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Showing posts from January, 2026

Single Review: Good Enough by Dareen and Kailey Wilson

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 Dareen and Kailey Wilson's new song "Good Enough" is a hauntingly vulnerable exploration of the intersections between unrequited love, betrayal, and deep-seated insecurity. The lyrics paint a portrait of a narrator caught in an exhausting cycle of trying to "treat you right" and "look after you," only to be met with daily betrayal. This external conflict serves as a catalyst for a profound internal crisis, as the narrator begins to lose their sense of self, questioning what their true reflection is and what they simply wish to see. The song is particularly effective in how it uses vivid, nature-based metaphors to illustrate a sense of displacement; lines describing stars on their face and ocean waves caressing their waist contrast sharply with the narrator’s desire to be "bone dry" and their persistent crying. This imagery heightens the central plea of the track: a desperate wish for the subject to look past the physical body and "see m...

Single Review: I forgot we're friends by Holly Nicholson

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 "i forget we're friends" by Holly Nicholson is a poignant and deeply relatable exploration of the friction that exists within unrequited love, capturing the specific, quiet agony of wanting more from a person who has already drawn a firm boundary. The song masterfully navigates a relationship that feels like both a sanctuary and a cage, perfectly describing the "star-crossed" feeling of being in love with a friend who doesn’t feel the same way. By balancing a sense of cozy intimacy with the daily frustration of hiding one's heart to save the connection, the track excels at using lived-in, sensory details to heighten the emotional stakes. For instance, the narrator uses vivid imagery like shared walks in the rain and the haunting presence of "jealous dreams" to illustrate the constant tension between a platonic reality and a romantic "what could be." This internal struggle is most visible when the narrator admits that in their mind, the f...

Single Review: Love Letter to Shawn by Maria Bonilla

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  In "Love Letter to Shawn," Maria Bonilla delivers a track that feels like a personal diary entry set to music. It’s a song that celebrates the "quiet revolution" of staying true to oneself while being deeply in love. The standout element of the song is the chorus. The line "you make me feel like a fool for you" is an infectious hook. In songwriting, admitting "foolishness" is a classic way to show total devotion, and Bonilla uses it here to create an emotional centerpiece that feels both vulnerable and triumphant. The song sits in a sweet spot between 90s pop-rock sincerity and modern indie-pop. There’s a touch of Billy Joel’s storytelling combined with a modern, rebellious edge (the "revolution" in the eyes). It feels like the kind of song that starts with a simple arrangement—perhaps a driving piano or a steady drum beat—and builds into a lush, full-band finish. "Love Letter to Shawn" is a song about the strength found in ...

Artist Interview: Chay Swan

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  In this interview, we chat with emerging artist Chay Swan to discuss the creative process behind his debut single, "Kayfabe," the influence of professional wrestling, and his approach to independent music production. Tori: Your debut single Kayfabe draws inspiration from professional wrestling and explores themes of split personalities. What drew you to this subject, and how did you translate it into music? Chay: It’s been such a huge interest since I was a kid, everything about it. I had all the games on Xbox when I was young and went to see it live as an adult. I wanted to write a song about it but also kinda hide it and make it subtle at the same time. I wrote it as I went along recording it like I do with most of my music, it just came sorta naturally and didn’t have much planning I suppose. Tori: You handle every aspect of your music production—from recording to mastering—on your own. How does working in isolation shape the emotional tone and imperfections in your soun...

Artist Interview: Iggykad

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  Iggykad’s music is a unique blend of gritty 90s Hip-Hop and haunting UK electronic textures, shaped by his move from the UK to rural Germany. His latest project, WINDY IN THE SMOKER ZONE, captures themes of isolation, imperfection, and introspection through slowed-down, atmospheric soundscapes. In this interview, he shares how changing environments, the spirit of New York rap, and his creative process come together to create music that feels both raw and deeply personal. Tori: You’ve moved from the South of the UK to rural Germany. How has that shift in environment and physical "distance" influenced the scale and mood of your newer productions?  Iggy: I think since I’ve lived here for just under 7 years I’ve sort of just made do and my most recent projects have been something of a reflection of just that - basically justhaving gotten used to the whole process in “I’ve been here this long and integrated as well as I ever could so it is what it is”. I recently moved out i...

Single Review: Drive by Lame Sagittarius

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 “Drive” by Lame Sagittarius is a captivating blend of introspective lyricism and vibrant 1980s-inspired synthpop that takes listeners on a sonic and emotional journey. The song’s upbeat, shimmering synth layers and driving rhythms recall the iconic sound of Madonna’s 80s hits, evoking the electrifying pulse of neon-lit city nights and the thrill of escape. Lyrically, “Drive” explores the restless urge to break free and seek new horizons, with lines like “don’t expect things to change just because you went and fleed” grounding the song in a thoughtful reflection on the tension between running away and facing one’s challenges. The repeated imagery of “fly through neon City Lights” and “no we're not aligned with great designs” captures a rebellious, free-spirited attitude that rejects predetermined paths in favor of self-discovery. This combination of nostalgic synthpop energy and honest, minimalist lyrics creates a compelling anthem that invites listeners to both dance and reflect. ...