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Q: We are obsessed with “Kool”! What inspired you to write this song? Tonty: Thank you! It's one of my favorites too! The song is inspired by the feeling of going through life trying to pretend you're okay or your "kool," when really you just want to be with that person you have real feelings for and everything reminds you of them. When I have a crush - and yes, grown people still get crushes - I try to act like I'm cool or chill, but really I think about them a lot! It's supposed to be cute and fun. The track is produced by VSHY, and it gives me early Mariah Carey or 80's Whitney's vibes! Q: Can you tell us a bit about your songwriting process? Tonty: Well, my songwriting process is very organic. What that means is: sometimes I start with a beat, sometimes I start with just lyrics. I try to do whatever my heart is feeling. My lyrics are always inspired by my own experiences, and I hope others can relate. Lately, I've been trying to write songs that speak to other things besides love or longing, like: mental health, or wanting to be an artist but feeling unnoticed, or even going out and being young. Q: What role did music play in your life growing up? Tonty: The BIGGEST role. I have been singing since I was old enough to make noises haha! My mom wanted me to be in medicine, but I've always just wanted to be where the music is. Music is not just my escape, it's my gateway to expressing who I really am. When I sing, when I perform, when I write music - that's the real me. Everything else outside of that feels like a mask. Q: If you were an album, what album would you be and why? Tonty: Oooooh, that's a really hard question. I'd say I'm either thank you, next or positions by Ariana Grande. Her and her co-writers always seem to write lyrics that make me think "Damn, they're talking about me." I can be sexy, I can be clingy, I can be a little mean, I want to be alone sometimes (a lot), I can be loving and giving, but above all I am so so grateful for every opportunity that comes my way. I accept the things that have happened so far in my life, learn from them, and am moving forward loving myself and choosing my happiness. Q: If you could collaborate with any artist in the world, who would you pick and why? Tonty: I would, of course, love to collaborate with Beyoncé - her work ethic is...ridiculous and I could only hope to be as hard-working as she is. I also really want to work with Cardi B. She's so unapologetic - I need more of that in my life - and I have loved exploring my rapping skills lol. Q: What can we expect next from you? Tonty: With luck, blessings, and faith you can expect me to be putting out more music and becoming one of the biggest names in the music industry. I don't say that to be cocky or over-confident - it REALLY is my goal! Haha I don't believe in half measures. Being good isn't good enough. I want to be the best, work with the best, learn from the best, and eventually be a part of teaching the next generation of the best. I plan on earning that right as soon as I get my big chance! Written By Sarah Curry FOLLOW TONTY:

The next dance-worthy single is here! ‘Fahrenheit 104’ by AXLS takes you on an irresistible trip to party town as you revel in the ecstasy of the night. With the hustle-and-bustle of working life, weekend “breaks” are like recharging your batteries to 50%. Occasional celebration is a great way to unwind and create enjoyment in your spare time. All you have to bring is yourself. Your brain will thank you for this dopamine hit of a song! Otherworldly and imaginative, the strong use of layered synths is a hype train of energy that never stops building. The dreamy melody line cuts through the reality shifting and fully immerses your character in a new dimension! As you party on, disco-like rhythms mimic a youthful vigor that’ll make you “dive in headfirst...keep movin’ and groovin’.” Catchy lyrics invite you to forget your stagnant days and live in your best moments. Unexpectedly exquisite vocals, especially in the 2nd chorus, will grant you the gift of invincibility! Dreamy female vocals and low-slung bass characterize just a couple of qualities AXLS emphasizes in their music. The trio got their start in 2018 in Newcastle Upon Tyne. From there, they released their debut album ‘First Contact’, a story of a young girl's resistance after Earth’s first encounter with an extraterrestrial race goes awry. It made a splash by revolutionizing the idea of concept albums in terms of electronic music. Taking influence from electronic artists like Nero and Grimes, as well as pop idols like Dua Lipa and Lady Gaga, the sound of AXLS is truly addictive! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW AXLS:

Q: Congratulations on the release of ‘Science’! What inspired you to write this song? NATA: I'm obsessed with Friends! (the tv show) and of course a sucker for quirky love songs. There's a main character in the show called Phoebe who falls in love with a scientist, David and I found that if I explore that concept and turn it into a ballad, science can convey quite strong symbolism. Q: Can you share a bit about your songwriting process? NATA: This was an extremely unusual process for me. I feel like this song generally has been living in the back of my head for a while and all I needed was a trigger or a character to develop, but when it all came together the song was done in about 20 min. The first line I penned was "Cause it's not the kind of science you're used to" and it's been in my phone for weeks. I like to think of my songwriting as quite detailed so I always need a character or a story to work off. This song is literally a collection of them. It's like that fridge "put the words together" game. Various lines depicted from various stories that created one whole. I also wanted to keep that sense of a chaotic search for character alive in the finished process, so the amazing Lily Be who did the artwork helped bring that to life. Another pitch I like to use for this track is "If The Scientist by Coldplay was written & performed by a woman in 2022". Q: If you could have dinner with any artist, dead or alive, who would you pick and why? You can only pick one! NATA: It would have to be Taylor Swift FOR SURE. My taste in music and influences as an artist don't necessarily match and Taylor Swift happens the common denominator between the two. Q: What made you want to start pursuing music? NATA: I started playing piano when I was 4, followed by guitar as a way to rebel against classical piano. I actually didn't realise how valuable and important piano was in my life until I was in my late teens. If someone would've told me I'd make a career out of it I'd laugh in their face (in a nice way) lol. I'm amongst the kind of musicians who had everything happen as a snowball effect. Q: Who are some of your biggest music influences? NATA: One of the most genre-diverse lists you've probably ever come across! Since I had so many cultural shifts up till now it's all impacted me as an artist. Earlier influences include (as previously mentioned) Taylor Swift, as well as other pop songstresses like Pink. Regina Spektor is always a big one too. On top of that I picked up songwriting techniques from Radiohead and Paramore. Growing up in Moldova, Russian folk music has wired my brain earlier on. Having done musical theatre as a teenager definitely added to that and impacted the way I write my melodies with added melodrama and spoken word flow. Q: If you could talk to your younger self, what advice would you give them? NATA: This would apply on both a personal and professional basis - stop trying to please everyone. Written By Sarah Curry FOLLOW NATA:

Q: Congratulations on the release of ‘November !’! What was the inspiration behind this track? Gauri: Thank you so much I am glad I was finally able to release this song. This all is very special to me since I am able to come out as a bisexual being through this song. Basically I got my heart broken by a girl and I never knew loving same gender could be such a perfect balance of happiness and sadness, dealing with my own emotions and suppressing them for a long time and at the same time having the best experience of making memories with person I'd see my lover and a best friend in has inspired me to write November!. If I could turn back time I'd definitely work out with my own emotions and I'd be more free that's the message of the whole song. But again love is a balance of holding on and letting go, so the same applies here too. Q: When did you know you wanted to pursue music? Gauri: Music has always been a part of me since I was a kid, however due to external circumstances I wasn't quite sure about music till I turned 13. I have been doing different kinds of jobs and education completely off of the topic of music and then I realised this is not something my heart beats for. By the time I turned 18 I became absolutely sure music is something I wish to do for the rest of my life because it gives me purpose and I never get tired of it. So yes right now I am pursuing music the way music has been pursuing me and will continue to do . Q: Who are some of your biggest influences? Gauri: They have changed according to the time and age to be honest. As of now they're George Harrison, Roger Waters, Jimmy Hendrix and Janis Joplin. I love these guys very much and they've been influencing me to write songs which have deeper meanings and melodies. Q: If you could swap bodies with any artist for a day, who would you pick and why? Gauri: If I could do that I think it'd be Jacob Collier. Amazing artist, I feel he can make the notes speak through any instrument. The talent he holds for arrangements and orchestral music is absolutely beyond this world, I'd definitely grasp all his knowledge and be more musical and friendly with notes and overall music theory. Q: What impact has music had on your life? Gauri: Music has taught me to be the real me. Allowing myself to feel any kind of emotions and releasing them with a proper guidance of music. Moreover, I have a different playlist for any kinds of events I create for myself in my day to day life whether it's feeling of love, frustration, motivation, having fun, dancing and all kinds of stuff we do. So for each event music has to be there, it's like my mental therapy and my meditation centre where I become nothing yet everything. It helps me transcend duality and become one with everything and shows me what oneness is like. Q: What can we expect next from you? Gauri: I have plans of releasing songs each month, and every song will be having different concepts of stories and mainly focusing on inner growth and becoming an empath, getting out of the matrix and getting to know who we really are if we go deeper in search of our soul. So I am super excited to see how people will be grasping my songs with each release each month. I personally learnt a lot while writing them and so will the listeners I believe. Written By Sarah Curry FOLLOW GAURI:

Have you ever felt out of place and don’t know where you belong? There’s a song called ‘4Walls’ by Kelly Floyd that I think would be perfect for you! It’s about searching for stability, both physically and emotionally. It also recalls important lessons that the artist learned through moving around frequently in a short time. “Kept the tears to myself...nothing pans out like they say.” Unexpected changes can leave you feeling lost, but you’re not alone! This song is like a warm embrace that validates any loneliness and bewilderment you may feel! “In 2009 they taught me about lines that some people don’t wanna connect; then 2020 turns and whole world learns that nobody can make it alone.” The verses are quick autobiographical snapshots, beautifully captured at just the right moment. Floyd’s luscious, hypnotic voice has an invigorating energy that’s only strengthened by the accompanying bass guitar and drums. Soft vocal harmonies in the bridge gently nudge us toward self-acceptance by unpacking the past. It’s absolutely enchanting! Kelly Floyd’s independent artistry stems from her love of journaling. At age 8, she kept journals that contained drawings with a few words written below to help capture a specific moment in time. At one point, she realized that the entries needed to come off the page. That’s when she began using her love of storytelling to create music. By turning journal entries into songs, she’s found a ravishing way of turning confusing times of change into strength. ‘4Walls’ is only Kelly Floyd’s second single and she’s already mastered her style of writing! Expect even greater things from this marvelous artist! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW KELLY:

Is someone leading you on? Are you stuck in a pattern that’s hindering your progress? When unhealthy situations wreak havoc, we may feel an inability to enact positive changes. ‘Let Me Go’ by Fior contemplates the idea of breaking cycles to create freedom through the story of a one-sided romance. “That distant love wasn’t used to a thing; gave me a reason to think I’m insane.” If they can’t fully commit to you, then why stay? Release the people and habits that restrict your voice or cause you to self-deprecate! Don’t let them weigh you down! A heavy-hitting bass amplifies classic trap beats and spices up the textural backdrop. Fior’s voice embodies a deep, raspy tone that masterfully blends strength and intimacy. “It’s pointless cuz you wouldn’t care, you wouldn’t hear me; nothing’s the same, why won’t you let me go?” The storytelling hits home! The first chorus is more subdued with the artist’s soulful low register beautifully placed front and center, but the second chorus is like a colorful bombshell going off! This canvas painting gets completed with a pop-infused melody that defies expectations in the best way possible! Zoe Fioravanti, known by her stage name Fior (meaning “flower” and “truth”), learned to play piano by ear at just 8 years old. As a teen, she embraced songwriting and began honing her music production skills. Her music features a wonderfully eclectic sound surrounded by a symphony of flavors and textures. Her self-taught style takes influence from artists like Stevie Nicks, Amy Winehouse, and Adele. Her lyrics encourage listeners to find power in vulnerability. ‘Let Me Go’ is Fior’s debut single. Her second single ‘Overdose’ is coming this Spring, followed by her full-length debut album! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW FIOR:

Q: I have had ‘Friends to Lovers’ on repeat since I first listened! Can you share the story behind this song? Melina: Throughout high school I had several experiences dating people who denied having interest in their girl best friend, only to find out after the relationship that they lied. I wrote this song from the perspective of the insecurity and anger I felt during and following these dramatic situations. It felt really freeing to finally be able to share my experience sonically and lyrically! Q: You have an incredible way of telling a story with a theatrical vibe in your music. What inspired this unique sound? Melina: Thank you!! I'm a total theatre kid and have been since I saw the musical Wicked when I was little! I wrote my first song for a Write-Your-Own-Musical Summer Program at The Real School of Music when I was around 10 years old, and that sparked me into expressing my emotions through songwriting. I continued acting and doing musical theatre through high school, and have always been super influenced by artists/groups like Sara Bareilles, ABBA (Mamma Mia the musical is iconic), The Killers, and Paramore. It has been so exciting to see people resonate with my sound! :) Q: If you could collaborate with any artist in the world, who would you pick and why? Melina: Abigail Barlow! Not only is she a creative pop icon who found her stride in the industry through promoting via Tik Tok, but she also writes musical theatre songs. Her duo with Emily Bear, Barlow & Bear, wrote the entirety of the Grammy-nominated The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical and took the theatre scene by storm! I also love her modern approach to marketing and how driven she is. It would be a dream to write with her one day. Q: What is one of your favorite memories from studying at Belmont University? Melina: I am super grateful to be a Belmont University Grammy U Campus Ambassador, and through this connection with Nicole Lewis I was able to be a part of the RedBull SoundClash: Bren Joy vs Jake Wesley Rogers Street Team. Getting to attend the exclusive Q&A with the Belmont Alum artists as well as cheer them on from the front row of Marathon Music Works was an experience I will cherish forever. Me and my best friends all went together and sang the lyrics at the top of our lungs! Q: What are some of your favorite spots to go in Nashville? Melina: I work at Song Suffragettes as a Social Media Manager Intern and through this experience The Listening Room Cafe has become like a second home to me. I love getting to support female country artists weekly and work with a team of empowering women. In terms of food spots in Nashville, I absolutely LOVE Nicoletto's house-made pasta on 21st. Bartaco is also a must, my roommates and I go at least once a week because it's just that good. Q: Do you have any advice to any artists just starting out? Melina: Be intentional in taking care of yourself throughout the process of releasing/posting music. Opening your heart to the world can bring out so many different emotions and all of them are valid! You decide what you share, who you share with, and when you share on your own clock. Surround yourself with those you love and follow what feels right to you. <3 Written By Sarah Curry FOLLOW MELINA:

Ever thought of spontaneously leaving everything behind and starting over? Indulge in your freedom with ‘Run With Me’ by Dani Doucette. Taking risks is often necessary for personal growth, but that’s easier said than done. “If you wanna be with me then you gotta run with me; when I think that I know you, you’re changing it up like a storm in my gut.” When it comes to relationships, flip the perspective by challenging other people to meet you at your energy level. Move on from those who push your boundaries, don’t reciprocate your efforts or hold you back from becoming the best version of yourself. No regrets! Doucette’s ethereal voice is simply bubbling with enthusiasm. Her cheery, conversational tone is like marshmallow fluff...it’s sweet and coats the song with a silky-smooth finish. “We go off like a loaded gun, this madness has always been us; we can’t get enough, still loving and leaving the ones that we love.” The second verse alone elicits high praise for Doucette’s writing style, containing a mixture of descriptive experiences and very real ideas on love. Warm synthesizers and marvelous layering give this song a fulfilling electropop feel that’s guaranteed to unleash the freedom within! Dani Doucette is a Pop/R&B artist from Toronto, Canada who’s recently hit her stride in the music industry. She’s been songwriting since she was 6 years old and has learned much about her artistry since then. She likes to experiment with different styles without being confined to one genre. Her influences include artists like Dua Lipa, Halsey and Leona Lewis. ‘Run With Me’ is Doucette’s first single off her debut EP of the same name. With themes like transparency and finding your way, each song is a story that immerses the listener in the entrancing “Daniverse.” Go check it out! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW DANI:

Q: Congratulations on your new single ‘Body’! What inspired you to write this song? Jenna: I wrote the single Body based on body positivity and how you don’t need a man or anyone to be confident in your own body and skin. I wanted to give a message in this song to my fans that it’s okay to feel the type of way not to feel confident but it’s a process of personal growth to gain confidence and acceptance to love your body and yourself. My music video for Body is available now on my YouTube channel Q: Can you share the impact music has had on your life? Jenna: Music has been a huge impact of my life and I was 8 years old when I first started singing. I didn’t start taking voice lessons when I was 13 years of age. I’ve been taking voice lessons ever since then to grow and evolve as a recording artist. I’m currently making my second album with a documentary as an independent artist and my debut album Jenna is available now. Q: It’s incredibly inspirational how you use your music to send positive messages to your fans! If there was one message you want people to take away from your music, what would it be? Jenna: If I could give one message to my fans and take away from my music is to feel inspired and don’t give up on your dreams. I feel every artist gives this message to their fans but my other message is that social media can harm your mental health and your beautiful and worthy just the way you are. Don’t let social media ruin your happiness and your life because it is only hurting you mentally to be perfect. Q: If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, which one would you pick and why? Jenna: That is a tough question! I know every song that is played on the radio haha! But this is a difficult question to pick just one! I would say Heart Attack by Demi Lovato. My favorite album of 2021 is Demi’s seventh studio album, Dancing with the Devil…The Art of Starting Over which my new album is inspired by. Q: Who would be included in your dream collaboration? Jenna: Honestly, Demi Lovato. They are so talented. They seem so sweet and kind to their loved ones and their fans so I honestly would love to collaborate with Demi Lovato. Q: What can we expect from your debut album coming out this upcoming May? We’re so excited to hear it! Jenna: I’m starting to work with a new producer Steve Venticinique and my current producer Donnie Klang on vocal and music production on the new album with both producers. The album is inspired by Demi’s album Dancing with The Devil…The Art of Starting Over with my own experiences and my story about mental health and love story. I am calling the album I Am Jenna…Dancing with the Dark which is based on the devil that is haunting me at night in disguise as the dark. The lyrics are so meaningful. My new single “Anyone” is coming in February too. I’m so excited for the world to hear my new record and see my upcoming documentary I am filming and editing. Written By Sarah Curry FOLLOW JENNA:

Self-worth. Pattern-breaking. Shadow work. Trauma itself has become a frequent topic of discussion, but what about healing from the painful wounds it creates? ‘Sunny Day After a Storm’ by Tripoli dives into the destabilizing effects of trauma and the realities of mental health after the incident occurs. “That shook me to my core; most my wounds have healed, but not those in my soul.” While we can’t completely eliminate trauma, we can learn to embrace it and love ourselves again. Continuing to press forward shows how resilient and powerful you are. For anyone struggling right now, I’m SO proud of you! Give yourself some credit! Before the vocals come in, dissonances in the guitar chords brilliantly foreshadow the complexity of the subject discussed in the lyrics. “So much I could say but can’t work out a word.” This kind of mental marksmanship magnificently illustrates trauma responses like freezing and people-pleasing. The vulnerable, angelic harmonies of vocalists Misha and Jæk show that you can find the beauty within without having to search for external validation. An airy synth underscores the acoustic melody with an aura of serenity. Tripoli is a five-piece, female-fronted band formed in Mexico City by Misha (vocals), Jæk (vocals), Javier (bass), and Crotter (drums/guitar). Founded in 2017, the group takes inspiration from artists like Pink Floyd, Porcupine Tree, and Rush. Their first album was released in 2018, which discussed themes like war and obsession. Recently, they collaborated to write three new songs dedicated to those who have struggled during the pandemic. ‘Sunny Day After a Storm’ is the second song in this trio of heartfelt pieces to be released. It has been confirmed that more material is coming soon! Go give this amazing band some love! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW TRIPOLI:

Q: ‘Bipolar Love, Pt. 2’ is such a powerful song! What inspired you to write a sequel of your 2016 single? Justin: It was winter of 2019 and I had just moved to New York City. I was really missing my family back home in Alabama and was just feeling lonely. I believe it’s crazy how lonely you can feel in a city of almost 9 million people. My love life was non-existent and the people I am closest to in the city, were never able to hang out with me due to our busy schedules. In relationships, I’m usually the guy that gets “friend-zoned,” because the other person feels like they’ve found greener grass somewhere else. Yet, they never fail to come running back when that other relationship doesn’t work out. That’s what “Bipolar Love” is all about; people not being able to make up their minds about relationships. I think that is something so many people can relate to. Q: Can you share a bit about your songwriting process? Justin: Usually it starts with an idea that I record on my phone with the voice memo app. Once I’m near a piano, I start to figure out what chords I want under my melody and the backup vocals I’d like as well. I update my voice memos with a rough draft of the song on piano and take it to my next studio session with my producer Mario Butler and we get to work. I throw him Ideas, he throws me sounds and vice versa. We usually get a vibe for a song, listen to reference tracks with those same vibes and just create. I love discovering new sounds and song structures because if it is interesting to me, I believe it will be interesting to other listeners too. Q: How did you get your start in music? Justin: Well, I started singing at the age of 3 and playing piano around 4, so once I got to the age that I could write my own music, it kind of came to me naturally. When I was younger, my parents drove me to auditions for local plays and talent shows where the judges would always tell them I “really had something.” So, they took me to a cattle call for this nationally acclaimed talent convention, and the industry kind of snatched me up. Next thing you know, I’m living in New York with my mother going to audition after audition as a child. My first two gigs I booked were national commercials, which was a huge deal. My parents really sacrificed a lot for my career at a young age and sometimes I reflect on that, which adds more fuel to my fire and drives my passion to be successful in the entertainment industry. Q: How has moving to NYC influenced your music and career so far? Justin: Well, it inspired this beautiful song that is coming out January 28th, but I believe there is so much inspiration in NYC. Everyone is hustling to achieve their dreams and you meet so many amazing people! I have so many new friends in NYC I’m sure I’ll collaborate with sometime soon. So, the impact has been unbelievable. Q: What was it like performing with Lizzo in Atlanta? That must have been an amazing experience! Justin: It was a dream! Many people don’t ask about that experience, but the way it happened was nothing short of magic. I was in a crowd of over ten-thousand people. Lizzo asked the crowd, “What should I sing next?” and I immediately started singing her song “Good As Hell.” The people around me were so surprised by my voice that they started getting silent. It was just me singing my heart out to Lizzo from the crowd. She immediately said, “Get him up here!” We then performed the full song together on stage and it was one of the most magical moments of my life. She would later post about me on her Instagram and talk about some struggles she was going through that day I had no idea about. I go back and read it on days when I need motivation myself. We really blessed each other that day and I thank God for using us as vessels in each other’s lives. It’s something I will never forget! Q: What do we have to look forward to from you? Justin: There is an Album coming, but I don’t want to talk too much about it as of now. I will tell you the project is called “Broke, Not Broken.” It tells the story of my life in New York and through lockdown. I decided to use my music as therapy and that’s what people can expect to hear this summer. Until then, people can go to justinolivermusic.net and see where my upcoming live shows will be around the country. Written By Sarah Curry FOLLOW JUSTIN:

“I buried my heart in empathy...my worst enemy; now Avril’s on the radio, takes me back to 15 years ago.” As adults, we don’t realize how good we had it until we lose it. 'UNCOMPLICATED' by RØRY started as a comment on one of Avril Lavigne’s TikTok videos, but it evolved into a sentimental, emotional ballad about missing your simpler, more exhilarating teen years. The convolutions linked to today’s world pile up so high, it’s exhausting to even think about. This song provides an outlet to release those frustrations and comfort your anxious mind. RØRY’s got a knack for storytelling that is undeniably sincere. “Now it’s another damn day and another diagnosis; you get used to the pain when you get my kind of hopeless.” Each set of lyrics is a delicious slice of poetic ingenuity! This artist beautifully contrasts the golden, carefree attitude of adolescence with darker adult themes stemming from mental illness and unfortunate events. A fast tempo sets up an upbeat pop-punk ambience, cemented by distorted electric guitars and speedy power chord changes. RØRY’s powerhouse vocals are the icing on this irresistible music cake! Believe it or not, RØRY is no stranger to songwriting. Her full name is Roxanne Emery, but in 2018, when she got sober, she removed the middle of her name to represent the time she had lost to addiction and mental health struggles. The UK star has written music with Charli XCX, Saweetie, All-American Rejects, and other well-known artists. She’s also penned three top ten hits in the past few years. As a pop-punk singer/songwriter, her style fuses 00s emo pop-punk with the new waves of contemporary pop. 'UNCOMPLICATED' is RØRY's most recent single. Her debut EP is slated for release later this year, so stay tuned! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW RØRY: