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Artist Interview: Dafties

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Dafties, the alternative pop/rock duo from Wigan, Greater Manchester, burst onto the scene in late 2024 and have been relentlessly releasing music ever since. In their breakout year, they've garnered over 100,000 streams, secured major radio features, and established a distinct, high-energy sound that's earning them comparisons to everyone from Lily Allen to Sonic Youth. We caught up with Rae and Connor to talk about their origins, their prolific creative pace, and the single that became their turning point. Tori: "Dafties launched in November 2024 . Can you walk us through the moment and the conversation that led to the decision to officially form the duo?" Connor: “We both used to be in a band together called Estaters . A while after Rae had left that band, we had the chance to sit down and talk over a few beers — Rae said she wants to do music together again professionally, so we both discussed strict goals we wanted to achieve before making anything official, then...

Artist Interview: Bobcat

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  Bobcat, the powerhouse one-man band, is currently on a thrilling two-year tour across the continental US, blending rockabilly, punk, psychobilly, and pure rock 'n' roll into a truly unique sound. In this interview, he discusses the challenges and joys of touring solo, his eclectic musical influences, the intentional comedy woven into his performances, and his quest to conquer the modern rock frontier. ​Tori: How do you manage to weave so many different genres together to create a cohesive sound as a one-man band? ​ Bobcat : I listen to a lot of different types of music, so it all comes out with my songs. I get more cohesive as I write more songs and play more shows ​Tori: Being a one-man band comes with unique challenges. Could you walk us through your setup and how you choreograph your performances to deliver such a dynamic, rock 'n' roll experience? ​Bobcat: It starts and ends with the guitar. I have my cajon for a bass drum and a snare on a stand with its volume m...

Single Review: Crowns by Hello London

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  Crowns by Hello London immediately impresses with its musicality, driven by the striking guitar work you noted. The song builds tension effectively, contrasting introspective verses with a massive, soaring chorus that feels instantly cathartic. With guitar work reminiscent of bands like Jimmy Eat World or The Starting Line and a voice that sounds like Patrick Stump (Fall Out Boy) , Hello London effortlessly delivers a message of pain and heartbreak after a failed longterm relationship.  Lines like "This is the hard part / Putting all the pieces back together" and "Realizing that the dream is over" convey a heavy sense of finality and the overwhelming challenge of moving on. The "dream" isn't just lost; it's declared "make believe" by the partner, adding a sharp, dismissive edge to the heartbreak. The narrator’s struggle with responsibility—"I know it's all my fault / But I still don't know where to get off"—create...

Ep Review: Penumbra by Haunted Shoes

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  Haunted Shoes ’ latest EP, Penumbra , is a deeply resonant five-track exploration of emotional shadows, using the astronomical term for a partial shadow as its central metaphor to navigate anxiety, self-sabotage, and the heavy weight of relationships. The EP immediately confronts the paralyzing fear of potential failure in a crush on the opener, "This:", highlighted by the raw lyric, "What if my heart dies because of this, because I couldn't take the risk. Because I gave into fear." This theme of uncertainty continues in " Where This Goes ," which thoughtfully dissects the distance created by unspoken feelings, though its emotional depth is slightly diminished by vocals that can sound monotonous. ​The EP finds its emotional peak with the standout track, " Blackout ," a powerful anthem detailing the desperate desire to forget toxic memories and relationships, perfectly encapsulated by the line, "I won't be thinking of you while I’m ...

Single Review: Boardwalk Ships by Songbird

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  Boardwalk Ships " by Songbird is a deeply heartfelt acoustic piano piece written for the artist's wedding, celebrating a lifetime love story that began when the couple met as children at age eight on the boardwalk . The song acts as a beautiful, intimate time capsule , capturing the rare magic of enduring love. The intentionally sparse piano arrangement creates a warm, familiar, and slightly nostalgic soundscape, perfectly reflecting the long history of the relationship.  ​The track’s strength lies in its grounded lyrical honesty, moving beyond flawless romance to celebrate the reality of a shared life, captured perfectly in the line: "Its not perfect but we made it our own." This mature perspective is anchored by the powerful chorus metaphor: "If we're going round and round / Like ships and still and troubled water," suggesting that true commitment means navigating life's inevitable challenges together. Ultimately, "Boardwalk Ships" is...

Single Review: Little Things by Jonah Marks

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 Every once in a while, a song drops that forces you to just pause, sink into the couch, and listen. Jonah Marks ’s latest single, "  Little Things ," is that song. It’s not about grand gestures or soaring melodrama; it's an intimate, beautifully produced piece of acoustic pop that finds its power in the details. ​From the first few seconds, this track establishes a killer groove. Marks instantly connects with the listener through a cascade of sensory experiences in the verse: " head rush, goosebumps, shivers down my spine ." The mood is exhilarating and tactile—it's about that specific, electric feeling when a moment, a person, or a piece of music just clicks. It’s a sonic conversation about the sheer pleasure of being present. If you, like me, spent your high school years listening to deeply thoughtful songs built around amazing guitar work, this song will feel instantly familiar. Marks’s approach—taking simple, honest observations and setting them agains...

Single Review: Fuzzy Paws by Basscat15

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  Basscat15 delivers a dose of pure, uncomplicated joy with the rock single , " Fuzzy Paws ." This track is a lively, guitar-driven tribute that combines the fun energy of rock with a genuine, heartfelt warmth tailored for pet lovers. ​The song focuses entirely on the deep emotional bond shared with a cat, highlighting how pet companionship provides vital comfort and support to the whole family. Lyrically, the track shines brightest when Basscat15 reflects on the universal question every devoted owner asks: Does my cat know how much I love them? The song also reflects on all the things Basscat enjoys about his cat. From his warmth to watching him catch lizards , the cat is truly special.  ​"Fuzzy Paws" is a cute, fun, and highly listenable anthem that celebrates the powerful, comforting relationships we share with our furry friends .   Stream Fuzzy Paws here! 

Single Review: Greatest Goodbye by Unspeakable Monday

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Greatest Goodbye by Unspeakable Monday is a high-energy, angry pop-punk track about finally leaving a toxic relationship . It sounds exactly like a track from the early 2000s—think " All I wanted " by Paramore – expertly mixed with a breakup track from the 2010s— think Good 4 U by Olivia Rodrigo It's pure teenage angst and rock nostalgia . The lyrics tell the story of seeing the person you love with someone else, then moving through the pain to the final decision to break up. The key line is the promise: "Some day you'll be the greatest goodbye I'll ever send."  The instrumentals are perfect, from the first drum tap to the final guitar solo at the end and the vocals compliment the instrumentals just as they should. The sound is electrifying and makes you really feel the raw power of bitter rage . The song, which is out now, is a must stream for anyone who is at the breaking point of their relationship, after the final fight and just needing a bi...

Single Review: ps by Caleb L'etoile

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 Trigger warning : Mention of murder and sexual undertones may not be suitable for younger readers.  Caleb L'Etoile 's PS is an essential horror anthology, perfectly capturing the vibe of a haunting, vintage horror movie with its raw, punk-driven sound. Built solo, the album is defined by its radioactive guitars and dark punk sound .  The album's power lies in its detailed, gruesome vignettes. The core narrative, " Darling Pt. 2 " and " Come back baby ," shifts from heartbreaking loss (the killer "on the loose") to full-blown body horror. The desperate lover first finds solace in a ghost ("There’s a ghost in my room / And the ghost is you") before escalating to a disastrous reanimation attempt that ends in a visceral attack: "She was on me at once... she brought the brains out." Other tracks deepen the terror: " Starling " is pure cinematic tension, told from the killer’s perspective as he succumbs to the urge to ...

Single Review: The Love Of My Night by zacanova

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 ​" The Love Of My Night " by zacanova is a scorching-hot dance track that perfectly captures the intense, fleeting obsession born from a late-night encounter. ​Built on a fierce beat and a ravishing discopop aesthetic with a modern, fresh twist, this single immediately demands you move. It’s more than just a dance floor filler; it’s a detailed look at the sensual nature of a memorable one-night stand. The title is a clever play on "love of my life," highlighting how a temporary connection can feel eternal in the moment. ​The lyrics perfectly capture this addictive pull: "You fill me with a poison and I come alive" and "I burn for you like fire / it’s a game of desire". Importantly, the track maintains a powerful, self-aware edge with the line, "I should warn thee I’m not a fool to play, can’t be tamed", injecting a necessary sense of queer independence .   ​With its undeniable energy, "The Love Of My Night" is clearly posit...

Ep Review : You Could Be Something by Maisi

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      Maisi’s EP , You Could Be Something , is a concise and highly effective four-track statement that perfectly captures the chaos and self-doubt of modern youth culture through a thrilling hyperpop lens. The EP kicks off with the motivational track " Try ," whose sincere message is so central that the EP title comes directly from the lyric: "you could be something if you tried." This track, with its upbeat instrumental track, feels like a direct, encouraging pep talk. This energy immediately escalates with " Am I in my prime ," a full-throttle hyperpop track with a " Brat" type beat . Here, Maisi confronts the anxiety of waiting for a "better" future self, asking if she's missing out on the now, which drives the infectious, self-aware command in the chorus: "I shouldn't waste my Prime." Stylistically, the EP takes a crucial breather with " idk ," a slower, more emotional track positioned between two energ...

Artist Interview: Lani Watson

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  We sat down with Lani Watson, the rising artist known for her bold, genre-fluid music and unflinching lyrical honesty. From Nashville, Lani discusses how her personal experiences—including her journey to self-acceptance, her polyamorous identity, and her passion for activism—fuel her art. Get a glimpse into her creative process, her ambitious multi-genre project, and how she's making space for underrepresented voices. Tori: Your music often explores themes of intimacy and honesty. What inspires you to write about your personal experiences? Lani: Writing about my life experiences is a way for me to process them, become more comfortable in my skin and more efficient at explaining who I am to others. Having niche interests and orientations can feel isolating, but when you hear and see artists who look, think, or live like you, it opens a wide door that welcomes you into your own self-expression. I’ve been inspired by other artists writing about their sensuality and sexuality, and th...

Single Review: Picasso Shadows by Homeade Christmas Card

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"Picasso Shadows" by Homeade Christmas Card is a captivating and emotionally rich single, built upon a foundation of striking musicality and poetic narrative. The song immediately draws the listener in with its exceptional guitar work. The seamless blend of sophisticated acoustic finger-picking and dynamic electric touches creates a complex and beautiful soundscape. This instrumental mastery perfectly serves the song's powerful storyline, which uses the metaphor of art to explore the painful disintegration of a once-perfect relationship. The idea of something beautiful and complete—like "modern art"—being reduced to mere "shadows on blank canvas" is a deeply evocative concept. This lyrical quality shines through in brilliant, memorable lines such as the chorus's centerpiece: "We were modern art, casting Picasso shadows on blank canvas," and the vivid image from the second verse: "You were like Geurnerica fire burning in more ways tha...

Single Review: Girls Girl by Kati Cooke

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 "Girl's Girl" by Kati Cooke is the ultimate new pop anthem for anyone who's been stabbed in the back by a "friend." ​The song is a sharp, snappy takedown of the fake friends who act sweet only to turn into bullies. It perfectly captures that moment when you realize someone who claimed to be a "girl's girl" was anything but. ​Cooke delivers strong vocals over a catchy beat, but the real power is in the lyrics, especially the viral-ready line: "Better run for cover, karma's coming for ya." It’s a guaranteed sing-along hook. ​In short: If you love the honest, fiery pop of artists like Tate McRae or Olivia Rodrigo, you need to add this song to your playlist immediately. It's pop justice in less than  three minutes. Stream Girls Girl here!

Artist Interview: VID

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  We recently caught up with Vid, an emerging artist from Queensland, Australia, whose music blends the heartfelt storytelling of folk with the dynamic energy of indie and pop. With his debut single, "Human,"out now,  Vid spoke to us about how his home turf influences his sound, his unique approach to songwriting, and the balance between his musical journey and his studies to become a doctor. Tori: You’re based in Queensland, Australia, a place with a thriving music scene. How has your home turf influenced your sound and your journey as a musician? Vid: I’ve been very fortunate to begin my musical journey in Queensland, and in particular, moving to Far North Queensland (FNQ) has been terrific for me. In Cairns, there have been a plethora of events and opportunities for me to work on my craft and showcase my own music, and this has been invaluable. Moreover, a lot of the touring acts that I have seen live in FNQ lean into acoustic fingerstyle with folk, indie, and blues vibes,...

Single Review : All for Nothing: Gabby Mazza

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 Song Review: "All For Nothing" by Gabby Mazza "All For Nothing" is a deeply resonant, piano-based ballad that immediately captures attention with its poignant and powerful lyrics. Gabby Mazza proves herself a talented storyteller, using emotionally stark imagery like "I built a kingdom out of air" and "I gave my soul, I gave my trust" to convey a profound sense of loss and broken effort. The vocals and piano arrangement beautifully underpin this mood, creating a compelling, melancholic atmosphere. The song's potential for true excellence is currently softened by some technical details in the recording. Specifically, minor distractions like audible static and the sound of occasional mic tapping are present. While the raw emotion of the performance is clear, resolving these mixing and recording issues would undoubtedly elevate the listener experience, allowing the artistry of the performance to shine through without any barriers. In short, ...

Single Review : BLING ON MY RING FINGER by Angeli

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British pop star Angeli is known for turning real-world issues into great pop songs, and her new track "Bling On My Ring Finger" proves she can do it again. At first, it sounds like a catchy, fun song about wanting to be super rich. But if you listen closely, it’s actually a sharp joke about the wealthy and the growing gap between the rich and everyone else. The song works because it’s so catchy, but Angeli uses that desire for money to show the problems with extreme wealth. The line, "Diamonds on my neck until it hurts," is a perfect example. It sounds cool, but the ending twists it, showing how chasing more and more stuff can actually cause pain or be someone’s downfall. The song’s critique gets even clearer with the line, "I want a house with the heavy door, big gates to keep out the poor." This part clearly shows how rich people separate themselves from the rest of society, building walls to keep others away. The most honest part might be, "Old mo...

Single Review: Sandman by Alicia Clifford

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 Alicia Clifford’s "Sandman" is a great track about being stuck in that frustrating situationship where you love someone who is clearly leading you on. It sounds similar to artists like Gracie Abrams and Noah Cyrus, featuring a blend of raw, soothing vocals and a simple, driving acoustic guitar that eventually shifts to a focused piano bridge. The song's power comes from its honesty. The lyrics, especially lines like, "But I know I'll be fine, because I know you're not mine anyway," perfectly capture the bittersweet moment of giving up. What makes the song smart is the use of the "Sandman" metaphor. It's a subtle nod to the "Sandman Effect"—a psychological term for becoming unhealthily and deeply dependent on another person's emotional state. This detail really emphasizes the mental toll of relying on someone unreliable. In short: It's a relatable, well-produced song that validates the emotional and mental exhaustion of un...

Single Review: Friendship Bracelets by Chlo3pie

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Chlo3pies has really switched things up with her new song, "Friendship Bracelets," and it totally works. If you were expecting the all-out hyperpop energy of "Hawaii," think again—this track is much more mellow and shows off her range as an artist.  Lyrically, the song is super relatable as she tackles the tough, lonely feeling of realizing your close friends weren't real. We've all been there, and she captures that sting perfectly.  The coolest part? The music itself has this gorgeous, nostalgic backtrack that sounds like it could be from a classic, warm love song. Pairing that beautiful, old-school sound with such sad, honest lyrics about betrayal creates a unique and compelling contrast. It's that interesting mix that makes "Friendship Bracelets" a must-listen especially if you like artists like Ellise and Nessa Barrett as this is similar to their style! Stream Friendship Bracelets Here!

Artist Interview: Haunted Shoes

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   Haunted Shoes creates music for what they call "the ghosts in our footsteps"—a rich, atmospheric blend of shoegaze and indie that explores uncertainty, failed connection, and the weight of choices. In the run-up to their upcoming EP, Penumbra, we caught up with the artist to discuss their commitment to heart > hype, the architecture of absence in their music, and how a rhythm can act as a pressure gauge for emotion. Q. Can you elaborate on the elements of shoegaze and indie that most influence your writing process? A. Shoegaze hits me as texture-first: open chords, parallel guitar lines, and a vocal that sits in the mix. I use negative space and slow-bloom dynamics—like a one-bar breath before a chorus, or dropping the kit so a line lands on its own. The indie piece is about vantage point and restraint: drum economy, human imperfections left in, conversational harmony instead of a big anthem. Together, that approach lets absence do as much storytelling as sound. It’s ho...