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Their smile. Their voice. The memories you shared with them. There’s a mix of nostalgia and heartache when it comes to those who are no longer in our lives. It’s like we lose a part of ourselves when they’re gone. Providing an outlet to celebrate the people who’ve inspired us, ‘Way Up’ by Soran shows the full spectrum of sensations that come with loss. “I swear I’ll keep my head way up. I’ll keep on trying.” What wishes would that person have for us? No doubt they’d want us to keep going! This song is a message from our future selves that we WILL get through the grieving process. It’s a beautiful motivator for persistence! Soran has such an evocative voice that it stops you in your tracks! His confessional narrative is an honorable tribute to his mother, who was tragically lost. In fact, one notable thread across his music is keeping his mother’s memory alive. “You deserve the tears.” When combined with his unique concoction of alternative R&B, lo-fi and electronic sounds, the song becomes an uplifting bop that’s 10/10 relatable. The kind of intimacy he displays for his audience is legendary. Grab a box of tissues because this artist will move you in a way you’ve never experienced before! The Montreal-based half-French, half-Japanese artist grew up surrounded by his father’s instruments. A 15-second video playing guitar in his bedroom began his exponential rise on social media. A year after getting noticed on La Voix (The Voice), he released his first single ‘I Wish’ and opened for several established Canadian artists. His debut EP has garnered over 10 million streams worldwide. He has continued to achieve monumental success through hit collaborations and stellar creativity. ‘Way Up’ is his first release of 2022 and he’s currently on an L.A. tour. More great things are coming for Soran later this year so stay tuned! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW SORAN:

We've all been in love with someone that made us feel a sort of "high". But it's not always good. This person we're in love with is literally an addiction, and we don't know how to get sober from them. 'Drugs' by Anarbor explains this feeling of wanting to get away from someone but having trouble bringing yourself to do it because when you're with them, it feels so good. No matter how bad of an influence this person is, you can't seem to get away. You try to, but the longer you're away from them the worse the withdrawal gets. 'Drugs' by Anarbor is probably one of the catchiest songs I've heard so far this year. Their sound is almost classic, but with their own modern twist. The lead singer and bassist, Slade Echeverria, has such an ear-pleasing tone to his voice that makes you want to sing along with him. "I can feel all the sounds that you hear, I can taste all the words that you say when you’re looking at me". How genius are those lyrics? Anarbor had no problem relating to all of us who have experienced this type of relationship. Anarbor is a band based out of Phoenix, Arizona. Despite some changes of members throughout the years, they've been going strong since 2003. Anarbor has had many amazing opportunities such as touring in several different countries, as well as providing theme songs for quite a few TV shows. With over 1.5 million monthly listeners on Spotify, there's no doubt this band will continue to be successful. Their unique and lively sound is guaranteed to captivate you. 'Drugs' be stuck in your head from the moment you listen to it! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW ANARBOR:

What comes to mind when you think "I'm calling a love line?". Hopefully NOT the love lines one would've called in the 80's when you're lonely. 1-800-LOVELINE is this brother and sister duo's sophomore track. It starts off with a catchy beat, especially the base lines which draws one's attention almost instantaneously. Starting pop tracks with a chorus is a popular technique to use nowadays, because it serves as the hook. Brilliant! The track then follows with smooth vocals, reminding one of Lily Allen's track "Smile". I am impressed by the lead vocalist's technique as she easily glides between chest & head voice. 1-800-LOVELINE boasts a laid back retro vibe and the cover art reminds me of a scene from the 50's & 60's. This track is definitely on brand for the duo, considering their first release in 2021, Strange Kind Of Love. Apart from 1-800-LOVELINE's catchy beat, vocals and the hook, I am curious about the lyrics and the message behind the track. "Three simple words, I couldn't tell you on my own" stood out to me and I am now circling back to my first question... Is this song dedicated to a potential love interest? Someone who is scared of giving you their number? Almost experiencing the same predicament we all did in middle school (and for some of us in high school). This track was released on Valentines Day 2022, a very strategic release date I'd say considering the story of this pop track. I'd argue the lead vocalist is experiencing a moment of bravery, taking on an empowered position and giving her crush her number - you go girl, its 2022! One thing is for certain that this track has epic laid back vibes and is something you can listen to pretty much anywhere. Whether it be a coffee shop, while studying, if you're feeling 420 vibes or in a diner (btw do those still exist?). In conclusion, it's a great track. Be sure to go check the track out and follow this duo on their socials to stay up to date with any new (and epic) releases. Written By Nicholas Joubert FOLLOW THE LOVELINES:

Q: Congrats on the release of ‘Can’t Lose You”! What inspired you to write this song? Elijah: I was inspired by a time my wife and I were going through a rough patch in our marriage. In that time there were a lot of disagreements and we weren’t on the same page about anything and it led us to a point of not knowing where each other stood in the marriage. So I wrote this song as a profession of my love for her and our daughter. Wanting them to know that regardless of hardships, the long hours at work or how crazy times may get. I wouldn’t trade their love for anything in this world and that’s what “Can’t Lose You” is all about. Q: What first got you into music? Elijah: I began making music in 2010. My first song was recorded in my friend's living room and I only sang the hook that he’d already pre-written. From there I began dabbling into music, understanding how to write songs and develop my lyricism and I tried different genre styles while doing so. I didn’t really discover my sound up until late 2019 and from there I began to identify what represents the type of artist I’m wanting to be. I really didn’t begin to take the music seriously until 2019 after my mom passed. It was all I could really go to and truly express my feelings and thoughts. From there, what turned into music as a therapeutic outlet, I realized that I have the potential to take things further and that’s when I decided to really put the work in and go all out. Q: What would you say is your favorite song of your own? You can only pick one! Elijah: As of right now I’d have to say my favorite song is “Need Me”. It’s my favorite song to perform no matter how big or little the crowd. I love all of my songs, but that song I can really feel it and I see other people feel it too. Q: If you could open a show for any artist, who would you pick and why? Elijah: If I could open up for any artist, it would be Drake. I’m a huge fan of his music and he has a diverse audience that’s there for a little bit of everything musically and I believe that my music would be a great mix with his for the type of audience that would be in attendance. Q: If you weren’t pursuing music, what do you think you’d be doing right now? Elijah: If I wasn’t pursuing music, I’d probably be doing a talk show or consulting. Q: What’s coming next from you? We can’t wait to hear more! Elijah: I have more music on the way and more visuals alongside the music. I’m also going to be performing outside of North Carolina more this year, I have shows set up around other parts of the country. This year you will be hearing more and seeing more of Elijah Rosario. I’m really excited about the new music that I have on the way, the type of music that I’m preparing to release is beautiful and I can’t wait to share it! Written By Sarah Curry FOLLOW ELIJAH:

Isn't it interesting that two people never perceive an image in the exact same way? From optical illusions to daydreams, perspective is quite the phenomenon. What one person may see as attractive may elicit disgust from someone else. The fickle love story is no different. ‘Closer’ by Phe R.E.D.S regally captures the ebb and flow of a blossoming relationship. Its blend of conflicting emotions and dazzling ambiance will have you exploring different sides of yourself. It shows that no matter your past experiences, you can find love again! The savory hooks of the song stem from the conversational tone of the lyrics. Phe R.E.D.S offers the compelling narrative of a cautious, guarded individual who's been heartbroken before. Meanwhile, featured artist Catch24’s persona is encouraging him to open up and take the leap of faith with her. The pair's vocals embody a luscious, seductive tone that reels you in like a fishing line. The surreal atmosphere of R&B-infused synths transports you to the love dimension, where time slows down. It’s a romantic getaway in song form! Leng Phe (alias Phe R.E.D.S) is one of the most recent Seattle musicians to gain international acclaim. His stage name combines his last name with the acronym “Remember Every Dream Stolen.” It pays homage to his family, who were refugees from Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge. He's a well-known break-dancer (or b-boy) for AOM and a licensed private pilot. Through the former, the Cambodian-American artist was discovered and signed to independent record label H1GHR MUSIC. Having racked up 2.9 million streams over the last year alone, he's a rapidly rising R&B icon! ‘Closer’ marks the start of a new chapter and leads up to a larger project coming later this year! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW PHE R.E.D.S:

Burdens. Physical, emotional, invisible. There are times when we refuse to express certain worries and concerns to others. We often hide behind nonexistent curtains to mask the severity of our injuries. ‘Heavy’ by Soham reveals the weights that the universe seems to place on us. “I keep telling myself it gets better, but the weight’s too heavy to carry.” As an ode to mental health, this song is a green light to open up about our struggles. Our loved ones may not understand everything we’re going through, but even if all we ask them to do is simply listen to our soliloquy, they’ll no doubt understand and want to help! The soft strums of acoustic guitar blend well with Soham’s vulnerable, soft-spoken vocals. They create a sort of safe space where you can let your guard down and express yourself honestly. It’s clear that Soham wants people to feel comfortable speaking their minds! A somber orchestra ascends above the lyrics to encourage us to hold on to the hope of a better tomorrow! We’re not going to stay trapped in a swirling vortex forever. It’s a beautiful reminder that others out there are confronting similar circumstances and that you don’t have to fight back alone! Soham is a proud queer indie artist who’s self-taught, candid writing style creates a safe space for him and his audience. He started composing music as an expression of his feelings, conversations, and experiences. Focusing on mental health and the youth, his soothing voice brings a soulful relatability to his work. ‘Heavy’ is Soham’s debut single, and it’s filled with comforting gestures that really speak to your emotions. His awe-inspiring passion for his creations truly goes above and beyond! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW SOHAM:

Q: I can’t get “You Couldn’t Get Enough’ out of my head since I first listened! What is the story behind this song? Cupid GIrl: I’m so happy that you like the song. You couldn’t get enough is one of the most personal songs I’ve written so far. The story revolves around a triangle drama, digging into the feeling of not being good enough due to mixed signals from one's love interest. You start looking for problems within yourself instead of questioning the situation. I’m trying to express these toxic vibes that exist within the relationship. It’s a betrayal and a heartbreak at once. The perfect Valentine song, haha! Q: How would you describe your unique sound? Cupid GIrl: I’m really obsessed with indie music, 80’s sounds, funk, rock and pop. The mixture between the retro and the modern. You can hear all of that in my music. I also love when music sounds carefree, so a lot of my music sounds happy and has a dreamy vibe. For the lyrics I like to dig deep, which may come across as a contrast to the instrumental. I really like that contradiction. I also love instrumental parts and think that it’s important to make the instrumental parts just as catchy as the vocals. To sum it up - my sound is for dancing, just without the happy lyrics. Q: What made you want to learn how to play the guitar? Cupid GIrl: It was actually super random, but I’m so happy it happened because I don’t think I would have had the patience to learn it later in my life. My mother told me that I came up to her when I was about 6 years old and said that I wanted to learn the guitar, just like that. Then she asked me if I had the money to buy one, I said yes and showed her all the money I had saved in my piggybank. We went to a music shop the same day and I haven’t let go of the guitar since. I learned fast and after teaching myself for many years, I took some classes here and there. Felt like faith I guess. Q: Who would you say are some of your biggest music influences? Cupid GIrl: I find new influences on a daily basis, so all kinds of indie music really. Currently, some of my favorites are: Mac Demarco, snail mail, blood orange, Mitski, Michael Jackson, Talking Heads, The Smiths, etc. I can go on forever, because there can be really small things that catch my attention and inspire me! Q: Besides your own, what is your favorite song to sing? Cupid GIrl: Well, this also varies daily and also depends on the mood and location. The song I choose depends on whether I’m drunk and shouting on the dance floor, or singing in the shower - or just like me alone in my bedroom with the guitar. At the latest parties I have played ‘Ben Franklin’ by Snail Mail a lot. In the shower I like to pretend I’m an opera singer or Adele, you know, the big songs because of the acoustics in the bathroom. Alone in my bedroom I like to sing and play ´Lover Please Stay´ by Nothing But Thieves. Q: What are your future plans for your musical journey? I can't wait to hear more from you! Cupid GIrl: Thank you! My future plans are to keep on writing and releasing music. On February 28th I’ll be releasing a music video for you couldn’t get enough, which I’m really excited about. Also, my third single Blue Monday will be out on 18th of March and my debut EP the 29th of April! I’m already working on my next EP as well. Feels like I’m on track and ready to take on the scene! Written By Sarah Curry FOLLOW CUPID GIRL:

We all have that one person we’d do anything for. But ask yourself: are they giving you the same level of commitment? Or are they simply giving you the bare minimum? Our personal autonomy is one of the strongest forces we have control of. If the other person is causing you to degrade your worth and do things you regret, dump them! “I’m killing the versions of myself that used to love you; I don’t want to be your trophy wife no more.” In her new single ‘Better Dead’, Hendri urges us to assess our reasons for staying in our relationships. It's better to leave than to stay in toxic situations. Why stay with someone who treats you like an object when you can treat yourself 100 times better? The most important factor to consider is how the other person affects your actions. “Is this who you want to be?” You’ll be finger-tapping with the powerful drums as you instantly resonate with this diss track. Mistreatment is not an option. Hendri soulful, rockstar voice lives in the low notes as you take these matters into your own hands. Even if you’ve never been in a relationship, the lyrical electric guitar attracts Hendri’s catchy message and pulls you into the world of breakups. It's a magnetic masterpiece that’ll have you jamming in no time! Hendri is the brainchild of singer-songwriter Lauren Gerrish. The east coast transplant explores love and Los Angeles through her poignant lyricism and keen pop sensibilities. Together with producer Classy Williams, her work blends pop, acoustic rock and R&B with elements of funk and modern production. As a result, her style is a fresh take on the effortless nostalgia of 1970s California culture. She’s the ultimate feel-good artist! Who knows where her career will take her next! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW HENDRI:

Take that risk! There’s that uncomfortable feeling that comes with wanting to ask out your crush. You don’t want to get rejected, but you also don’t want to lead them on. Win over their hearts like ‘Time’ by Ray Marcus tells us to do! The challenge is keeping your composure while saying your piece. Confessing your love without hesitation is the boldest move you can make. When you dismiss your fears, you'll be showcasing the best side of yourself. Not only will you stand out, but that will surely increase your odds of getting with them! A humble piano intro sets the romantic vibes that guide the message of love. “I think it’s time I make you mine; you look so fine, won’t you be mine?” With an alluring, confident voice, Marcus never misses a beat! The contrast arising between silky guitar and prominent synths mimics the intricacies of loving someone wholeheartedly. There’s a pristine R&B feel that’s energized by both trap beats and rap-influenced vocals. Containing perfectly timed switch ups in performance, Marcus gets an A+ in all categories! Raised in Philadelphia, Ray Marcus grew up singing in church but he didn’t feel like he had a true gift. His real calling for music came during a 2015 stint in jail. With not much to do, he tried writing music and performed for his cellmate. Soon he received feedback and support from his entire cellblock. Years later, he’s become a full-fledged singer and rapper known for his soulful R&B sound. His influences include Chris Brown, Tory Lanez and Ne-Yo. His heartwarming story proves that artists can come from anywhere! Look out for him on stage soon! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW RAY:

Q: I love the vibe of “Divine Timing”! What is the story behind this track? Bakes: The meaning of Divine Timing is that everything in life happens exactly when it’s supposed to. The song itself is about the different synchronicities in life and believing that this is all meant to be. I’ve been manifesting my dream, and my vision is coming to fruition. Q: How did you get your start in music? Bakes: I was always into music more than the average person, but I didn’t start making it until I was in college. I began writing and recording songs but truly wanted to be more of an artist’s manager or work behind the scenes in the music industry at first. As I kept improving my artistry and following my intuition, I grew into the artist I am today. Q: Who are your biggest music influences? Bakes: Early in life, my mom was my biggest music influence because she loves good music and played guitar herself. She encouraged me to play saxophone in jazz band in middle school and has always been nothing but supportive of my artist journey. Musically, I’m influenced by a bunch of hip-hop artists and other genres as well. Generally, my favorite rappers are lyrical, witty, positive, and fresh with fashion. Q: If you could pick any artist to collab with, who would you pick and why? Bakes: I would love to work with Big Sean because he’s been one of my favorite rappers for years. He checks all the boxes as far as lyricism, songwriting, flows, positive mindset and messaging, and being fashion-forward. It would also be an honor to work with Nas, Royce da 5’9”, and Wiz Khalifa, to name a few. Q: What was one of your favorite moments from filming the music video for “Divine Timing”? Bakes: We filmed it in a big studio loft, so it was fun utilizing the different areas and camera angles for the cinematic tricks. It was also an exciting video to shoot because everyone I had played the song for loved it, so I knew it would have big energy behind it. Q: What can we expect next from you? We can’t wait for more! Bakes: I just released the official music videos for my songs “My Opinion” and “For a Long Time”, and am currently writing my next album. I also have two collaborations with Young Smoke Lee coming up: a new song called “This Ain’t That” and a music video for our song “Organic”. Definitely lots of great new music on the way! Written By Sarah Curry FOLLOW BAKES:

The events of the past couple years have really affected us, but 'New Day Coming' by Bjorn Rydhog reminds us that no matter what we go through, we have the power to better the future and bring ourselves back to who we used to be. "Love can end this war". We have to take care of each other as people of this Earth. We can't let bad things set us back! Take a step back, and then take 3 steps forward. That's the kind of mindset we need to put ourselves in. Let's celebrate humanity and take control of our happiness. 'New Day Coming' has raw and real vocals that captivate you. Bjorn sings in a way as if he's directly speaking to you; like he's having a conversation with you; like he's your best friend and he's trying to cheer you up when you're sad. The soft and bright synths give you a sense of peace and comfort, almost like you're falling into a dream. If you've had a bad day, listening to 'New Day Coming' is guaranteed pick-me-up. Bjorn created this song with the intention to make people feel good, and that's exactly what he accomplished. Bjorn Rydhog is an indie songwriter from Sweden. He describes his music as "uplifting, wonderous pieces; fun, smile-inducing music that connects on a deeper level". Bjorn has developed his sound over time, currently focusing on electronic, retro and Swedish pop inspired themes. Bjorn collaborated on this song with co-writer Olof Grahamn and producer Johan Sigerud, as well as a few other songs such as 'Just to be with You', 'I Don't Wanna Be Alone' and 'Let's Not Get Old'. Check out Bjorn Rydhog if you're having a bad day! He's guaranteed to lift your spirits. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW BJORN:

Let's face it, we've all tried to be someone we're not. We all want to look like this perfect person who has a perfect life. But behind our TikTok videos and filtered Instagram photos, we all have struggles to face. In Amy Lensson's 'Don't Care' is a realization that perfect is impossible, and we should just live our lives as who we are. "Wanted you to see inside my fabricated paradise, nothing's ever gonna be enough." 'Don't Care' is asking us what would life be like if we didn't care how other people see us? "What if we lived like we don't care?". Wouldn't it be a perfect world if what other's thought of us, didn't matter? The moral of this song is to be yourself! Everyone has issues, what's the point of hiding who you really are inside? We push ourselves way too hard. What others may see as a success, we may see as a failure. The fact of matter is, no one is perfect and we shouldn't have to push ourselves to be something more. Amy's lyricism in this song couldn't get any more relatable. Not only that, but they are delivered so well with Amy's soft and smooth vocal tone. Amy really puts us in her shoes as someone who is battling themselves inside about the best way to live their life. Amy's vocals paired with an ear-pleasing guitar and incredibly catchy beat, this song is bound to captivate anyone who listens to it. Amy is a pop singer/songwriter from Israel. She uses music as her outlet for her inner demons. She takes experiences she's had and turns them into a musical masterpiece. Just like her debut single 'Euphoria', 'Don't Care' has managed to pass over 100,000 total streams and has caught the attention of many young music lovers. We're looking forward to seeing what's next in her musical journey! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW AMY: