ReportWire

Tag: New Album

  • Rachael Sage & the Sequins Release Powerful, Inspiring Album, Canopy

    New Celebratory Official Video “Live It Up” Also Unveiled


    NEW YORK, October 27, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Acclaimed singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and activist Rachael Sage has released her highly anticipated full-band debut, Canopy, with her longtime group, The Sequins (via MPress Records). A vibrant blend of Americana, pop, and neo-folk, Canopy finds Sage continuing her journey of storytelling, reinvention, emotional connection, and empathy as she extends a heartfelt invitation to join her in the goal of spreading inclusivity and acceptance. Leading people to find light even in the darkest places, the beautifully crafted collection of songs is her most powerful and soulful to date.

    Stream/Download Canopy HERE

    “Canopy is the first album that I feel reflects every aspect of my artistry, not only as a singer, producer, and musician, but also as a songwriter,” shares Sage. “The title track just fell out after one too many late-night doom scrolls where the amount of violence and discord I digested in the span of a few minutes was so intense and so demoralizing that I wanted to crawl into a hole and stay there.They’re among the most honest lyrics I’ve ever written, but it very quickly formed an almost visceral image of an entire album focused on inclusiveness, acceptance, safety and empathy. As a lyricist, these have been some very intimidating times to capture, topically. How do we write songs about the insanity of war without sounding naive, or about being ‘othered’ via bigotry to the point of irreparable harm…without completely losing hope?”

    Accompanying Canopy, Rachael Sage & The Sequins have additionally released an official video for “Live It Up“, an upbeat piano romp that joyfully showcases Sage’s signature keyboard chops. Playfully diverting listeners away from cynical news cycles toward themes of acceptance and equality, the video was loosely inspired by one of Sage’s all-time favorite VH-1 classics, “I Know” by Dionne Faris. Sage recalls: “I remember seeing that clip with its bright yellow, high contrasting palette and smiling, energetic band members, and wanting to crawl through my TV screen and join that band. It made me immediately eager to inhabit what seemed to be a fantasy version of the NYC art-loft, replete with photogenic bathroom stalls (as was the trend).”

    Watch/Listen to “Live It Up” HERE

    Canopy follows the recent release of single “Nexus,” a sobering, utopian folk-pop manifesto whose proceeds will be donated to LGBTQ+ suicide prevention charity The Trevor Project in honor of Nex Benedict who passed away after being beaten by their school peers for being nonbinary. The collection also includes fan favorites “Belong To You,” a uniquely meaningful moment about the devotion and loyalty of our friendships that celebrates love in all forms, “The Best Version,” a lyrical, piano-pop confession that grapples with social media surrealism, and “Canopy” which imagines a world where shelter is a given for all as well as “Just Enough,” a fan favorite groove about being enough exactly as you are.

    A 14-track project that confidently spans Americana, pop, and neo-folk in a statement of self, Canopy is a masterclass in radical self-acceptance. Determined to find light in the darkest places, Canopy, produced by Sage with Grammy® nominee Mikhail Pivovarov and mixed by Pivovarov and Grammy® winning producer Andy Zulla, will be available as a special limited-edition 40-panel hardcover book CD package – featuring Sage’s original artwork – as well as an orange colored vinyl edition November 14th, and is available now via MPress Records. Sage sums up the record, saying: “While subject-wise there are definitely some very heavy tracks on this album (‘Canopy’, ‘Nexus’, ‘Underneath’), there are also tunes like ‘Just Enough’, ‘Live It Up’ and ‘The Best Version’ that reflect my and my very like-minded bandmates’ continued determination to bring light, hope and positive encouragement to anyone who may feel especially vulnerable in our current cultural climate.”

    ABOUT RACHAEL SAGE:
    Since founding her own label MPress Records, NYC-based folk-pop artist Rachael Sage has steadily released a slew of vibrant, dynamic albums. She has toured with an eclectic list of artists including Rufus Wainwright, Ani DiFranco, Beth Hart, Howard Jones, and Grammy® winners Shawn Colvin and Judy Collins – with whom she also recorded a critically-acclaimed duet of Neil Young’s “Helpless.” In addition to being a six-time Independent Music Award-winning musician and producer, Sage is also a John Lennon Contest Grand Prize winner who has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe, SXSW, and toured globally from Japan to Berlin. Sage is also a visual artist and former ballet dancer who performed with the New York City Ballet. A self-described “cancer thriver,” she is a philanthropic advocate who has raised money for a wide range of causes, including Foundation For Women’s Cancer, WHY Hunger, American Refugee Committee/Alight, National Network For Youth (NN4Y), The Trevor Project, and Rainbow Mind (UK).

    Tour Dates
    (please see rachaelsage.com for all ongoing US and UK tour dates)

    Oct 28

    Union Chapel – London, UK %

    Oct 29

    Worcester Cathedral – Worcester, UK &

    Oct 30

    Warwick Arts Centre – Coventry, UK %

    Oct 31

    Derby Cathedral – Derby, UK &

    Nov 13

    City Winery – Boston, MA ##

    Nov 17

    Wyvern Theatre – Swindon, UK *

    Nov 19

    William Aston Hall – Wrexham, UK *

    Nov 22

    Grove Theatre – Dunstable, UK *

    Nov 23

    Baths Hall – Scunthorpe, UK *

    Nov 24

    Orchard West – Dartford, UK *

    Nov 27

    Royal Hippodrome Theatre – Eastbourne, UK *

    Nov 28

    The Green Note – London, UK **

    Dec 01

    Festival Theatre – Malvern, UK *

    Dec 05

    Memorial Theatre – Frome, UK *

    Dec 06

    Granville Theatre – Ramsgate, UK *

    Dec 10

    Bowery Electric – New York, NY

    Dec 11

    The Factory Underground – Norwalk, CT

    Dec 14

    Studio 9 – North Adams, MA^

    with:
    % Toyah Willcox
    & Rebecca Ferguson
    ## Hannah Judson
    *The Overtones
    **Amy Speace
    ^Meghan Carey

    Suggested Post
    Rachael Sage & The Sequins, have released a powerful new album, Canopy – a soulful and vital call for the importance of inclusion and acceptance. Order at mpress.lnk.to/Canopy, and watch her celebratory new video from the record, “Live It Up” here

    For more information and interview requests, please contact:
    US: Jill Richmond-Johnson, MPress Records | jillr@mpressrecords.com
    James Steers, Press Here | james@pressherepublicity.com
    UK: Cat Hockley, Fifth Element PR | cat@fifthelement.biz

    Source: MPress Records

    Source link

  • Madison Beer’s New Music Is Nothing But Sweet

    All year, we’ve been begging Madison Beer for a new album. She recently teased us with two new singles, ‘yes baby’ and ‘bittersweet.’ Naturally, we had to assume an album announcement was on the way. As we crossed our fingers and rewatched old tour videos, Madison was secretly gearing up for something even bigger…

    The Singles

    ‘yes baby’

    Madison Beer is releasing new music!? To that we say, yes, baby! If you’ve been a fan of Madison Beer for a long time, like us, you’ll know that she’s been releasing more and more electro-pop dance music. It seemed to be that ‘15 MINUTES’ and ‘Make You Mine’ were just a taste of the ferocity that ‘yes baby’ is giving us. ‘Yes baby’ was Madison’s first release of 2025, and boy, did it not disappoint. Fans are also getting an upgrade in Madison’s music videos! Here in the hive, you know that we die for a killer music video, and Madison’s new era is certainly delivering on the visuals – these outfits are everything!

    ‘bittersweet’

    Madison’s second single, ‘bittersweet,’ seemed to drop quickly after ‘yes baby,’ giving us high expectations for the full soon-to-be-album. Finding stillness in the chaos of love and life seems to be a constant theme through Madison’s music, and ‘bittersweet’ portrays these themes perfectly. Naturally, we added this absolute hit to our playlists and will be streaming it nonstop alongside its sister single, ‘yes baby.’

    “bittersweet is about the end of a chapter and the difficulty of coming to terms with it, while also recognizing that deep down you know it’s for the best—and finding peace in that along the journey”

    Madison Beer stated in a press release

    Locket – Out January 16th 

    The biggest news in music today is Madison Beer’s album announcement! When we saw this announcement on socials, we shrieked with excitement! We’ve been waiting and waiting, and now the day is finally here. With this new album release, we’re most excited to hear Madison’s artistic and vocal growth, gush over gorgeous new visuals, and prep for a (potential) tour. Madison’s next studio album, locket, drops on January 16, 2025. Let the countdown begin!

    “After writing the album it feels like each song lives within this metaphorical locket for safe keeping. Each album feels like an era and once the albums are out in the world the chapter for me, usually with what I wrote about, is closed.”

    Madison Beer stated in a press release

    Image Source: Courtesy of Epic Records

    As usual, Madison is so intentional with her art, and from what we can already tell, locket is going to be a special one. You can pre-save her new album here and join us in the excitement on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Drop a comment telling us which single, ‘yes baby’ or ‘bittersweet’ was your favorite.

    Check out more sweet Madison Beer content! 

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MADISON BEER:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE

    Alana

    Source link

  • NMIXX’s ‘Blue Valentine’ Album Proves ‘O.O’ Was The Perfect Debut

    As adoring NSWERs from their debut era, we’re so proud of every step that’s led NMIXX to blossom so much on their first full album, Blue Valentine. The album brings their Mixxpop concept to life with so much ambition and perfectly emulates what they’ve brought to K-Pop and the global music scene. Blue Valentine brings us some of the most naturally flowing Mixxpop yet, integrating everything from pop-punk and R&B to reggaeton and hyperpop. It touches so much sonic ground, but NMIXX had been priming us to expect that from the beginning of their career with ‘O.O.’ 

    ‘O.O’ made a lot of waves when it first came out in February 2022, for varying reasons. Some people praised the dynamic sound, which combined elements of bold baile funk with bright pop-rock, while others thought it was too mismatched and jarring. As ‘O.O’ lovers, we’ve had a theory that the big switch-up was intentional to drill the idea of Mixxpop into people’s heads right out of the gate, and we feel very vindicated now that Blue Valentine has proven us right.

    The girls gave us two new versions of ‘O.O’ at the tail-end of the album: ‘O.O Part 1 (Baila)’ and ‘O.O Part 2 (Superhero).’ The credits divide the credits of the original song, proving that it was made up of two different tracks all along with a few writers contributing to both. Check out the separated credits below!

    • ‘O.O Part 1 (Baila)’ songwriters: Awrii (The Hub), Ayushy (The Hub), Brian U (The Hub), Chanti (The Hub), Charlotte Wilson, Dr.JO, ENAN, Jan Baars, Rajan Muse
    • ‘O.O Part 2 (Superhero)’ songwriters: Brian U (The Hub), Charlotte Wilson, Dr.JO, Ejae (yes, from KPop Demon Hunters!), MarkAlong

    Of course, if you’re a hardcore NSWER, you’ve most likely known the separation existed, because NMIXX performed both versions at their NMIXX CHANGE UP : MIXX UNIVERSITY fan meeting in October 2023. This was also probably intentional to reflect how the ones who care and take the time to understand the music will be the ones to learn its real secrets. After all, a lot of debut-era NSWERs became fans after picking up on the backlash and wanting to “get” the song!

    The only thing we’d change about NMIXX’s debut era is how much hate the girls got. Musically, we’d change absolutely nothing! Whether you liked ‘O.O’ or not, you knew NMIXX brought a lot of different sounds to the table, and they got to show you two very different sides of what they can do. And as a result, the change-ups since then have felt very smooth, prompting many of the people who hated on ‘O.O’ to celebrate NMIXX’s growth and maturation as they refine their sound.

    Hearing Lily’s battle cry of “Do you see it now?” and their chant of “Gonna rock the world” after listening to the new tracks on Blue Valentine felt like such triumphant moments. The two lines, especially Lily’s, call out the people who bashed the big changes on songs like ‘O.O’ and ‘DICE’ right after proving just how beautiful Mixxpop and their concept can be, and point out the growth that artists can show off if you put your initial judgments aside and give them a chance. NMIXX pushed through the negativity and have continued to become one of the most fascinating groups on the global music scene. We couldn’t be prouder of Lily, Haewon, Sullyoon, Bae, Jiwoo, and Kyujin!

    What do you think of the new versions of ‘O.O?’ Which one is your fave? Did hearing ‘Baila’ and ‘Superhero’ separately change your view of the original song? Let us know in the comments below or hit us up on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! You can also buzz on over to our Reddit community to chat with us.

    Check out more sweet K-Pop content! 

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT NMIXX:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE

    Madison Murray

    Source link

  • 92 Valentine’s Messages Inspired By NMIXX’s ‘Blue Valentine’ Album

    As adoring NSWERs from their debut era, we’re so proud of every step that’s led NMIXX to blossom so much on their first full album, Blue Valentine. The album brings their Mixxpop concept to life with ambition and tact, drawing from everything from pop-punk and R&B to reggaeton and hyperpop. “I could make the world change, start a new planet,” they sing on the confident ‘Reality Hurts,’ and we think that perfectly emulates what they’ve brought to K-Pop and the global music scene. NMIXX have completely redefined what K-Pop can be while encouraging listeners to expand their own ideas of what’s possible.

    NMIXX use the songs on Blue Valentine to explore different aspects of love, including those infuriating hot-and-cold situations and even envy, which is often regarded as admiration in disguise. It all culminates in two new versions of their debut single, ‘O.O’ (which they first performed at their NMIXX CHANGE UP : MIXX UNIVERSITY fan meeting), showing us how the track started off as two different songs that they combined to emphasize the idea of mixxpop. There’s not a single skip on this album, and we bet it’ll land on your list of this year’s best releases!

    Inspired by the Valentine theme and the loving messages on NMIXX’s Blue Valentine album, we’re mentally heading to Valentine’s Day and finding the perfect messages for you to write on your V-Day cards! Consider this our love letter to an already-legendary project. You could write these on notes to your crush, frenemies, BFFs, or even yourself if you really wanted to. For simplicity, we’ll reference the lyrics to the English version of ‘Blue Valentine’ and the English translations for the rest of the album by the Genius Korea community.

    ‘Blue Valentine’

    • “You’ll always be my blue valentine…”
    • “I can see it now, can you see it now?”
    • “I come running every time…”
    • “Your heart’s getting colder, I’ll keep the fire lit in mine…”
    • “A spark that never dies…”
    • “Hot and icy, but I like it…”
    • “Truth is, we’ll come back together…”
    • “You might be my end game…”
    • “I’m falling over and over and over…” 

    ‘SPINNIN’ ON IT’

    • “It gets harder and harder to erase…”
    • “Maybe you and I are loco…”
    • “Why do I want you more?”
    • “Should I keep loving you or not?” (we picture this as one of those “yes or no” checkboxes people used to give to their crush to see if they liked them back!)
    • “You are all I need…”
    • “I’m craving for this obvious story even more…”
    • “We’ll still be each other’s, whatever…”
    • “I’m trapped with you…”
    • “Just gotta ride with me…”
    • “So truly, we’re endless…” 

    ‘Phoenix’

    • “Never fear the fall…”
    • “A bright blue spark…”
    • “Spread your wings to the sky…”
    • “Embrace the aurora…”
    • “I’m never, ever gonna stop it…” 

    ‘Reality Hurts’ 

    • “We’re just on another plane…”
    • “Keep on chasing me…”
    • “Catch up to me…”
    • “I’m with my girlies…”
    • “We’re always gonna bounce back…”

    ‘RICO’

    • “Yeah, we loco…”
    • “Young and wild…”
    • “We’re so buena…”
    • “Come and come get some vibe…”
    • “Me encanta, ay, qué rico…” 

    ‘Game Face’

    • “From now on, it’s a new phase…”
    • “Tune into my heart…”
    • “Leaving everything bad behind…”
    • “Take a breath, break through what matters…”
    • “My heart’s heating up nonstop…” 

    ‘PODIUM’

    • “Even from afar, your gaze is already burning me…”
    • “I’ve been watching you for a while…”
    • “I’ve left behind that timid attitude…”
    • “Be legendary…”
    • “We rise higher, fly above the flames…” 

    ‘Crush On You’

    • “My mind goes blank thinking of you…”
    • “I wanna know how you feel when the silence lingers between us…”
    • “Do you wanna hold my hand?”
    • “Thinking of you, my heart starts to pound again like a drum…”
    • “My feelings keep growing…”
    • “I got a crush on you…”
    • “You’re my favorite view…”
    • “Everything else turns blurry, there’s only you…”
    • “You make me feel so good…”
    • “Everyone’s already noticed I’m heading to you…”
    • “The moment our eyes met, my heart flew to the moon…”
    • “Anything’s fine if it’s with you…”
    • “I just wanna be with you…”
    • “I’m swimming in your ocean blue…”
    • “Your eyes hold the whole sunset…” 

    ‘ADORE U’

    • “The chemicals got all tangled up…”
    • “If I could show my heart, you’d see how much I adore you…”
    • “I think I’m out of control…”
    • “I want to give you all of my clumsy love…” 

    ‘Shape Of Love’

    • “Tell me how to love you well…”
    • “You will paint me blue, even so, it’s you…”
    • “I love you in any form…”
    • “In the end, we’re always together…”
    • “Crashing into each other, fitting the frame…”
    • “We’ll forever be clumsy like that…”
    • “Spent my whole life chasing true love…”
    • “We wanna be young and wild and free forever…”
    • “Even if it takes a little while, we will finally see…” 

    ‘O.O Part 1 (Baila)’

    • “Driving you crazy, huh?”
    • “Tension goes higher…”
    • “Watch it, how nice, how nice…”
    • “Passing that boundary…”
    • “Quickly, follow me…”
    • “Don’t be afraid…”
    • “A vivid dream…” 

    ‘O.O Part 2 (Superhero)’

    • “Let me rock you out…”
    • “Fly as my heart desires…”
    • “Never let you down, be with me…”
    • “Let me be your superhero…”
    • “Hold onto me tight…”
    • “Nothing to be afraid of, never give up…”
    • “Baby, trust in me and you…”
    • “Everything is fake, but I ain’t a fake…”
    • “The real start is from now…”
    • “I got your back…”
    • “Finally, we’ll win…”
    • “Baby, you’re my superhero…”
    • “Gonna rock the world…” 

    Will you be using any of these lyrics on a note to your ‘Blue Valentine?’ Which song on NMIXX’s Blue Valentine album do you love most? Let us know in the comments below or hit us up on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! You can also buzz on over to our Reddit community to chat with us.

    Check out more sweet K-Pop content! 

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT NMIXX:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE

    Madison Murray

    Source link

  • INTERVIEW: Ink Spills All About Her ‘BIG BUSKIN’’ EP, ‘Sweet Tea,’ & More!

    If you think you’ve never heard Ink, we guarantee you that you’re wrong! This GRAMMY-nominated songwriter has already made it onto your playlists with songs like Beyoncé’s ‘16 CARRIAGES,’ Kendrick Lamar & SZA’s ‘luther,’ and Lay Bankz’s ‘Tell Ur Girlfriend.’ But now, she’s proudly stepping onto the stage with her own narratives and voice on her debut EP, BIG BUSKIN’, which proves that Ink is a vital storyteller defining this generation in music. We need music that connects and transforms us more than ever, and she has the perfect pen for the job.

    Across 13 songs, Ink throws a moving ‘Hoedown’ that walks us through her love story with music, her views on persistence and tough times, and the passion that’s carried her through life. “They can steal your style, but they can’t steal your story,” she muses on the spoken opener, ‘Inktro,’ over a western-inspired soundscape. At the heart of each song lies Ink’s authenticity and pure, all-encompassing love for the music she makes, especially on emotive tracks like the incredible ‘God’s Been Drinkin’.’ Even the EP title is an ode to her love for her craft – some of her earliest musical pursuits involved busking and learning how to make her storytelling as moving as possible, and the ‘Tony Machine on 42nd’ interlude tells the story of one of those performances. 

    The hell with all that BS — press play and find out — real music is back!

    Ink

    We’re ‘Comin’ Back’ from our listening experience with some extra sweet news: we got to ask Ink all about BIG BUSKIN’, writing her truth, and her biggest inspirations! Press play on BIG BUSKIN’ then keep reading to learn more about the project from the musical genius who created it.

    Hey Ink, congratulations on the EP release! What has it been like for you to drop it and see how much fans are loving it?
    It’s been incredible to drop the EP! Finally being able to say it’s out now is surreal.

    There are so many thoughtful lyrics on your standout single ‘Sweet Tea,’ with one of our favorites being “we can’t take it back, so really we gotta live again.” Which line from the song are you most proud of?
    “Yeah, my granny never even cuss ‘til she got Alzheimer’s / Uh, real GOAT, greatest of all timers.”

    The ‘Sweet Tea’ music video includes so many sweet home movie clips and throwback moments. What was it like for you to revisit so many memories for the song and video?
    It was the best part about it. It just took me back down memory lane. It felt so good to be back home and just have the spirit of my family and those that aren’t here anymore still be there to celebrate.

    We’re so excited about your debut BIG BUSKIN’ EP! Which song were you most hyped for fans to hear and why? Which tracks are the most meaningful to you?
    They’re all meaningful to me, but I’m most hyped for fans to hear ‘Sweet Tea’ because they get to hear a little about the fam, and ‘All I Got’ since it really summarizes the EP. Plus all the inkerludes!

    Inspired by ‘Turquoise Cowboy,’ which color do you think best matches the energy of BIG BUSKIN’?
    Turquoise with a little wood grain.

    The BIG BUSKIN’ title nods to your own experiences busking around Atlanta, which you’ve described as “resilience in motion.” What’s something you learned during that phase of your musical journey that you’ve taken with you as you’ve grown?
    The world is a beautiful place, you’ve just gotta choose to see it.

    In your recent INKtionary post on Instagram, you listed one of the definitions of BIG BUSKIN’ as “to live loud, global, and unapologetic – outlaw energy with superstar reach.” How do you stay true to yourself and your roots as your star rises?
    I just carry on the memory of the places I’ve been and the people I’ve met as I go. I take my boots off, get my feet in the grass, and connect to nature.

    Alongside your own work, you have writing credits on iconic songs like Kendrick Lamar & SZA’s ‘luther,’ Beyoncé’s ‘TEXAS HOLD ‘EM,’ and Lil Nas X’s ‘STAR WALKIN’!’ How do you approach writing for another artist differently than writing for your own releases, and how do your experiences on those songs inform how you approach your music?
    Each artist has their own story, so I just see it as me being there to help serve them creatively. It helps me learn new things for my process, as each artist has a different process and story. They each teach me something different.

    You told Billboard that you wrote the lyrics to The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill on flash cards one day after school – as a publication run by fans, we love the passion! Is there a certain song on the album that has most influenced you and your music?
    I think the whole album – it gives you the sense of creating a body of work. Some artists can make a few great songs, but she really made a great body of work.

    From Beyoncé to Shaboozey and Post Malone, country is definitely ‘Comin’ Back’ to the mainstream spotlight lately! What do you feel makes country so moving, especially in a time when we need the magic of music more than ever?
    The storytelling!

    You’ve called yourself “a faucet of creative energy that never runs out” to The Tennessean. When do you feel most inspired, and what inspires you most?
    Life and the people and places in it make me feel most inspired. I can just open my eyes and there’s a song waiting.

    What can your fans look forward to in the rest of 2025/2026?
    Performing, pulling up, doing shows, and lots of great music. Next year I’ll also be dropping my debut album!

    Is there anything else you’d like to mention or say to your fans that the questions didn’t touch on?
    Pull up when you see the spill!

    It sounds like BIG BUSKIN’ is just the very beginning, and we can’t wait to see what Ink will spill next! Thank you so much to Ink for answering our questions and pouring so much heart into every song you touch. 

    Now, honeybees, we have some questions for you! What are your favorite tracks on the BIG BUSKIN’ EP? Who do you hope to hear Ink write with in the future? Let us know in the comments below or hit us up on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! You can also buzz on over to our Reddit community to chat with us.

    Check out more sweet music recs! 

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT INK:
    INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE

    Madison Murray

    Source link

  • Exclusive Interview: CVCHE Talks All Things Get Fluffy, And More!

    If you’re looking for a new supergroup to dive into, look no further than one of our most recent musical obsessions, CVCHE! If you’re just now tuning in, you’ve done it at the perfect time! CVCHE’s debut album, Get Fluffy is due later this year, and we’ve just gotten their newest offering from the record, ‘The Star.’ We were lucky to chat with CVHCE about their upcoming record, ‘The Star,’ and so much more!

    Listen to CVCHE’s newest track, ‘The Star’ here!

    Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us! To start us off, if someone is tuning in for the first time, how would you describe the kind of music CVCHE makes? 
    No, thank YOU! We’d definitely describe ourselves as the pioneers of Rural Canadian Techno, since that genre did not previously exist – nor may it EVER exist – unless people want it to. You could also say “organic electronic jams that make you want to dance in your socks on a hardwood floor.”

     Get Fluffy is due later this year! What has the process of crafting your first album together as a group been like? 
    We set up four or five synths at one station for each of us. I would make a beat, then we’d all start dialing in sounds on our stations. Once we all had a good palette of sounds, someone would come up with a bass line or tonal starting point. Then we’d hit record and start laying in parts simultaneously, like a live jam, for about 20 minutes. We then edited the best parts into the final track. Some ended up tracking the record rather quickly, and on others, we spent a bit more time on arrangements.

     How far into the creative process of ‘Get Fluffy’ did ‘The Star’ come to be? Were you still actively crafting the album?
    It all happened very quickly from inception to completion because of the process I outlined above. It’s a great way to work, and we just know each other so well that there was very little mucking around and/or throwing things out. We actually have a bunch more tracks we really like that aren’t coming out on the record. The chord progressions are more vocal-friendly, so we saved them to experiment with that at some point. We basically got into a great flow state and just made a whole bunch of stuff with no ‘demographic’ or all the other things you’re supposed to think about – where it fits, who will like it, etc. We just made music, and all this stuff is what came out, with no fidgeting around with expectations. It was fun. And still is!

    When you’re in the midst of a jam session, and a song like ‘The Star’ starts to form, do you guys automatically realize you have something you want to dig into further and possibly release? 
    We actually aren’t jamming in the typical sense. It’s more about coming up with a beat we all like, then a bassline, or riff, or chord progression. If we like where the early stages are going, we start dialing in sounds we like on all of our respective synth stations and all sorts of approve of them or not as we’re working them up. Once we have a big palette of sounds and the framework of the track, THEN we “jam” in a structured way for 20 – 30 minutes as every synth patched into ProTools is in record. We then edit it down with the sections we feel are gelling the most.

     With CVCHE, when did the idea first spark to form this group? Were you all approached at once? 
    Liam and Jimmy started jamming a bit after tracking a Metric record, and then I came in. We drank wine, pulled out more synths, and then decided to make a record after we’d already finished making it. 

     Each of you comes from different groups that we are sure have their own creative processes. How do you bring each of those into this new group, and what works best for what you want to be creating? 
    I think all of our experience combined really helps in making navigating the technological aspect of things secondary to creativity, which can be a challenge for everyone. We know how to dial sounds up quickly, and we know how to get around our synth collections, arranging, mixing, etc., so it’s more about us playing off of each other rather than getting caught up in midi troubleshooting (which we’ve collectively probably spent 8 million hours doing). We all use Pro Tools, and it helps that Liam is a legit Pro Tools wizard.

     And speaking of what you want to be creating, it’s been said that you guys want to “make releasing music as fun as creating it.” What aspect of creating music do you think is lost in the stress of releasing said music? 
    Oh, wow, I could talk shit about algorithms all day! Making records is fun, spiritual, bonding, magical, and all the other feels, and then comes… algorithms, metadata, streaming companies, troubleshooting passwords, traffic light captchas. So romantic, isn’t it? So, we just said “fuck all this.” Yes, it has to be done, but what else can we do to keep it fun? That’s when we brought Jon Morris in as a member of CVCHE. He did Nine Inch Nails’ stage design, as well as designed for Lady Gaga and Metric, and has done loads of huge installations at Burning Man. Jon is the official-unofficial king of fun. He helped make an infinite scroller video game (it’s fun… check out www.heycvche.com), and we’re building out a super fun merch store. We’re planning a crazy, awesome live show as well. We tell more jokes on calls than we talk about business. We have no strategy to ‘beat the algorithms.’ We just have fun and, in between, fill out endless forms and upload to streamers and publishing info. Gotta keep it fun. 

     You recently released your single ‘Thumper.’ What inspired that song, and how did it come together?
    A super weird thumping sound that randomly started coming out of the MS-20… a ghost in the machine, as Sting would say. We made a track around the sound and then ended up muting it in the end — the track, as you hear it, remained.

     While crafting this upcoming album, Get Fluffy, was there a song that felt like lightning in a bottle? That once it started, you guys knew it was going to be one of the ones that made the record? 
    No, because we like all of them. We have more that aren’t on the record – more so because the chord progressions lend themselves to vocals – so we’re sitting on those for the right time.

     We have to talk about the video game! Where did the inspiration come from to include this in the process of putting out music? 
    Jon Morris brought that to the table, and his friend/coder, Sonny, dialed it all up. At the time of creating the game, with a new song release per level of the game… We are as certain as we can be that we were the first to do this in this way.

     Once again, thank you guys so much for your time! Before we let you go, what can fans look forward to as we close out 2025?
    More sock jams that make you wanna dance in your socks on a hardwood floor, live shows from us at some point, and hopefully vacations in the Caribbean when it starts to get cold — for both us and fans alike. Who wants to make a plan!? We’re SO IN. ⚡️

    Check out more of our exclusive interviews here!

    We would love to hear from you! What do you think of our interview with CVCHE? Let us know by commenting below or by tweeting @TheHoneyPOP! We are also on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CVCHE:
    INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE

    Hailey Hastings

    Source link

  • We’re ‘Here All Night’ For Demi Lovato’s New Era

    2025 is the year for nostalgia. All our favorite artists, who we grew up with, are taking this year by storm and pulling out our nostalgic heartstrings one new single at a time. The Jonas Brothers released a new album and are on tour, Jesse McCartney is making new music, Cody Simpson is planning a big comeback, Hilary Duff has confirmed a new era is on the way, and now, Demi Lovato is dropping hits like it’s her full-time job (well, it is, thankfully).

    Demi Lovato is breaking back into music and making everyone well aware. She’s probably had the best single releases of the year, and luckily for us, she’s only getting started. We never left the Demi train, but now we’re fully conducting this thing!

    Image Source: Courtesy of Island Records

    ‘Here All Night’

    Nothing can make us fold as quickly as an intoxicating dance beat, some stellar choreography, and some Demi powerhouse vocals. Demi’s latest single, ‘Here All Night,’ has those three things locked in. This song takes us on a whirlwind of a story – someone has just gotten broken up with and they’re trying not to think about this person all night long. Hitting up the clubs, flirting with the DJ, and dancing until the early morning hours is all but a simple fix for heartbreak. We’ve certainly all been there!

    ‘Here All Night’ was released alongside a truly amazing music video – something Demi is known for always delivering on! We have to applaud Demi on devouring this choreography and looking absolutely stunning while doing it. Did we ever doubt her? No.

    ‘Fast’

    One single is simply not enough. We’ve also been loving Demi’s ‘Fast,’ which proves to be somewhat of a sister song to ‘Here All Night.’ Listening to these two pop songs back to back was an ethereal experience that we encourage all our honeybees to take part in. We want to hear ‘Fast’ at 2 AM in the club, and then ‘Here All Night’ immediately afterwards, walking back to our Ubers! That’s definitely the vibes we’re on for the rest of 2025.

    While the visuals for ‘Here All Night’ take place inside Demi’s apartment, the visuals for ‘Fast’ happen on the streets below. It’s all chaos with Demi, the calm of the storm, in the middle, strutting down the street looking like the true star that she is.

    It’s Not That Deep

    Of course, releasing two singles is a slight hint at something bigger coming soon. Demi Lovato’s ninth studio album, It’s Not That Deep, drops on October 24, 2025. Fans were so surprised at this announcement and immediately took to the internet to gush over the album artwork and their praise for their long-time favorite singer.

    “This music is a perfect reflection of where I’m at today. I had such an incredible time making this album with Zhone and it was such a freeing experience to let loose and have fun with it. With my past eras, I often wrote cathartic music about heavy topics that I needed to process. When I got back in the studio this time around, those songs just weren’t resonating anymore because I’m not in that place in life. I’m happy, I’m in love, and I just want to enjoy life and have fun. I realized it’s not that deep anymore, and that became the ethos for this album. It’s Not That Deep is meant for late nights and dancefloors, and I can’t wait for you all to dance with me.”

    Demi stated in a press release

    You can pre-save It’s Not That Deep here and get excited about Demi’s new music with us down in the comments or over on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Let us know which single track, ‘Fast’ or ‘Here All Night,’ was your favorite! Can we claim both!?

    Looking for more trending music news? Check out what we’ve got, honeybee!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT DEMI LOVATO:
    INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER

    Alana

    Source link

  • 50 Cent Being So Stoked At His Taylor Swift Shoutout Is EVERYTHING! And Travis Kelce Thought So Too! – Perez Hilton

    50 Cent had the best reaction to being name-dropped in Taylor Swift’s new album!

    For those who haven’t listened yet, the pop star shouts out the rapper on the track Ruin the Friendship from The Life of a Showgirl while looking back on a memory from high school. She sings:

    “Have fun, it’s prom / Wilted corsage dangles from my wrist / Over his shoulder I catch a glimpse / And see you looking at me / And it was not an invitation / But as the 50 Cent song played / Should’ve kissed you anyway.”

    Related: Travis Kelce’s Ex Fires Back After Taylor Swift Throws Shade At Her In New Song!

    And get this — he is the only celebrity name drop on the project! Wow! What an honor! 50 Cent caught wind of the shoutout on the album, and he is so stoked! The In Da Club artist took to Instagram on Friday to post a pic of Tay’s cover art along with the caption:

    “@taylorswift s**t is popping right now. She shout me out. She don’t shout you out. LOL. THIS IS FOR BIG TIMERS ONLY! @50centaction wait I’m the only shout out on the whole album.”

    Aww! 50 is so excited! See the post (below):

    We love this! And we weren’t the only ones! Taylor’s fiancé, Travis Kelce, did, too! The athlete liked the post. See (below):

    (c) 50 Cent/Instagram

    What are your reactions to the shout out? Let us know!

    [Image via Nicky Nelson/MEGA/WENN]

    Perez Hilton

    Source link

  • Exclusive Interview: Em Beihold Talks All Things ‘Hot Goblin,’  ‘Brutus,’ And More!

    Em Beihold has been a mainstay on our playlists ever since her song ‘Numb Little Bug’ came out, so it is no surprise that her artistry is displayed in her newest song ‘Hot Goblin.’ We were lucky enough to chat with Em about ‘Hot Goblin,’ the thematic through lines of her recent music, ‘Numb Little Bug,’ and so much more!

    Stream ‘Hot Goblin’ here!

    Hi Em! Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us! To start us off, how would you describe your music to someone who is tuning in for the first time? 
    Hello hello! Thanks for having me! I like to describe my music as quirky piano pop that talks about difficult things with a certain degree of levity. I’ve also been described as a popified Regina Spektor, and I really like that description. 

    ‘Hot Goblin’ is your latest track! The lyric video felt like stepping into a fairy tale book. When crafting this track, was the inspiration immediately tied to that aesthetic?
    Not really! When I was writing the song, I was initially thinking more along the lines of the experience of being a woman and how fickle our relationship with confidence can be. The fairytale stuff came after and felt obvious once the concept was solidified. 

    Something that immediately drew us to ‘Hot Goblin’ was the vulnerability hidden within this musically upbeat pop track, the understanding of insecurities, but the ability to still find confidence in that. What do writing sessions look like for a song that presents vulnerability in this way?
    I think my co-writers Nick Lopez, Jason Suwito, and I had a lot of fun figuring out what the term “hot goblin” means. As a girl who definitely feels the pressure to constantly present as put-together, fashionable, hot, etc. (especially from social media), it felt freeing to put a name to the feeling of embracing your insecurities and messy parts while still loving yourself completely and not feeling less than. 
    I also wanted the song to be about that feeling on top of the world one day and at the bottom the next, so ‘Hot Goblin’ became a way to give language to that cycle. Nick has been a close friend since we wrote ‘Numb Little Bug’ together, and Jason came into my life during a rough patch in my career, so there was already a lot of trust in the room. After we laughed about the phrase “hot goblin,” which I brought into the session (kind of as a joke), they both got it and locked in immediately. That balance of humor and honesty made the writing process really special. I write my favorite songs when I’m laughing.

    ‘Brutus’ is another recent release of yours! This track features some of our favorite visuals from you yet! Where did the creative vision for this video come from? And what was that on-set experience like?
     I was really inspired by the movie Amadeus, which my mom showed me when I was going through an intense, unforgiving period of depression, where I couldn’t stop comparing myself to other female artists who were creatively unblocked and more successful than me. I related to the character of Salieri and thought it would be fun to bring that rivalry with Mozart as a vignette alongside a few others to tell the story of what I was feeling. The on-set experience is one I will never forget because it was a day full of fun and laughter with friends, which felt SO full circle after a year of essentially crying every day and hating being in my skin. I was so happy to be me and felt so proud of the art that came out of such a hard time. I also checked off two big goals of mine, which were: one, working with my co-director, Ethan Frank, whom I’ve been a huge fan of for years, and two, fencing in a music video since I was a competitive fencer for many years.

    With both ‘Hot Goblin’ and ‘Brutus,’ the themes around the visuals are locked into days of old, with fairy tales and gladiator times. Is there an intentional through line there? 
    You know what; accidentally yes. It wasn’t intentional, but I think the whole album has puzzle-pieced itself together more than I planned for. It’s whimsical, it has hints of classical music, and instruments like the harpsichord! There’s definitely some fun “historical” stuff in there. 

    Egg in the Backseat came out three years ago! Is there a song on that record that, for you, has just gotten better with time?
    I would say ‘Goo,’ because my fans have really taken to that one at my live shows. It’s kind of a sleeper, dare I say!

    We, of course, have to briefly touch on ‘Numb Little Bug!’ Now that you are three years separated from the release of the track, how has your relationship to this song changed as time has gone on? 
    Oh my gosh! I wrote that song about my unfortunate experience with antidepressants, and now (after lots of trial and error), I’ve found one that has absolutely changed my life. It’s a cool marker of where I was then, and how much I’ve grown. I will always appreciate the response to that song and how much it changed my life.

    Once again, thank you so much for chatting with us! Before we let you go, what can fans look forward to as we close out 2025?
    My debut album is coming out very soon in 2026! It’s the proudest I’ve ever been of anything I’ve made. It’s about my journey through depression, experiencing complete loss of self, and how I have come out on the other side to be the happiest and most me I have ever been. It’s fun and pop and silly, and I’m ready for 2025 to be done so I can finally share this new music with my fans!

    Check out more of our exclusive interviews here!

    We would love to hear from you! What do you think of our interview with Em Beihold? Let us know by commenting below or by tweeting @TheHoneyPOP! We are also on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT EM BEIHOLD:
    INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER

    Hailey Hastings

    Source link

  • Exclusive Interview: Benjamin Steer Talks All Things Figuring It Out, And More!

    If you’re looking for which artist is going to be the talk of the town before too long, look no further than Benjamin Steer! Benjamin Steer has just released his EP Figuring It Out, which showed us, clear as day, that we were looking at an artist who is going to have a long and prosperous career! We were lucky enough to chat with Benjamin all about the EP and so much more!

    Stream Figuring It Out here!

    Hello Benjamin! Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us! To start us off, how would you describe your music to someone who is tuning in for the first time?
    It’s a pleasure, thank you! I would say my music is sort of a soundtrack to confusion in your 20s, a soundtrack to love, to heartbreak, and to figuring things out. I’d like to think it’s pretty cinematic but has some energy in it too!

    Figuring It Out is your debut EP! What feelings accumulate as you get ready to put your first collection of songs out?
    It is weird. I always feel a bit of anxiety before release days, but then as soon as the project is out, the anxiety disappears. I don’t hold emotional attachment to the songs once they are out. It then becomes a case of how many people can get their ears on it. But certainly, I am really proud of these songs. I feel like it sort of marks the end of my first chapter in the music world. I feel like each song serves a different purpose; the whole thing feels pretty dynamic.

    You described this record as “a hopeless romantic’s dream and downfall.” What is one lyric throughout the project that best represents the dream aspect, and on the other hand, what lyric would you say best represents the downfall?
    I think the dreamer line is definitely the chorus of ‘No One Wants To Die Alone,’ “Live Big Love Fast and not Die Alone.” It is sort of the payoff line in a song that lyrically is frustrated in many senses, and encapsulates the sort of desire of the EP. There are many downfall lines in the EP, so I’ll give you three: ‘Oh Darling,’ “Many nights I try to find you in other eyes… Am I blind to all that makes you you?” ’5%,’ “It’s the 5% that is in the spotlight and the 95 that hides behind my eyes – So I’ll keep it out of mind and out of sight.” ‘Sweat Off Our History,’ “I’ll thread the needle between who I am and what you want from me.” I think all of these lines sort of summarize the pressure that you have to appear complete and confident and put together… But in reality, you are still figuring things out – trying to find a purpose. And you often hide these insecurities and fears in actions and facades that are not favorable to yourself – just to appease others or numb yourself to vulnerability.

    As we are writing this, the EP is officially out! What has the reaction to the record been like over the last few days? How are you feeling post-release? 
    Honestly, I think it went as well as I had hoped. I think these things take a journey themselves when they are out. I think hopefully it has legs to continue to connect with people and make an impact. People have been so supportive and kind, and I feel very unworthy. I always say this, and it is very cliche, but I am just a dude who writes about life and love in his bedroom, so it’s surreal that it is connecting so well!

    When you released ‘No One Wants To Die Alone’ last year, did you already know this track was going to be everyone’s first taste of this EP? Or was it added in as the creation of the EP went forward?
    No Idea. ‘NOWTDA’ always felt special. It was the first song that I wrote, and I was like, if this doesn’t become the biggest song, then I am not sure what will. It felt so right and felt so me. The EP was certainly not a manufactured Idea. It was sort of the collection of the best things I had written in the last 8 months, and it all felt rather cohesive. I think if I were to sit down with the intention of writing an ep, and with a certain goal and message, it would have almost felt like I wasn’t being authentic. That being said, ‘No One Wants To Die Alone’ was probably the first song I wrote out of the ones that made it on to the EP, so maybe in some way it did guide the sonic and messaging of the rest!

    Hailing six songs, half of the record was previously released, and half of the songs were saved for release day. How do you go about deciding which songs you want to hold onto and let fans discover all at once?
    I think there is a feeling that you get when you have a single, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that the non-single tracks are missing something. I feel like putting out a bigger body of work allows you to release songs that may never come out as a single, but you still want people to hear them. I think ‘Sweat off our History’ is a good example; this would never be a single, but that does not mean that it isn’t good. So I am glad I had the opportunity to release it.

    We want to go back a bit and talk about ‘Muted Colors,’ This track changed a lot for you! When you look back, what does your relationship with that song look like now vs two years ago when it was released?
    I think ‘Muted Colors’ was the unexpectedly perfect first song to put out. It served its purpose in the time that it was written for me personally, but also to show an audience the type of music and messaging I wanted to pursue. I look back positively on it now for sure. It was the first stepping stone in a long journey to cross the river, and I’m so grateful that I could have even had the chance to start or embark on that journey. I think it worked because I was just honest, it was one of the first songs I had ever written and I did not really have a reference point as to what was ok and what was not. I think I do naturally cringe a little bit looking back to it now because I think my style and tone have changed a bit, but it certainly was a fantastic first step!

    Once again, thank you so much for chatting with us! Before we let you go, is there anything coming up that fans can look forward to? Any live shows?
    Hopefully got a lot of exciting stuff coming up! Going to hopefully do another London headline before the end of the year, and then a bit more of a fuller tour in early 2026! I’m also really excited to open for Arthur Hill on his UK tour in September!

    Check out more of our exclusive interviews here!

    We would love to hear from you! What is your favorite song from Benjamin Steer’s EP, Figuring It Out? Let us know by commenting below or by tweeting @TheHoneyPOP! We are also on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BENJAMIN STEER:
    INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK

    Hailey Hastings

    Source link

  • Everyone’s A Star! Because 5SOS Is Back With A New Album

    After the success of 5SOS5 in 2022, 5 Seconds of Summer are finally back with a brand new song called ‘NOT OK,’ and let us tell you it’s a certified bop. The song will be part of 5SOS’s new album, EVERYONE’S A STAR!, and they even got a record deal with Republic Records.

    We never imagined 5SOS would make a 2025 comeback. When 5SOS said “soon,” we thought they were joking, but this time, they meant it. After three years away, 5 Seconds Of Summer are back—and we are “NOT OK” about it.

    “It’s Official – The Greatest Boyband In History Are Returning!“

    It all started last week, when posters around the world stated that “our favorite back is back.” Of course, 5SOS got to work; days later, we got the announcement of a new era, including its colors, bright pink and orange. On Thursday, September 13, the band announced their upcoming album, called EVERYONE’S A STAR! With a cover of Calum, Michael, Luke, and Ashton with bubbly heads. The lead single, ‘NOT OK,’ was released on September 14, followed by a live gig, an ocean of pink shirts, and a pink limo! How cool is that?

    The song presents a completely new vibe for the band. Drawing influences from early 2000s Gorillaz and bands like NEED and The Prodigy, 5SOS made a song that felt authentic, bold, and challenging. Think 5SOS in 2014 but with steroids, a great hyped-up drumline, and the feeling of being pumped by energy. Of course, we have to talk about the aesthetics of the era, because they made Y2K meet Vivienne Westwood with their outfits!

    After hearing the song live, we are sure that this song is about to be great on tour with the fans on the pitch jumping. The band also performed a couple of songs that will be on the album. We at The Honey Pop are already the #1 fan of ‘Boyband.’

    12 Brand New Songs!

    The album will be released on November 14th under Republic Records. Also, it was produced by Jason Evigan, Julian Bunneta, and John Ryan, who you may know for working with Sabrina Carpenter! It promises to feature punk, pop, and rock songs with early 2000s vibes, and we already know how the first five songs sound. If you haven’t heard them, let us tell you, we love the new sound. Here is the track list of 5SOS’s new album EVERYONE’S A STAR! :

    Album cover courtesy of Republic Records

    1. ‘Everyone’s A Star!’
    2. ‘NOT OK’
    3. ‘Telephone Busy’
    4. ‘Boyband’
    5. ‘No. 1 Obsession’
    6. ‘I’m Scared I’ll Never Sleep’
    7. ‘istillfeelthesame’
    8. ‘Ghost’
    9. ‘Sick of Myself’
    10. ‘Evolve’
    11. ‘The Rocks’
    12. ‘Jawbreaker’

    You can hear ‘NOT OK’ here and go ahead and pre-save the album here!

    Which track are you claiming? Be sure to let us know by tweeting us at @thehoneypop or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT 5 SECONDS OF SUMMER:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE

    Camila Holguin

    Source link

  • P1Harmony’s EX Explodes With Genre‑Hopping Charm

    P1Harmony aren’t content to sit back and coast on past wins. Just a year after topping charts with ‘DUH!,’ the six‑member group are back with EX, a five‑track mini album designed with the Western market in mind and delivered with a creative genre blend that’s rare in 4th‑generation K‑pop. It’s their first English‑language collection, yet it closes with a Spanish version of the title track, proving that this crew aren’t afraid to stretch their sound or their languages.

    Image Source: Courtesy of FNC Entertainment

    From their world tour to daytime‑TV appearances and an ever‑growing global fan base, the stakes for P1Harmony have never been higher. So does EX live up to the hype? Here’s the thing: rather than delivering a safe, uniform sound, the group lean into variety and personality. Each song feels like a conversation with a different side of the band; at times playful, at others introspective, and occasionally downright celebratory. That diversity is both the album’s hook and its charm!

    ‘EX:’ Synth‑Pop Sparkle With A Playful Message

    The opening and title track, ‘EX,’ is a shimmering synth‑pop anthem built on catchy hooks and crisp digital textures. It’s light and breezy, almost like stumbling onto a carefree afternoon on a boardwalk. The lyrics, delivered entirely in English, celebrate independence and self‑discovery without sounding preachy. There’s even a gently feminist streak in the way the chorus suggests every woman deserves to explore and have fun without needing permission or an explanation. With Keeho and Jiung sharing centre stage, the song’s bright vocal interplay underpins a melody that lingers long after the final synth sweeps.

    Listening closely, you can sense the group’s desire to expand their sonic palette. The title track’s production folds in soft digital textures and spirited rap verses, but the heart of the song lies in its chorus; an earworm that borrows from 80s synth‑pop while keeping one foot firmly planted in 2025. It’s the kind of tune you could imagine blasting in an arena or singing along to at a festival, which makes sense given that EX arrives just before their largest U.S. tour yet.

    ‘Dancing Queen:’ Pop‑Rock Euphoria With A Nostalgic Glow

    Then P1Harmony pivot into pop‑rock territory. ‘Dancing Queen’ is the EP’s stadium‑ready moment, driven by buoyant guitars and the group’s commanding vocals. You know what? It recalls the energy of classic boy band anthems without feeling like a throwback. Keeho’s vocal tone pairs with Theo’s warm harmonies, creating a chorus that feels destined for late‑night singalongs.

    What sets ‘Dancing Queen’ apart is its effortless blend of sweetness and edge. In the lyrics, the protagonist invites their lover to own the night and dance without apology. The instrumentation shimmers with layered guitars and a driving beat, and there’s a subtle nod to 70s disco in the groove, yet the song never slips into pastiche. It’s playful and earnest in equal measure; the kind of track that would fit right over the credits of a feel‑good rom‑com!

    ‘Stupid Brain:’ Emotional Honesty Wrapped In Downtempo Grooves

    If ‘Dancing Queen’ is all about letting loose, ‘Stupid Brain’ turns inward. The track opens with lush strings and almost orchestral drama before flipping into a hip‑hop‑tinged beat. That contrast might sound chaotic on paper, but it works, creating a unique blend that showcases the group’s versatility. While the production nods to mid‑90s R&B, the song’s structure is thoroughly modern, with bubbled synths and a downtempo groove that feels tailor‑made for a rainy‑day playlist.

    Lyrically, ‘Stupid Brain’ is relatable to anyone who has ever overthought a situation. The song expresses the frustration of being stuck in your own head, unable to silence intrusive thoughts even when surrounded by friends. The melody dips and sways, giving space for introspection, and Keeho’s soulful delivery underscores the vulnerability of the message. A surprise guitar solo midway through adds a classic rock flavor, bridging the song’s orchestral intro with its pop‑R&B core!

    Honestly, it’s the EP’s heart, offering a glimpse into the group’s emotional range. While it might not explode like a single, it’s the kind of track listeners return to when they need to feel heard.

    ‘Night of My Life:’ 2010s EDM Nostalgia Meets Unbridled Joy

    Just when you think the EP might settle into moody reflection, ‘Night of My Life’ bursts through with sparkling EDM‑inspired energy. The song is pure, unadulterated fun. It’s simple, self‑hyping lyrics revolve around embracing the moment, dancing under the stars and having the best night possible, echoing the carefree charm of early 2010s pop anthems. There’s a playful electronic whistle that punctuates the chorus, and the beat builds to a euphoric drop that wouldn’t feel out of place in a DJ set.

    Fans of LMFAO or early Calvin Harris will appreciate how ‘Night of My Life’ channels the party‑rock spirit of that era while giving P1Harmony space to show off their vocal agility. In a clever twist, Intak takes a turn singing on the final chorus, adding texture to the track’s soaring finale. If ‘Stupid Brain’ is for introspective nights, this song is for living in the moment; a high‑energy reminder that sometimes joy should simply be embraced!

    ‘EX (Spanish Version):’ Bridging Cultures With A Bilingual Banger

    Closing the EP is a Spanish version of the title track; an unexpected twist that underscores P1Harmony’s eagerness to reach beyond linguistic boundaries. It’s the group’s first official Spanish release, following their earlier covers and Latin‑inspired songs like ‘Sad Song,’ and it reveals a comfort with the language that feels authentic rather than forced. The playful lyrics remain, but hearing them delivered with a different cadence gives the melody a brand‑new dimension.

    Culturally, the move is significant. K‑pop acts rarely produce full Spanish versions of their songs, and when they do, it’s often as a one‑off novelty. Here, P1Harmony treat the Spanish version as a natural extension of the original, not just a marketing gimmick. For bilingual P1ece, it’s a thrill to hear familiar words roll off their tongues; for monolingual listeners, it’s a testament to the universality of pop music. Either way, the track signals the group’s commitment to building community across borders, a sentiment echoed throughout their broader discography!

    Beyond The Music: Creative Control And A Tour To Match

    Part of what makes EX compelling is the group’s hands‑on approach. Members Keeho, Jiung, Intak and Jongseob are credited as creative producers, continuing a tradition of deep involvement that fans have come to expect. That creative input is evident in the EP’s thoughtful sequencing and willingness to experiment. From synth‑pop to pop‑rock, R&B, EDM and Latin pop, the project moves effortlessly between genres without feeling disjointed, a testament to both the group’s musicianship and the production team’s vision.

    The timing of EX’s release isn’t accidental. It drops just ahead of P1Harmony’s largest U.S. arena tour, P1ustage H: Most Wanted, which is scheduled to hit major cities like Newark, Chicago and Los Angeles before heading to Latin America. Pairing an English‑heavy EP with a multilingual tour is a savvy move: it gives new listeners an accessible entry point while rewarding longtime fans with fresh material. The tracks on EX are designed to translate well to live stages; imagine the opening synths of ‘EX’ echoing through an arena, the guitar licks of ‘Dancing Queen’ sparking a singalong, or the EDM drop in ‘Night of My Life’ triggering a sea of light sticks.

    Image Source: Courtesy of FNC Entertainment

    Final Verdict: A Polished Yet Adventurous Detour

    So, is EX worth your time? Absolutely! At just over fifteen minutes long, the EP packs more variety into its runtime than many full‑length albums. Its five tracks feel like distinct chapters in a cohesive narrative, each revealing a different facet of P1Harmony’s artistry. The members’ vocals shine, the production is tight, and the willingness to experiment, linguistically and stylistically, keeps the project feeling fresh!

    For longtime stans, EX offers another layer to a discography that already spans boom‑bap hip‑hop, hyper‑pop, reggaeton and synth‑driven anthems. For newcomers, it’s an accessible introduction to a group poised for global growth. More than anything, the EP serves as a reminder that pop music can be both fun and thoughtful, polished and playful. It’s a genre‑blurring, multilingual journey that leaves you wondering: if this is just a mini album, what sonic adventures might P1Harmony embark on next?

    Image Source: Courtesy of FNC Entertainment

    Which song is your favorite on the EP? Let us know in the comments below, or tell us over on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

    Want more P1Harmony content? Look here!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT P1HARMONY:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | MEMBERS’ TWITTER | OFFICIAL TWITTER | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE

    Asia M.

    Source link

  • Waterparks’ Lyrics Might Not Be Confidential, But These Shows Are (Kind Of)

    In preparation for The Prowler Tour happening this fall, Waterparks announced three secret shows in LA, NYC, and Chicago in the smallest venues they’ve performed in since 2017.

    The Glass House in Pomona has a capacity of 800 people and it’s safe to say that they squeezed all 800 people in. We might’ve been a little squished (and really sweaty) but Waterparks made us forget about all of that during their one-and-a-half-hour set.

    THREE SECRET WATERPARKS SHOWS IN THE SMALLEST VENUES WE’VE PLAYED SINCE 2017, WHO WANNA GO?

    Waterparks on Instagram

    Awsten warned us that there would be deep-cuts that they’d be performing that they hadn’t touched in a while but we weren’t expecting ‘Peach (Lobotomy)’ or ‘War Crimes’….

    (Writer’s Note: We hate to break it to you but Awsten said they wouldn’t be singing ‘Peach’ at any other show but the LA one…….)

    Jay Flores for The Honey POP
    Jay Flores for The Honey POP

    Now let’s take this moment to go over the entire set list so we can compare the Chicago and NYC ones later:

    Red Guitar

    Numb

    Stupid For You

    Peach (Lobotomy)

    Gloom Boys

    Secret Life of Me

    Call Me Beep Me

    War Crimes

    Take Her to the Moon

    Magnetic

    Ritual

    Turbulent

    Lucky People

    I Miss Having Sex But At Least I Don’t Wanna Die Anymore

    Funeral Grey

    [Reboot]

    If Lyrics Were Confidential

    Zone Out

    Tantrum

    Real Super Dark

    Opening with ‘Red Guitar,’ their first single off the upcoming, still-untitled record, was a top-tier choice. It’s safe to say that if the other songs on this album are anything like ‘Red Guitar,’ or their newest single, ‘If Lyrics Were Confidential,’ this album is going to land a spot in our favorite albums of 2025.

    When you go to a Waterparks show, you’re not only met with immaculate vibes from the crowd, you’re also met with silly banter from the band themselves. In this case, Awsten wouldn’t let Geoff take his sweatshirt off even though he was sweating enough for the three of them. (New single should be called ‘Ten More Sweaters.’ If you know, you know.)

    Jay Flores for The Honey POP
    Jay Flores for The Honey POP

    When you’re at a Waterparks show, it’s almost impossible to just stand still, or bop your head around a few times. You go all in. Or at least we did. We were screaming the lyrics to ‘Magnetic,’ ‘Turbulent,’ and ‘Real Super Dark’ like our lives depended on it. And the intimacy of the venue only added that extra UMPH! to the feel of the show.

    Even if you weren’t a fan of Waterparks in 2017, being in this small room with them made it feel like you were there with them in the beginning.

    Check out the full gallery from the show!

    If you didn’t get a chance to catch them at one of their three secret shows, you still have a chance to catch them on The Prowler Tour this fall. If you saw them at this show, are going to see them at an upcoming show, or just want to tell us how jealous you are, let us know in the comments, or hit us up on Twitter @TheHoneyPOP! You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram to talk all things Waterparks!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WATERPARKS:
    INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE

    Jay Flores

    Source link

  • Exclusive Interview: Hunter Daily Talks All Things ‘Claw Marks,’ Upcoming EP, and More!

    Looking for your next favorite artist? Look no further than one of the artists we are sure is going to have a huge year as we round out 2025 and jump into 2026: Hunter Daily! Hunter is responsible for one of our favorite EPs of the year with Claw Marks, and we were lucky enough to get to pick her brain all about the project, as well as turn back the clock and take a look back at where it all began with ‘Die in LA.’ Let’s jump in!

    Stream Claw Marks here!

    Hi Hunter! Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us! To start us off, how would you describe your music to someone who is tuning in for the first time?
    If a diary entry and a pop song had a baby, that would be my music. It’s folkypoppy, and confessional—like little stories you can crash out or cry to.

    ‘Claw Marks’ is your latest release and your fourth release from your upcoming EP sharing the same name. Can you tell us what it was about this track that made you want to name the project around it? Or did the song come from the name of the EP?
    The lyric is: “Everything I’ve ever let go of has claw marks on it.” That pretty much sums me up as a person and as a songwriter. This EP is about gripping too tightly, even when you know better—and ‘Claw Marks’ felt like the perfect way to name the whole messy, complicated story.

    After the release of ‘Claw Marks,’ you have left two tracks unreleased from the EP. What goes into deciding what to hold back?
    It’s kind of like dating—you don’t give everything away on the first night. I wanted to build suspense, to leave people wondering what else is coming. Save the best for last.

    The video for ‘Claw Marks’ feels so intimate and jam-packed with emotion, and for us, really brought the song alive! Can you talk to us a bit about the vision for the visuals?
    That video is basically my breakup paranoia turned into art. You know when you break up with someone and your brain won’t stop imagining what they’re doing without you? Who are they with? What does their life look like now? We took those spirals and put them on screen. It’s unhinged, but so is heartbreak.

    ‘Die in LA’ was your first track, and next month marks three years since its release. When you look back on that track, is there a skill that you honed in crafting it that can still be found in your most recent work?
    Wow—that’s so crazy; I can’t believe it’s been three years already! That song gave me the confidence to step into being a solo artist. It was the first time I realized I had something unique to share, a perspective that only I could bring. That song taught me how important it is for me to tell my truth.

    Songwriting is a huge part of who you are as an artist. When you look at this EP, is there a lyric that you are particularly proud of?
    There’s one line: “A spaceman’s gonna suit up, a cowboy’s gonna ride.” It sounds playful, but it’s really about inevitability—that people are gonna do what they’re gonna do, no matter how much you want them to stay. It’s my way of making peace with that.

    On a similar note, we know that crafting any project can take a village, but it’s also important to give yourself a pat on the back. Is there something you can point to on this record—whether it’s the creative process, the rollout, or beyond—that you are proud of yourself for accomplishing?
    I’m proud that this project actually sounds like me. Not the version of me I thought I was supposed to be, but the messy, dramatic, loves-too-hard, refuses-to-let-go version. That’s growth to me.

    Once again, thank you so much for chatting with us! Before we let you go, we have to ask: Will we have some chances to hear all of this new music live soon?
    Oh, definitely. These songs were written to scream in a room with people. Performing them live is the part I’m most excited for—it’s where the claws really come out. I haven’t officially announced, but I do have a tour in the works!!

    Check out more of our new music coverage here!

    We would love to hear from you! What do you think of Hunter Daily’s track ‘Claw Marks?’ Let us know by commenting below or by tweeting @TheHoneyPOP! We are also on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HUNTER DAILY:
    INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK

    Hailey Hastings

    Source link

  • Justin Bieber’s SWAG II Is An Extension Of His R&B Greatness

    Justin Bieber did something no one saw coming. He released a second rendition of his latest album, SWAG, with only a 12-hour notice. SWAG II dropped at midnight on September 5, 2025, with a baby pink album cover and 23 new songs that fit inside the same vein as SWAG, released on July 11, 2025. This new double-album project continues to prove that Justin Bieber’s greatness lies less inside the pop genre and more heavily in the R&B genre (although it’s undeniable he’s made some of the best pop music of the 2010s).

    What Justin does best is pour his heart and pen into love songs with an R&B groove to back it. However, what most people tend to forget is that this is not something new for Justin. He’s always made it obvious he’s wanted to experiment and go full force in the genre that is hard to master. His 2020 project, Changes, and later his 2021 project Justice, were his first attempts at really proving this point to the world. Songs like ‘Confirmation’ and ‘2 Much’ could easily fit like a missing puzzle piece on SWAG’s tracklist. If you hit rewind even further, it could easily be argued that SWAG is an adult extension of Purpose, one of Justin’s most beloved albums released in 2015. Purpose was one of the first times Justin’s faith was vulnerably laid out in song, which is one of the most prominent themes in SWAG and SWAG II. More on that later.

    Image Source: Courtesy of Def Jam Recordings

    Listen to Justin Bieber’s latest album here.

    It seems Justin Bieber has finally found his footing in the studio after 4 years of releasing no new solo music, and fans can expect to hear, if Justin decides to grace us with even more new music in the future of his career, the SWAG-sound on most, if not all, of his future records. It’s where he’s comfortable and successful, so we can plan for him to stay in that pocket.

    Themes & Structure

    SWAG II expands on the themes presented to us in SWAG – faith, marriage, unity and peace, admiration, adoration, and personal growth. It’s clear Justin wants listeners to take the SWAG experience in full, so we recommend listening to both albums back to back if you have yet to hear them for the first time.

    It’s also impossible to talk about SWAG and SWAG II without touching on the golden lines of holy admiration that run through each of the songs. SWAG II ends with ‘STORY OF GOD,’ a 7-minute devotion to God, detailing Justin’s version of his individualized faith. Read the entire story here. Even if you yourself are not a believer in any particular faith, it’s a beautiful listen that rounds out the album in a very raw way. 

    Many fans have quickly compared Justin’s “new” sound to that of Michael Jackson. This comparison is not much of a surprise, however. Throughout his career, even as a young teenager, Justin has vocally admired Michael Jackson’s work and person. He’s copied his signature sound and adlib structure many times, but it seems to really come through on SWAG II on songs like ‘EYE CANDY’ and ‘LYIN’.’ Regardless of fans’ opinions on this, Justin does it almost flawlessly, and it comes through as clear admiration, not copying a formula that is already successful. With the help of talented producers like Mk.gee, Dijon, and Eddie Benjamin, Justin is designing his own formula for R&B success, and arguably has been paving this formula since he was 15 years old.

    Our Favorite Tracks

    • ‘LOVE SONG’
    • ‘MOTHER IN YOU’
    • ‘WITCHYA’
    • ‘DON’T WANNA’
    • ‘BAD HONEY’
    • ‘NEED IT’

    ‘DOTTED LINE’ is a standout track as well. One thing Justin Bieber is really good at is grabbing a mic and just going for it, regardless of the instruments in the room or how his voice decides to sound that day. His emotions and mature vocals are undoubtedly raw, and it doesn’t need to be cleaned up in production. Where most other artists would clean these raw vocals up later in the creative process, Justin keeps them in. You can hear every breath, every vocal wobble, and every other sound that’s in the background of wherever he’s recording. A “fire” comes through at the 35-second mark, presumably from someone else in the studio commenting on how they feel about the song. It’s these little details that make SWAG II so special for long-time fans. If you love this sound, you can also find it on its sister songs ‘DEVOTION’ and ‘GLORY VOICE MEMO’ on SWAG.

    If you needed any reminder that Justin Bieber is one of music’s greats, SWAG II is it. 

    Justin Bieber
    Image Source:  Renell Medrano

    How did you feel about SWAG II? Did you enjoy the songs on SWAG or SWAG II better? Let us know by buzzing with us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram!

    Searching for more content about the best new music? See what we’ve got!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT JUSTIN BIEBER:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE

    Alana

    Source link

  • 5 New Releases You Might’ve Missed Last Week

    Here at The Honey POP!, we make it our mission to keep you up to date on all the latest releases from our faves–and yours! Last week was filled to the brim with a whole host of new music, so we’ve put together a roundup of some of our favorites to keep you caught up. From longtime staples like Have Mercy and The Beaches to rising names including House & Home, BIZZY, and CMAT, there’s no shortage of tracks to add to your rotation.

    Have Mercy – ‘little pieces’

    Just in time for Sad Girl Autumn™, emo icons Have Mercy just dropped their sixth album, The Loneliest Place I’ve Ever Been, and it’s everything we could’ve hoped for. Lead single, ‘little pieces’ hits with raw emotion and honest lyricism, setting the tone for a record full of introspection and intensity. Across ten tracks, the band strikes a balance between vulnerability and driving alt-rock energy, crafting a deeply personal album that lingers long after it ends.

    We were lucky enough to chat with the band about all things The Loneliest Place I’ve Ever Been, their upcoming tour, and more. You can get the inside scoop here!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HAVE MERCY:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | SPOTIFY | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE

    House & Home – ‘Swarm’

    ‘Swarm’ proves why House & Home have become a force in the DIY scene. The track grabs you from the first note, with driving guitars and relentless drums that mirror the tension in the lyrics. It’s raw, chaotic, and full of unfiltered energy (aka a perfect introduction to the band at their most powerful). House & Home have crafted a song that demands to be heard, and it’s impossible to turn away.,

    In case ‘Swarm’ wasn’t enough for you, House & Home also announced that their sophomore album, I Won’t Look for You, will be released on November 17th. Pre-save the album here!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOUSE & HOME:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE

    BIZZY – ‘Make Me Cry’

    BIZZY is quickly cementing herself as alt-pop’s anti-hero, and you don’t need convincing; one listen to ‘Make Me Cry’ says it all. The track perfectly captures her signature mix of vulnerability, sarcasm, and full-on emotional chaos–showcasing her fully in command of her sound. The song starts soft and intimate, then bursts into a synth-driven chorus that hits every gut-punch feeling you’ve ever had. ‘Make Me Cry’ is our current obsession, and we can’t wait to see what BIZZY does next.

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BIZZY:
    INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER

    The Beaches – ‘Can I Call You In The Morning’

    The Beaches are back with No Hard Feelings, and they waste no time making an impression! The album opens with pure chaotic energy, and ‘Can I Call You In The Morning’ immediately sets the tone. Brutally honest lyrics meet an infectious chorus, and turn late-night breakup emotions into pure punk-pop gold. Inspired by messy relationships and the awkward aftermath of love, ‘Can I Call You In The Morning’ captures that moment of yelling, apologizing, and hitting redial all in one go. No Hard Feelings proves why The Beaches continue to stand out in the alternative scene: messy, fun, and impossible to ignore.

    The Beaches are also about to head out on an impressive 35-show run in support of No Hard Feelings. You can view the full list of dates and purchase tickets here!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEACHES:
    INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE

    CMAT – ‘When A Good Man Cries’ 

    If your FYP looks anything like ours, then seeing CMAT’s EURO-COUNTRY here won’t surprise you one bit. From viral TikToks to a Glastonbury set that fans are still buzzing about, the budding Irish superstar has already cemented herself as one of the defining voices of her generation. This album is packed with anthems that are as fun as they are thoughtful, tackling big ideas with humor and heart. CMAT has given us a record that feels both timely and timeless—a daring, fully realized vision of modern pop.

    ICYMI: CMAT will also be hitting the road later this month in support of EURO-COUNTRY! For a full list of dates and to purchase tickets, visit here.

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CMAT:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE

    This past week was such a GOOD week for new music! Which release was your favorite? Or was there any track you wish we had included? Let us know in the comments, or tweet us at @thehoneypop! You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Discord.

    Buzzing for more alternative content? We got you, honey!

    Liz Montville

    Source link

  • Exclusive Interview: Have Mercy Find Their Voice in The Loneliest Place I’ve Ever Been

    Have Mercy have returned with The Loneliest Place I’ve Ever Been, a record that digs deeper, hits harder, and shows the band at their sharpest yet. It’s a milestone moment for a group that’s been shaping the Baltimore alt-rock scene for over 15 years.

    The release kicks off with a hometown show before the band heads out with Boys Night Out this fall. We caught up with Andrew, lead guitarist of Have Mercy, to talk about the making of the new album, the moments that still hit the hardest on stage, and why some traditions, like “Pizza Forever,” will never die.

    Courtesy of Big Picture Media

    Stream The Loneliest Place I’ve Ever Been here!

    Hello, and welcome to the Honey Pop! Thank you for taking the time to chat with us. Could you give our readers a quick introduction for someone who may not be familiar with Have Mercy?
    Sure! I’m Andrew, and I play lead guitar for Have Mercy. We’re an alternative rock band from Baltimore, MD, and we’ve been rocking and rolling together for just over 15 years.

    Have Mercy’s music has clearly struck a chord with listeners over the years. Was there a particular moment when you thought, “Wow, this is really reaching people?”
    For me, it was on our first headliner tour with Head North, Somos, and You Me And Everyone We Know. We had just done a ton of support tours and saw more and more people singing along, but this was our first headlining tour, and we weren’t sure if anyone was gonna come, and the fans just packed every single venue.

    From your breakout debut, The Earth Pushed Back, to now releasing The Loneliest Place I’ve Ever Been, that’s over a decade of Have Mercy! What does it feel like to look back and see how far the band has come?
    It’s a strange and cool feeling being able to look back at these little time capsules of where we were in our lives, and for me to see how far we have come as musicians and songwriters. Looking back at the earlier songs, they were cool and are still fun to play live.  But the newer stuff is more technical and “harder,” and because of that challenge, it’s fun to play them live.

    You guys are celebrating the release with a hometown show in Baltimore! How does playing back home in Baltimore compare to anywhere else on the map?
    We wouldn’t have it any other way. Baltimore has come a long way since we started out music-wise and has always been eclectic. You’d go to a show, and it would be like putting the promoter’s iPod on shuffle, cause you’d have some indie bands, emo bands, and then punk and hardcore. It was one big bowl of music stew that is still amazing and so cool. I’m glad we have bands and artists like Turnstile, Jivebomb, Dan Deacon, and Animal Collective repping our city!

    You’ve noted that this release is “the album we’ve always wanted to create.” What made this the right time for that record to happen?
    We write songs together that evolve from either a jam or a voice memo. Now we’re finally musically and creatively capable of doing that. When we were younger, we barely knew what we were doing musically and couldn’t communicate what we wanted each other to do when we were jamming. Now it’s like “Hey, try something like this?” And we’ll do the take and make it happen, and even if we don’t use it, we have it, and we did it.

    The album’s supporting single, ‘little pieces,’ is about putting yourself back together. Was there a specific turning point or moment that made its way directly into that song?
    That’s a Brian question. I know for me, it was getting sober. I stopped drinking on September 17th, 2021. And when I quit drinking, I literally didn’t have anything going on except a loving partner and the guys in the band. I really dove back into guitar to keep my mind off alcohol, and I really think that’s what helped put me back together—were the ‘little pieces’ in my life of my partner, my boys, and my guitar.

    Your music has always walked the line between vulnerability and intensity. Is there one lyric on The Loneliest Place I’ve Ever Been that you think hits hardest, or an older line that still hits you the hardest when you sing it?
    “I had a life and I had friends.” from our song ‘Two Years.’ I scream it to the crowd every time we play it live since we wrote it. It’s such a powerful line. Off the new album, I felt a very heavy emotional weight when I first heard the chorus to ‘August 17th.’ My mom passed during COVID, and I didn’t have a chance to say goodbye in person; and when I first heard those lyrics, I just sat back in my chair and was like, “Holy sh!t” cause I’d never really processed it completely.

    You’re heading out this October with Boys Night Out for their Trainwreck anniversary tour! What are you most looking forward to about being back on the road?
    Getting to hang out with all our fans and friends, seeing one of the greatest rock and roll bands, BNO, play my favorite album every night, and of course, the post-rock food. Seeing who can get the healthiest and least healthy truck stop food.

    After six albums and more than a decade together, is there anything from the early days of Have Mercy that’s still part of your DNA as a band—whether it’s a pre-show ritual, a piece of advice, or even a “don’t do this on tour” lesson?
    Two things that have stayed with us forever are: we’re best friends first before anything. These are my ride-or-die guys. We are always there for each other. The second thing: “Pizza Forever.”

    Have Mercy tour
    Courtesy of Big Picture Media

    Lastly, if The Loneliest Place I’ve Ever Been were a place in the real world, where would it be, and why?
    When I first heard the title of the record, I thought of nature. Just being out in the middle of nature alone with nobody around, no cell service. It’s both a very scary and very freeing thing.

    What do you think of The Loneliest Place I’ve Ever Been? Will you be catching Have Mercy when they hit the road with Boys Night Out this fall? Let us know your favorite tracks and tour plans in the comments below, or come talk all things Have Mercy with us over on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

    And we have plenty more pop-punk for you, too!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HAVE MERCY:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | SPOTIFY | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE

    Liz Montville

    Source link

  • Our Most Replayed Parts Of Hayley Williams’ Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party Album

    We, as many people did, have listened to Hayley Williams’ new album, Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party, on repeat since its release. We can’t even count how many times we kept repeating, basically all of these tracks. This album follows a collection of 17 singles, 16 of which we heard before, and one previously unreleased, ‘Parachute.’ We can go on and on about ‘Parachute,’ but that will have to wait. We love that she put it all in one place so that we can listen to each song back-to-back. We also appreciate the order in which they decided to place the songs. 

    Tracklist:

    • ‘Ice In My OJ’
    • ‘Glum’
    • ‘Kill Me’
    • ‘Whim’
    • ‘Mirtazapine’
    • ‘Disappearing Man’
    • ‘Love Me Different’
    • ‘Brotherly Hate’
    • Negative Self Talk’
    • ‘Ego Death At A Bacherloretty Party’
    • ‘Hard’
    • ‘Discovery Channel’
    • ‘True Believer’
    • ‘Zissou’
    • ‘Dream Girl In Shibuya’
    • ‘Blood Bros’
    • ‘I Won’t Quit On You’
    • ‘Parachute’ 

    We have to admit every single track ate with the lyrics. We initially tried making a list and narrowing down which song was our favorite, but we soon realized how difficult it was. Then tried lyrics, but as we said, they were just too good. So, here’s a list of our most replayed parts of the album. Enjoy! 

    ‘Ice In My OJ’

    Okay, look, there are a couple of parts in this track that had us hitting replay, like her tribute to an old project she was a part of, Mammoth City Messengers. She took that old part of her past self and reinvented it to be a banger with ‘Ice In My OJ.’ But there was one specific part that stood out, which was the chorus. We just love how almost gritty the “I’m in a Band!” part mixed with the “ah” part sounds. It’s just too good. It was such a great choice to open the album.

    “Ah, ah-ah-ah, ah (I’m in a band, I’m in a band)
    (I’m in a band, I’m in a band)    “

    ‘Parachute’

    We obviously had to include ‘Parachute’ since it’s the only song that wasn’t included in the original releases, plus it was our most replayed song on the album. Whatever you may think this track is about, we all agree that the track carries all the emotion and hits us with back-to-back punches. The part that just oozed emotion, as well as our favorite part, is the whole second verse. It really surprised us the first time we heard it, and we haven’t stopped singing it with the same emotion Hayley does ever since.

    “You told mе you waited for me, you said that you won
    Asked me on a plane from Rio, do I ever think of us?
    And you were at my wedding, I was broken, you were drunk
    You could’ve told me not to do it, I would’ve run, I would’ve run
    Tell me what was the moment, you decided to give up
    You could’ve told me what you wanted, I would’ve done, I would’ve done
    Anything, I would’ve done anything”

    ‘Zissou’

    For ‘Zissou,’ we honestly love the references from the song, such as the inspiration from the song ‘Life On Mars?’ which is featured in the movie The Aquatic Life, specifically with lyrics like “Vem cá, me dá a sua língua.” It also has a reference to Megan The Stallion with the line “Megan called it “Monster Soup“” referring to Megan The Stallion talking about all the hidden stuff in the ocean. Out of all of that, our most replayed part has to be the second verse.

    “Keep telling you the water’s fine
    Megan called it “Monster Soup”
    But the monsters are you and I
    We don’t have anything to lose”

    ‘True Believer’

    ‘True Believer’ was an immediate hit when it was first released, and for good reasons. Hayley has always been someone who speaks out, whether in her day-to-day life, during interviews, or in her music. She always helps put more eyes and ears on things. This track references racism in the South, religion, hypocrisy, and historical events that are worth knowing about, as well as songs that discuss the same topics. There is so much to take away from this track, but our most replayed part has to be the pre-chorus, specifically with its references to history and ongoing events.

    “The South will not rise again
    ‘Til it’s paid for every sin
    Strange fruit, hard bargain
    Till the roots, Southern Gotham”

    ‘Love Me Different’

    ‘Love Me Different’ is one of those tracks that we wish were longer; we could’ve listened to three more minutes of this track. Hayley’s voice just sounds so good in this, plus the beat was just so good, especially the sampled parts from Phoenix’s track ‘Fior di Latte.’ Go listen to their song and come back to this one, and you’ll hear it. Now, our favorite part comes from the post-chorus, where she starts off strong and almost angry, then ends the part softly. Plus, the “huh” almost sounds like a sigh, and we just love it.

    “And I want someone to love me different
    Huh”

    We honestly could go on and on about everything we love about the Ego Death At A Bachorlette Party. We love how the beginning of ‘Mirtazapine’ reminds us of the beginning of Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘ballad of a homeschooled girl,’ or how in ‘Glum,’ Hayley changes her voice until she slows it down with the line “I wonder,” then it’s her actual voice. *Sigh* see! We could go on and on about every track on this album.

    But that’s not all, guys, because Hayley Williams has said, and we quote, “we’re not done yet, there’s more,” so please excuse us as we scream. What does Hayley Williams have in store for us? Guess we just have to wait and find out, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled and continue listening to Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party. 

    What were your favorite lyrics from the album? Let us know in the comments down below or over on Twitter @thehoneypop, and don’t forget to talk to us on Facebook and Instagram!

    Do you want Paramore content? We got you covered!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HAYLEY WILLIAMS:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

    Valerie Valdez

    Source link

  • Grayscale Is Not Afraid To Give Us A Good Show

    ‘Third time’s the charm’ or whatever they say… Only this time we’re talking about seeing Grayscale for the third time this year. We saw them in Arizona at 8123 Fest, then again while on tour earlier this Spring. Now they’re back in Anaheim, and we were not prepared for the show they were about to perform.

    Jay Flores for The Honey POP
    Jay Flores for The Honey POP

    When it comes to seeing Grayscale on tour, it’s truly never certain what songs they’re going to sing. It could be a setlist comprised of all their hit singles that make us fall in love with their music over and over again, or it can be the hard-hitting, very-rarely-performed-live songs that remind us how lucky we are to exist at the same time as them. On this very tour, we were beyond lucky to get both. You heard that right.

    The Philadelphian, alt-rock band opened with one of our favorite songs, ‘Kept Me Alive,’ and kept the vibes up and strong following with ‘Through the Landslide’. Both of these songs fresh off the press with the release of their 5th studio album, The Hart. When you have a band like Grayscale who has been in the scene for a long while, they know what the fans want to hear and how to make every show feel special and unique.

    This particular night, they surprised us with not one, but two of their more hard-hitting tracks from their newest album: Talking In My Sleep and Mum ii. Back to back, mind you. (As if the Anaheim heat wasn’t enough to melt our makeup off, these two songs were.)

    Jay Flores for The Honey POP.
    Jay Flores for The Honey POP

    But it’s okay, because just as we were wiping our tears and mascara-stained faces clean, Grayscale picked the vibes back up with ‘Dance With Your Ghost.’ Collin Walsh asked us if we had come out to dance on this Saturday night, and we said yes.

    If you didn’t think Grayscale could get any better, their second to last song on the setlist was none other than their cover of Van Halen’s ‘Panama.’ We’d heard this one before when we saw them on tour with Boys Like Girls, but there’s nothing like hearing it live again. (We don’t know how the logistics of this work, but can you guys pretty please put this on streaming somehow? Thanks. Sincerely, us.)

    And of course, not to be forgotten, and not to be ignored, the band closed the night out with ‘Not Afraid to Die,’ the leading single to their recent album.

    At this point, seeing Grayscale live feels less like just going to a concert and more like showing up for a full-on emotional rollercoaster in the best way possible. Whether it’s your first show or your thirtieth (hi, it’s us), they always find a way to make it feel brand new. From surprise deep cuts to crowd-favorite bangers, they really gave us everything in Anaheim.

    Check out the full gallery below!

    If you didn’t get a chance to see them yet, or in the US, Grayscale will be out on tour in the UK & Europe this fall on their “Live In Colour” tour! You can check out dates and purchase tickets here.

    Did you catch them on this tour? Let us know in the comments, on Facebook, Instagram, or by tweeting us @thehoneypop!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT GRAYSCALE:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE

    Jay Flores

    Source link

  • Taylor Swift announces engagement to Travis Kelce

    Taylor Swift has announced her engagement to Kansas City Chiefs football star Travis Kelce.Swift announced her engagement with a slideshow of photos featuring her and Kelce on Tuesday.“Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married,” the caption said.The news comes after Swift joined Kelce and his brother Jason on their New Heights podcast in August, where she announced her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”The two have been dating for around two years since Kelce went to Swift’s Eras Tour and afterwards announced on New Heights that he wanted to meet the superstar.

    Taylor Swift has announced her engagement to Kansas City Chiefs football star Travis Kelce.

    Swift announced her engagement with a slideshow of photos featuring her and Kelce on Tuesday.

    “Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married,” the caption said.

    The news comes after Swift joined Kelce and his brother Jason on their New Heights podcast in August, where she announced her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”

    The two have been dating for around two years since Kelce went to Swift’s Eras Tour and afterwards announced on New Heights that he wanted to meet the superstar.

    Source link