion, it’s hard to imagine why anyone would subject themselves to this but the chorus makes it all make sense. Laila sings, "if this is only talk, why does it feel so easy holding his body ‘til he falls asleep?” The words ask a question that calls so many of us out on our tendency to cling to the things that make us happy, no matter the consequences. With smooth and feminine vocals, somber piano, and some dark pop percussion, this song brings the after-hours vibes of the lyrics alive. The song begins with a minor keyboard progression and Laila’s voice gliding through the verse with a changing speed that adds emphasis and vulnerability. Percussion begins at the first  chorus and continues through the rest of the song. Near the end of the song, there’s an interlude of an electric guitar riff, matching the dark vibe of the track. It continues through the chorus until  the end of the song, making the sound even bolder as the lyrics boldly ask to define the relationship. Laila, also known as Laila Kharouba, is a Canadian musician and actress who studied theater and film at Queen’s University. Her music has played on Canadian morning shows including CTV’s Your Morning . Laila's television credits include Netflix’s show Glamorous. Laila’s song “I Only Wanna Dance With You” was featured by CBC Radio 1 . She recently played at Rivoli before Cassie Dasilva , and has played at other venues in Toronto, like The Drake Underground alongside FUNHOUSE and Vibi . Check out the links below to learn more about Laila and keep an eye out for where she’s playing next! Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW LAILA: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Emotional commitment can be incredibly scary when it comes to putting your heart on the line. Sometimes it’s easier to avoid the deeper desires and just have fun. Jaeyla released her third single “Potential Love Song” which is an upbeat pop song about needing connection but pushing away the strings that come attached. With influence from female UK bands, the track mixes the guitar, drums, pianos and synths to bring that indie pop rock sound to life. Jaeyla’s vocals and harmony stacks in the bridge bring such a unique and beautiful sound that makes the song what it is. She’s the perfect artist to check out if you’re a fan of Olivia Rodrigo, Chappell Roan or The Beaches. All the elements in this song bring a carefree vibe that is perfect to sing with friends on a late night out. Jaeyla created this song to normalize nights where all you want to do is let go. “I don’t need love to stay the night, can’t picture you with me by your side,” is the opening line that sets the tone of the song. She shares her internal thoughts on the reality of unserious hookups. In a deeper sense I think Jaeyla also realizes at times it can just be a way to escape. There’s a line that says “we all need somebody, anybody who’s falling in the long run.” That to me seemed like she has pushed back thoughts of actually finding the right person. “I only need some therapy” acknowledges she probably needs help getting her heart off a chain, but for now Jaeyla sticks to harmless diversions. “Potential Love Song” is a big mark for Jaeyla and her artistry. She said she can really feel herself starting to find her sound and confidence in her music. Jaeyla is a singer songwriter located in Berlin, navigating her path as an artist. Her first single “the devil will never hate me,” was released in 2022 followed by her debut single “ridiculous,” in 2023. Her music is her way of self expression and with each song she finds the right words to say. Jaeyla has a lot of promise as an artist and her discography will grow just as she does. Follow her social media pages down below and check out “Potential Love Song.” Written By Emylee Herring FOLLOW JAEYLA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

Lack of response and regard. It’s something many of us have, unfortunately at some point, experienced. Whether it was with a friend or a romantic partner who suddenly left without any sort of explanation or consideration for a reply, it’s something that leaves us hurt and mostly bewildered– confused as to why this person abruptly decided to cut off any sort of contact. It is particularly heartbreaking when this person served as a source of comfort. A person you once leaned on during moments of turmoil. A person who once brought you immense buoyancy and solace. At a moment like this, it’s easy to get lost in the what-ifs. It’s also imperative that we utilize this opportunity to empower ourselves and remind ourselves that for whatever reason this person had for leaving was completely out of their own plight. “No Contact” by Bruklin is a song that represents a similar situation in the form of an empowering anthem. It tells the story of heartache and yearning, where one wishes for contact– unable to forget the memories shared. With lyrics like “I thought you had the heart to tell me first” that truly add vehement intensity to the sorrow we experience when this special person has unexpectedly decided we are no longer a priority to them. Despite the lyrics being so immensely heavy, the melody carries a lighthearted and lively tune. Almost as if it’s supposed to uplift its listeners despite the story the emotive lyrics convey. Which, can serve as a purpose to the listeners, it’s a song that we can not only relate to what it’s singing about, but it is also one where we use it as a source of empowerment– it won’t keep us desolate in our unfortunate loss, but will encourage us to seek out emotional strength. Bruklin’s talents are undeniable as her euphonious voice acts as an additional instrument to the song. Her voice perfumes the song with the added emphasis it requires to truly get the message across to her listeners– to get her listeners to feel the hurtful sentiments of a no-contact situation. As someone who has experienced such a thing, it’s almost a feeling of betrayal we feel when this person, whom we were once so close to, suddenly leaves without a second thought to explain their incentives. Almost like getting the rug pulled right out from under us– we are left flummoxed beyond words at their incredulous behavior The talented artist behind such a beautifully crafted song goes by the name Bruklin who mostly resonates with genres akin to pop music. Bruklin was born in April of 2008, originally from New Jersey. This passion for entertainment began at the very young age of 11 years old when she made appearances on television shows! Her vocalist career took off at the age of 12 when she performed a cover version of the song “Belieiver” by Imagine Dragons. Now at the age of 16, Bruklin continues to explore her innate talents of artistry for music and singing, releasing songs titled “Stay Freinds” “Magic Show” and the song “No Contact”. Being so young and already showcasing her artistic talents in her music. She only seems to continue to evolve as she grows as a person and artist. Bruklin wishes to make music that resonates with people's hearts, to tell stories that words alone are unable to do. As Bruklin continues to expedite and hone her skills, I look forward to hearing more from her! Written By Rosalyn Sanchez FOLLOW BRUKLIN: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

'It's Stupid' is drenched in emotion that consumes us. As listeners, we crave a song that makes us feel something, and I can confidently say that Stephanie Meincke does just that in this song. Stephanie Meincke introduces us to some of the familiar feelings that we may experience when the sun goes down. The lyrics say, "I know it's stupid / I'm twenty-seven / But when I turn off the lights / My thoughts, they tend to get too loud." As someone who has dealt with anxiety their whole life, I've definitely found myself in this position. Even seeing the sun go down kick-starts all those unwanted thoughts and it makes the night harder. Knowing that someone else can relate to those feelings makes life less lonely. Even for those who don't experience anxiety, the song paints a realistic picture of what it looks like to live with anxiety when it says, "I'm glad you could make it / I know I forget to call / I have no excuses / I can't explain what's going on." The structure of the whole song is elegant, very laid back and quiet. There is something about the music that reminds you of a lullaby. The piano and the acoustic guitar add to that natural lullaby feel, making the song easy to listen to, sparking lots of emotions within the listener. Once we factor in Stephanie Meincke's voice it balances everything out and adds to the depth. Her voice is very smooth and soothing which helps maintain the relaxing tone of the song. Overall, this song invokes the feeling of sadness and uncertainty which comes with having and experiencing anxiety. All of the elements work together to craft this song perfectly. Stephanie Meincke is a Danish singer-songwriter. Her music blends traditional songwriting with pop. Her songs explore adulthood, mental health, and the beauty of the human experience. Stephanie Meincke gets her inspiration from artists like Tina Dickow, Lizzy McAlpine, and Maggie Rogers. Her debut single, 'It's Stupid' is setting the stage for her to be recognized as a rising star in the Danish music genre. She is set to release an EP soon titled 'Never Not Thinking.' Stephanie Meincke wrote the song 'It's Stupid' after a period of self-isolation. When asked about it, she said, "Everything just seemed so stupid, especially because on paper I should be doing great." She uses this song to remind us that it's okay to not be okay, and that even the strongest people struggle from time to time. Keep an eye out for more music by Stephanie Meincke. Written By Destiny Rundquist FOLLOW Stephanie Meincke: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook