THP just got home from the Sweat Tour, and we left thinking of two things. One, that Charli xcx and Troye Sivan are our new favorite pop stars (duh), and two, Shygirl has unlocked new fans here in the hive and is officially on our ones-to-watch list. Shygirl is currently on tour, opening for Charli and Troye, hyping fans up with her intoxicating club and dance music. If you’re planning on attending the Sweat Tour, you can expect to hear Shygirl hits and favorites like ‘thicc,’ ‘SIREN,’ ‘Nike,’ and more!
Image Source: Courtesy of Orienteer
Her latest track, ‘Immaculate,’ was a hit among fans in the crowd, especially when collaborator Saweetie came out as a special guest. We were gagged, to say the least. To celebrate Shygirl’s ongoing success and new track, here are three reasons why we love Shygirl and why her discography is nothing but ‘Immaculate.’
Innovation And Experimentation
Shygirl’s music is innovative and exciting! She’s always experimenting with new songs and traditional club sounds that people know and love. What does it sound like when these two are merged? Take a listen to ‘Immaculate’ and hear it for yourselves.
Shygirl is, of course, always giving us innovative visualizers, which just makes the listening experience even better.
Performance And Look
One thing Shygirl can do is perform! We were lucky enough to see it for ourselves, but if you have yet to see Shygirl do her thing, check it out below 👇
She’s also got a stunning look that you just can’t look away from. If you aren’t entranced by her music, you’ll be easily entranced by her stage presence. When we saw her live, we couldn’t help but jump around and head-bang!
Confidence And Collaboration
Our two favorite “C” words? Confidence and collaboration! These are also two traits that make a great pop artist, and right now, Shygirl is taking the cake. She’s serving the hive the full fantasy that we know and love while still bringing competitive innovation to the industry. What’s next for Shygirl? We can’t wait to see!
We’re so excited about Shygirl’s success and her new song with Saweetie! Have you listened to it yet? Let us know what you thought of the song in the comments below or by buzzing with us on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook 🐝
After taking over our playlists with their debut full-length album, Armageddon, earlier this year, aespa are back with their latest EP! Whiplash is a masterclass in creating the perfect mini-album, drawing from aespa’s greatest strengths and taking them a step further to remind us all why they’re already titans of the K-Pop industry. It brings their signature “aespacore” sound and aesthetic into a new, polished dimension full of possibility and intrigue. The girls know their power and are sharp as whips in executing every detail!
Let’s take a look at the songs on the Whiplash mini-album and style outfits inspired by each track! You can interpret it as being outfits we’d choose for aespa performances or imagining each song as a person (or ae) with its own unique fashion sense.
Image Source: SM Entertainment
‘Whiplash’
It’s safe to say that aespa have officially locked in their signature sound, and we’re so here for it! ‘Whiplash’ is a bold, confident track with an addictive bassline and lines like Giselle’s “day one, know I been bad” that we know will go viral. It feels like a crossover between ‘Supernova’ and ‘Savage,’ notably two of their most beloved title tracks, with some fun dance elements that bring it to a new corner of the aespa multiverse. aespa know their power and impact, and the only way is up as they stay true to themselves and their unique concept!
The styling for the ‘Whiplash’ music video and teasers is already pretty perfect, so we’d go in a similar direction with cool silhouettes and a mainly black and silver color palette. Inspired by its similarities to ‘Supernova’ and the electrifying house influence, we would add some colorful, metallic accessories for a little extra fun.
“Wherever I am can’t stop me, I’m the coldest I’m the only game changer bringing the new era…”
‘Kill It’
‘Kill It’ is right alongside ‘Illusion’ as one of the most aespacore songs to ever aespacore, and we already know it’s gonna absolutely dominate our Spotify Wrapped stats. If ‘Whiplash’ is ‘Supernova,’ then ‘Kill It’ is the assured, effortlessly confident ‘Armageddon,’ complementing its powerful theme while standing in a league of its own as a sci-fi-ready, edgy pop track that fills listeners with adrenaline. Meanwhile, Winter’s gorgeous airy vocals in the first verse highlight aespa’s versatility and duality, never confining themselves to the box people want to pack them into. It’s the aespa song that MYs everywhere have been craving!
We highkey wish ‘Kill It’ could be a double title track with ‘Whiplash,’ but fingers crossed that they’ll still promote it! We could definitely see it having some kind of action-filled music video that sees aespa on a high-stakes mission like in ‘Girls,’ so our styling would definitely have action movie vibes. Think moto jackets, sleek pleather, and fingerless gloves, and maybe even some battle-ready accessories that tie into their Rocket Puncher, Armamenter, Xenoglossy, and Hacker powers.
“Break the wall, ruin all the boundaries that confine me I’ll show you a wider world, my area will grow…”
‘Flights, Not Feelings’
‘Flights, Not Feelings’ is even more stunning than we could have expected! It’s a dreamy, yet trippy, song that feels like waking up from an in-flight nap only to realize your plane has finally arrived in paradise. Between the distorted harp sample and hazy drums, we feel a SZA influence that really lets Ningning’s soulful vocals shine and shows us a new side of aespa that will definitely soundtrack our future travels. There’s truly nothing like R&B aespa, between this ethereal song and the fan-favorite ‘Lucid Dream.’
Throughout the song, aespa choose to catch flights rather than catching feelings for someone who might hurt them, choosing their personal growth and discovery instead of making room for heartbreak. Given the vacation vibes, we’d style this song with a cute halter top and wrap skirt in a rich orange color, like an eye-catching sunset you’d see on the beach. Add some floral or leaf patterns, pretty gold sandals, and a hibiscus flower hairpin for the perfect vacay fit!
“I want to be honest with my heart I wanna get out, I wanna try, I wanna escape…”
‘Pink Hoodie’
If you loved Karina and Winter in GOT The Beat, there’s a good chance that the buzzy ‘Pink Hoodie’ will be your favorite song on Whiplash. Maybe it’s about the aes finally getting new clothes? We’re joking… kind of. aespa make a fun statement on being confident in your own skin as they toss aside the idea that glamorous clothes are what make you stand out. They shrug off little black dresses and more conventionally “pretty” clothes in favor of their favorite hoodie, not caring what others might think of them in the process.
Of course, the outfit for this song would have to center around a pink hoodie for obvious reasons. We’d choose an oversized one for maximum comfort, and pair it with baggy jeans inspired by the lyrics! You could even dress it up a bit by clipping chains to the jeans, adding rhinestones to the hoodie, and layering necklaces.
“Full of confidence, maybe unbalanced in the eyes of others Going aye, aye, aye, aye, don’t worry…”
‘Flowers’
‘Flowers’ is definitely a standout track on Whiplash, and in aespa’s discography as a whole, from the moment that distorted string sample starts in the intro. Karina’s voice sounds like honey that draws us in even more, and the member’s harmonies absolutely steal our hearts throughout the song. Words can’t describe how ethereal this song is! It compares love to a garden as the girls beckon, “show me your flowers.”
It feels like a siren song from an evil garden fairy, so we’d go with a beautifully sinister aesthetic for this look. We’re envisioning a floor-length gown with layers of black tulle and maybe even some pale green. There would be deep purple flowers all over the dress, while twisting vines create some sort of sleeves. Eerily powerful while still feeling pretty and feminine! Bonus detail: some dark lipstick and dramatic eyeliner, paired with contrasting white eyeshadow. Can you tell we’re obsessed with this song and can’t stop thinking about it?
“You’re my dahlia, tulips, and daisies A slowly-spreading fragrance Violet sunset, it seems like it doesn’t exist in this world…”
‘Just Another Girl’
We like to think that ‘Just Another Girl’ is another song by the girl band version of aespa that created ‘Live My Life!’ It’s a post-breakup anthem where the girls admit they’re not doing well, but know their worth and won’t change their view of themselves based on what their ex thinks. We all need a reminder not to let others’ opinions affect our view of ourselves sometimes! This track feels like it’d fit perfectly on a nostalgic 2000s playlist next to Avril Lavigne on some cool indie girl’s old iPod.
Speaking of nostalgia, this outfit would totally be a throwback moment to the golden days of alt fashion! We’d start with one of those baseball-style shirts with a white torso and black sleeves, then add a dark plaid skirt and matching necktie. Fishnet tights, a studded belt, and chunky black boots would finish it off perfectly. A little chaotic, but didn’t we all dream of dressing like that during our emo phases?
“In the end, you’ll be a loser and regret it Make me crazy, just another girl? Stop, I’ll warn you, go away…”
Which of these looks would you wear? Which track on Whiplash is your favorite, if you can pick one yet? Let us know in the comments below or hit us up on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
If you’re a fan of music artists such as My Chemical Romance, Arrows in Action, and Linkin Park, you’re going to LOVE Los Angeles-based band, Badflower. We caught them on night two in Los Angeles on their ‘No Place Like Home Tour’ and we’re not gonna stop talking about how good it was!
Image Source: Jay Flores for THP
This was our first time seeing the band, and our expectations were surpassed, to say the least. Josh, Joey, Alex, and Anthony gave one of the best shows we’d ever seen. And, of course, how could we ever dislike a band that gives us silly little banter on stage? From ordering a fan Chipotle to eating a banana on stage, Josh Katz is one of our favorite silly frontmen.
They sang some of their top hits like ‘Don’t Hate Me,’ ‘Johnny Wants to Fight,’ and ‘Promise Me,’ which not only tugged at our heartstrings, but also made us scream the lyrics at the top of our lungs. There’s no way to avoid finger-pointing at the lead singer while singing out your favorite lyrics, is there? (Because if there is, we don’t wanna know the solution.)
Along with having bop after bop after bop on the setlist, the only other thing we could focus on was their HAIR. Joey and Alex with their long, luscious hair, and Josh’s his pink hair. We couldn’t look away!
Image Source: Jay Flores for THPImage Source: Jay Flores for THP
To close out the show, the band sang their newest single, ‘Detroit,’ as well as two of their other top hits, ’30’ and ‘Girlfriend.’ If there is one tour that we would want to go to over and over and over again, it would be this one! Hands down!
We can’t wait until they stop by Los Angeles again on their next tour! Check out our full gallery below!
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Paging—no, just kidding! Musical extraordinaire Elvis Francois, who once looked sharp in medical scrubs, has fully swapped his hanging stethoscope for a mic, leaving his days of grooving down hospital hallways behind him. He’s not entirely done with a career swap, though. The word ‘Difference’ is still hanging around like a doctor’s clipboard pinned with their patient’s charts, infusing his swarms of empathy from Music is Medicine, a cover EP that skyrocketed to #2 on iTunes and even scored a spot in Billboard’s Top 20, with original tunes. ‘Difference’ is the staple track of his EP Alignment, and since his kindness also extends to us, we don’t have much time to wait— it comes out tomorrow!
To help celebrate the announcement, Elvis chatted to us about his time on The Masked Singer, his inspirations around this new era of music, and much more.
Musical Background Form
What inspired you to pursue both music and medicine? My entire family is from Haiti, and when I was 8 years old, I went back to visit. At the time, one of my uncles worked at the main public hospital in the capital, and I shadowed him at work. I literally saw hundreds of people waiting in line to have access to healthcare, and seeing how thankful they were inspired me to dedicate my life to learning how to fix broken people. Music, on the other hand, was always something I gravitated towards. I grew up in Miami, and my father, who is tone deaf and a terrible singer (he would agree with this, btw, lol), would always sing church songs around the house. From as early as I can remember music was always the easiest stress escape. I never really intended to pursue music at a young age, but during medical school, I realized that medicine can only go so far in healing a person. It was then that I realized that medicine and surgery are meant to heal the body. But music is meant to heal the soul. From that moment on, I decided to dedicate my life to both music and medicine.
What was your experience like performing on The Masked Singer? Do you have a favorite moment? The Masked Singer was hands down one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. To put it in perspective, I went from doing spine surgery on a Monday, and four days later, I was in a giant serpent costume singing on stage in front of millions of people across America. It was a really surreal experience all the way around. The coolest thing was being inside the costume and realizing I could sing my heart out and make all the crazy facial expressions because no one could actually see me. My favorite moment was having Ken Jeong correctly guess who I was. He’s also a doctor and probably one of the funniest people I’ve met in real life. Definitely a 10 out of 10 life experience.
Getting Into Alignment
What inspired you when writing ‘Difference?’ Did you face any challenges while creating this single? To be honestly open, the song is about a relationship I was in during my last year in medical school. It’s the feeling of being deeply in love with someone but realizing that the love you once shared is fading. The inspiration for the song is rooted in navigating love when the end feels inevitable, and you arrive at the question of what’s the difference if you stay or leave when the end is just the same.
What kind of visual style or aesthetic did you aim for in the video? The song really is a personal reflection of being in love while realizing that the love you once shared is lost. I really wanted the visual to be rooted in realism. So, a lot of the visual style captured the everyday moments when the love between two people started to fade. I worked with Lawrence Murray, who produced the video, and we really wanted the visuals to capture intimacy but also the small points of friction that can make or break a relationship.
How does this project set the stage for your upcoming EP Alignment? Are there any new directions you’re excited to explore? I’m really excited about the upcoming EP Alignment. As a body of work, it really explores the multi-genre approach and love that I have for music. I feel as if the best music is meant to make people feel deeply and this first record is a canvas that really draws a listener in. The next few songs paint a deeper picture and explore a range of sounds. There are some new directions that I don’t think the average listener is expecting me to go in, and I can’t wait to share them. No spoilers, though! Lol
Our Alignment is clicking into place with the new music only one sleep away. It’s as if our fractured bones are mending and heartbeats are finding their soulful rhythm in the only way Elvis can soothe. While you rest up and prepare, we’ll hold off on the questions… for now. But tomorrow, we want you to unleash your inner fangirl and dive into your favorite tracks from the EP. Let us know which lyrics make a ‘Difference’ and are swiftly doing their loops in your head. Tweet us @thehoneypop, and don’t forget to turn on notifications for more exclusives on our Instagram and Facebook pages!
Ooh la la, we have a new song to jam out to from our beloved Lalisa! LISA recently dropped the dreamy ‘Moonlit Floor’ after performing the track at her Global Citizen Festival performance, and we’re absolutely mesmerized. It spins on Sixpence None The Richer’s ‘Kiss Me’ with a fresh take as LISA reflects on a special love that shines as bright as the Eiffel Tower at night! Contrasting the fierce songs we’ve heard from her so far, ‘Moonlit Floor’ is a dazzling, cinematic moment that will make you believe in love again.
We promise you’ll be just as smitten as we are once you check out ‘Moonlit Floor’ and the performance video below:
Let’s celebrate ‘Moonlit Floor’ and LISA’s new era with a little look at our moon signs! In astrology, your moon sign is linked to where the moon was when you were born and can symbolize your emotions, wishes, and feelings. Calculate yours and meet us back here to find out which LISA lyric describes you based on your moon!
Aries Moon: “Give me what the hell I want…”
As an Aries Moon, there’s a good chance you’re passionate and won’t let anything stand in your way! This lyric from ‘MONEY’ matches that ambition well, so sing it in your head when you need a little extra motivation to reach your goals.
Taurus Moon: “Pain has come and gone again, walked through that fire, I rediscover…”
Taureans loveeee stability, but that’s pretty impossible to find nowadays. We think this lyric from ‘New Woman’ will remind you to be your own stability! You’ve made it through every fire you’ve ever faced. Give yourself a little pat on the back and put some energy into your hobbies and growth.
Gemini Moon: “I shake up the world…”
Hey, Gemini! You probably love to shake it up and try different things in life, so let this ‘LALISA’ line be your ultimate motto. Don’t be scared to step outside of your comfort zone, because you don’t know what kinds of sweet things you’ll find.
Cancer Moon: “I’ma need to hear you say it out loud, ‘cause I love it when my name slips out your mouth…”
If you’re a Cancer moon, you most likely value a deeper relationship and want something genuine… like the love LISA describes on ‘Moonlit Floor!’ You also might value communication and support, so it makes sense to us that a line about speaking to each other would resonate with you. Are we right or are we right?
Leo Moon: “Kiss me under the Paris twilight, kiss me out on the moonlit floor…”
One of the defining traits for Leo moons is their focus on showing their loved ones how much they care and receiving that energy back. Naturally, this lyric from ‘Moonlit Floor’ is the perfect match! Keep being a hopeful romantic until you find the one that’ll sweep you off your feet in the City of Love.
Virgo Moon: “Focus on my mind, taking my time…”
Our lovely Virgo moons tend to be perfectionists and might even overthink certain situations, so this line from ‘New Woman’ is an important reminder to put your mental health first! It’s okay to take a step back from something that’s taking up too much room in your mind and focus on self-care for a little while.
Libra Moon: “I empty my head completely and burn the loud emotions…”
If you’re a Libra moon, you probably want peace and to avoid any possible conflict! We think this line from ‘LALISA’ totally matches that quality. Sometimes you have to put any loud, frustrating emotions on the back burner to preserve your well-being, and that’s completely fine. Protect your peace, Libras!
Scorpio Moon: “I’m incomparable, you gon’ still love me nonetheless…”
Scorpios tend to have a little mystique and might even cut people off if they betray their trust. It’s so important to protect your mental space and know your worth! This ‘LALISA’ lyric will help you boost your confidence and remember how amazing you are even if someone disappoints you. Their karma will be watching you shine from afar!
Sagittarius Moon: “It’s a fast life, it’s an attitude…”
If you have a Sagittarius moon, you’re probably adventurous and big on excitement. A true ‘Rockstar,’ if you ask us! Take on the world and go have fun, whether you move fast or a little slowly to get comfortable first.
Capricorn Moon: “Never down, baby, check my stats…”
Capricorn moons are full of ambition and drive, and might even put feelings aside while they pursue their dreams! This success-focused lyric from ‘Moonlit Floor’ was a no-brainer for us since it talks about LISA finding success before stepping into the magical relationship she describes in the song.
Aquarius Moon: “Been on a mission, boy, they call me catch-and-kill…”
Aquarius moons will often look at the bigger picture in any situation, so we think this ‘Rockstar’ lyric matches that goal-driven outlook! You’re so ready to kill any goal you’ve been working towards, especially if you have LISA’s music as the soundtrack. Just remember your power and how much you’ve pushed yourself to get there.
Pisces Moon: “I am standing above the sky…”
Finally, we reach our Pisces moon honeybees! With Pisces in your chart, you probably have a big imagination and a lot of empathy. We think your limitless mind and ability to sense others’ feelings, almost like you’re watching them from above, means you’d relate to this powerful ‘LALISA’ lyric.
Which lyric did you get, and do you relate to it? What do you think of LISA’s ‘Moonlit Floor?’ Let us know in the comments below or hit us up on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
Let us just start by saying we could not be more excited about the music that has come out recently. Hit after hit, and we just can’t get enough. We trust our dedicated readers to keep us with their favorite new releases themselves, but we still couldn’t resist sharing our own personal favorites! From Katie Gavin to Royel Otis, these are the five new releases we can’t seem to stop listening to.
‘Inconsolable’ by Katie Gavin
Katie Gavin’s ‘Inconsolable‘ may be a long way from MUNA, but we can’t imagine living without either. Katie’s solo music has been breathtakingly raw. The stripped-down style lets us sit with her vulnerable lyrics in a way we might not have been able to if the songs had been produced any other way. As we come up on October 25, the release date of her debut album What A Relief, we can only imagine how much more of her talent she’ll showcase.
Our absolute favorite alternative band. We’ve been waiting for this queer indie anthem since they started playing it on tour. It could not have lived up to our expectations any more. We are no longer accepting subtly queer songs; we want nothing less than the shameless declaration that your queer relationship is magic. This song, of course, gets bonus points for being so incredibly easy to dance to. Impossible not to dance to, in fact.
If there’s one thing indie bands are best at, it’s turning a sad story into something with an incredible beat. And only with Royel Otis could we ask “if our love is dead what are we holdin’ on to?” with smiles on our faces. ‘If Our Love Is Dead’ is exactly what we think of when we think “indie band,” and if you’ve ever listened to Wallows, The Strokes, etc., accept Royel Otis as your new obsession.
Every song on Lizzy’s album Olderis gorgeous in every way- rich vocals, thoughtful lyrics, beautiful melodies. Older (And Wiser), the deluxe, is every bit as stunning as the rest. Older is a vast contrast from Lizzy’s last album Five Seconds Flat. And while we wouldn’t change anything about Older, we’d be lying if we said we didn’t love Five Seconds Flat as well. That’s why we simply couldn’t ignore the similarities between that album and ‘Pushing It Down And Praying.’
How we’ve missed Ashe, and how excited we are to be listening to new music from her again. With the release of Willson, we have to talk about ‘Pull The Plug.’ Please send us any songs with a built-up ending like this one, because we seriously can’t get enough of them. Not only is the song amazing, the choreography in the music video complements it so perfectly.
We’ve had these five songs on repeat recently, but there are so many incredible new releases out there! Please hit us up with your favorites that we might have missed. We’d love to talk about them in the comments or at @thehoneypop on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!
Over the past few years, Chri$tian Gate$ has become an underrated hero of the alternative music scene, pouring his heart out into cathartic pop-rock anthems that have comforted millions of people around the world. And he’s back to do it again with ‘TOXIC,’ the latest single from his upcoming No Strings Attached album! It’s a thought-provoking statement on unhealthy habits that can pop into relationships and what happens when we’re more self-aware regarding our mistakes, recruiting Dutch Melrose and adding adrenaline-filled guitars to build out the story.
As if new music and a new album weren’t exciting enough, we got to ask Chri$tian all about ‘TOXIC,’ his No Strings Attached album, how he approaches his visuals, and more! Check out ‘TOXIC’ below and keep reading for our Q&A.
Hi Chri$tian, congrats on your new single, ‘TOXIC!’ How does it feel to let the song out into the world? It feels amazing. I’ve actually been working on ‘TOXIC’ for a few years now. For the longest time, I only had the chorus, but I knew I didn’t want to settle until I had something truly great. I kept rewriting the verses over and over, but nothing felt quite right. Then I showed it to Dutch Melrose, and as soon as he took a crack at it, what he did was pure gold. It inspired me to write my first verse, and in a way, he pretty much saved the song. So finally releasing it feels like letting go of all this built-up energy I’ve been holding onto for so long.
What does ‘TOXIC’ mean to you? ‘TOXIC’ is really about when someone brings out the worst in you—the side you’ve been trying to bury deep. You know, you’re thinking, “I really like you, but somehow you’re pulling this unhealthy, toxic side out of me.” It’s that moment of realization where you’re like, “This is heading in a bad direction, and you should probably run before it gets worse.”
There are so many amazing lyrics on ‘TOXIC,’ with one of our favorites being “I’m secretly praying for the worst with the best intentions.” Is there a certain line on the song that you’re especially proud of? I actually really love that line: “I’m secretly praying for the worst with the best intentions.” It’s funny because it’s about wanting a breakup to happen, but you’re thinking it’s for the best, for her sake. It’s a messed-up way of caring, but that duality is what makes it resonate with me.
When you find yourself in a ‘TOXIC’ situation or mindset, what helps you to come out of it and regain your strength? Writing music is my go-to. It’s how I process and make sense of things. I also try to step back and look at the situation from both perspectives. It’s easy to get caught up in your own feelings and forget to consider what your partner might be going through. Understanding both sides helps me find clarity.
You worked with the talented Dutch Melrose on this song and it’s such a natural pairing! Before he hopped on the song, you wrote a few takes of what the second verse could be – what were those original verses like? Honestly, the original verses were just way less cool. It was a similar situation to when I was working on ‘Dangerous State of Mind.’ My friend Elation asked me, “Is this song cool because of the beat, or because of the vocals?” That hit me hard, so I went back and spent months rewriting until I felt like it was perfect. Same thing happened with ‘TOXIC’—the early drafts just didn’t match the energy I wanted, but Dutch helped elevate the song to where it needed to be.
We can’t wait to hear your No Strings Attached album next month! Which song are you most excited for fans to check out? I’d say I’m most excited for fans to hear ‘Saying Goodbye.’ It’s a deeply personal track, and while it was one of the hardest to write, it carries a lot of emotional weight for me. I think fans who have gone through tough goodbyes will really resonate with it. Every time I worked on it, especially when writing the second verse, it hit me hard emotionally. It’s the kind of song that stays with you.
We’ve gotten a little teaser of No Strings Attached through songs like ‘TOXIC’ and ‘Food Poisoning’ – how did you choose which songs from the album to release as singles? Do you think they’re a good indicator of what we can expect from the full project? ‘TOXIC’ and ‘Food Poisoning’ were chosen as singles because they offer two very different energies from the album. ‘TOXIC’ is intense and raw, really showcasing that edgier, more experimental side of the album. On the other hand, ‘Food Poisoning’ touches on those raw, emotional experiences of dealing with a past relationship—one that didn’t end the way I had hoped. I wanted these singles to give fans a taste of both the high energy and the deeper emotional content they can expect from the full project.
The marionette theme for the No Strings Attached cover art is so cool! How did that art and concept come about? The marionette theme actually came from a photoshoot I did with my friend Moody Darkroom, who is a photographer. We were working on a video for ‘TOXIC,’ and when he posted one of the stills, he captioned it “No Strings Attached.” That phrase immediately clicked with me and felt like the perfect title for the album. The concept of cutting strings and breaking free tied into a lot of the album’s themes, so we went with that imagery for the cover art.
Aside from your music, something we love about your work is how much thought you put into your visuals and really forming a creative world around each release. How do you go about forming the visual component of a new release? Do certain colors or images come to you while you’re making a song, or do you think about that after? The visuals for my releases are a huge part of how I connect with the music. Sometimes, while I’m working on a song, I already start to see colors or images in my head that align with the mood or story of the track. Other times, the visual ideas come after the song is done, and I want to capture the energy of the track through imagery. It’s about building a world that immerses listeners not just in the music, but in the full experience, whether through videos, cover art, or stage performances.
Congratulations on your hit ‘Numb’ recently going gold! That must be such amazing news to receive – how did you react when you found out? What has it been like to watch a song that seemingly came out of a tough time for you turn into something so much bigger? Honestly, hearing that ‘Numb’ went gold was surreal. I wrote that song during a pretty tough time, and to see it connect with so many people on such a large scale feels both overwhelming and humbling. It reminds me how powerful music can be—how something born out of a personal struggle can turn into something that resonates with thousands of others. When I first found out, I was speechless, but it also made me incredibly proud to see how far that song has come.
How do you feel you’ve grown as an artist since releasing your Why Do I Hear Breathing? EP last year? I’ve grown a lot since that EP. I’ve been in rooms with so many talented people, and I’ve just absorbed everything I could from them. It’s like I’ve been a talent leech, taking in their creative energy, and it’s helped me become a better artist. It’s been a great learning experience.
Aside from No Strings Attached, what can we look forward to in the rest of 2024? I have a few more singles coming, and maybe even another album. There’s a lot in the works for the rest of 2024, and I’m really excited for what’s next.
Is there anything else you’d like to mention or say to your fans that the questions didn’t touch on? I’m working on something really cool for my fans, and it’s not just music. I can’t reveal too much yet, but it’s going to be something special, so stay tuned.
We’re definitely staying tuned and keeping ‘TOXIC’ on repeat! Thank you so much to Chri$tian for answering all our questions and constantly putting so much authenticity and care into your music!
Now, honeybees, we have some questions for you! What do you think of ‘TOXIC?’ What’s your favorite song that Chri$tian Gate$ has released so far? Let us know in the comments below or hit us up on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
Music can be such a powerful tool in helping us navigate hard circumstances in our life and inspiring us to push through them – and Maejor Audio Sunshine are taking that to a whole new level! They’re the first-ever wellness supergroup, made up of artist and wellness expert Maejor, Audio Up and Audio Chateau CEO Jared Gutstadt, and singer-songwriter Bipolar Sunshine. This next chapter kicks off with the motivating ‘POWER,’ an anthem that will remind you to take power back over your life, from the lyrics to the frequencies of the track!
‘POWER’ is a triumphant ode to the control we hold over our own lives and one of the most exciting debut singles of the year, proving how dynamic Maejor Audio Sunshine already are and the impact they can make on listeners worldwide. And we got to ask them all about the song, their collaboration, and more! Watch the animated ‘POWER’ video below, then keep reading for our Q&A with this incredible trio.
Hi Maejor Audio Sunshine, congrats on your debut with ‘POWER!’ How does it feel to let the song out into the world and into fans’ lives? MAEJOR: I am grateful to bring something to people’s lives that will hopefully uplift or be helpful to them in some way, even if it’s super small.
BIPOLAR SUNSHINE: I’m really happy that we get to share our art with the world. I’m really excited about this project.
What does ‘POWER’ mean to you? MAEJOR: Power can be found in surrender. Check out the bookThe Surrender Experiment by Michael Singer.
BIPOLAR SUNSHINE: To rise above and have a deep inner strength.
Is there a certain lyric on ‘POWER’ that you especially love? BIPOLAR SUNSHINE: “Lately, I really think I’m going crazy.” It always sticks out to me as it signifies the inner struggle we all face from time to time.
What do you hope listeners take away from ‘POWER?’ JARED: I hope that they find an incredible, empowering anthem that gets them pumped up for the challenges life puts in front of them. The song immediately makes you feel good, and when you look below the surface, the actual frequencies within it are like an extra vitamin in a tasty, delicious snack.
BIPOLAR SUNSHINE: I want them to feel empowered—to feel free to dance, let go, and trust the process.
You’re the first-ever health and wellness supergroup, which is such a big step for the music industry! How did Maejor Audio Sunshine and its healing focus come about? JARED: I was going through a low period and living in the Audio Chateau during a bout of very serious depression. I would wake up every night, and Maejor was working on music. Instead of letting me just wander through in my bathrobe, they put the guitar in my hand, and we started creating reggae riffs on the bass and guitar, which became the center point for them, writing top line and musical ideas around. Next thing I knew, we had several songs, and before we knew it, we were a band. It sort of happened pretty organically.
MAEJOR: It was an organic process of us all just creating music in a safe space as I was going through some things. It was almost as if the music was having a healing effect on me (or so they say). I started incorporating the frequencies, and Bipolar added the amazing vocals. Now, here we are.
BIPOLAR SUNSHINE: It was very organic. We were all at different parts of our lives where health and wellness seemed to be the answer to any issues we were going through. So adding music as our connection was perfect.
The animated ‘POWER’ video shows various habits that can help improve your mental health, like limiting screen time and pursuing hobbies like music. With such busy schedules, how do you prioritize wellness in your everyday life? BIPOLAR SUNSHINE: Wellness became the answer to many of the challenges we were facing. Music was our connection, and combining the two was perfect.
JARED: The music video is like an Ikea manual for living a more productive, wellness-inspired life. For me, meditation really helps! I also prioritize getting outside, whether it’s cycling or tennis. If I don’t get my steps in, I’m like a wild dog that needs to be run.
MAEJOR: For me, meditation really helps!!
From wellness and entrepreneurship to music and technology, you’ve each done such amazing things on your own! What has it been like to come together to work on this project? JARED: Wellness, entrepreneurship, music, and technology are all part of my toolkit. It’s like doing a class project where everyone in the group is an alpha leader. Working together, it always comes out the way I imagined, and I’m a perfectionist.
BIPOLAR SUNSHINE: It’s been amazing. The collective knowledge and eagerness to dive into wellness and technology have truly shaped this project. The more we explore, the more we grow.
MAEJOR: It’s great working with people who have different skill sets and styles than your own. It’s like a symphony and everyone is playing their instrument, it comes together and sounds great.
How has the process differed from other projects you’ve worked on? JARED: This process has been way different than anything I’ve worked on because we’ve been playing telephone tag over the years with these songs. We started with instrumental sketches and then worked on the top line immediately in the room. There was even a time when I didn’t know if or when this music would be released, as the process was so organic and fluid.
BIPOLAR SUNSHINE: The process has been really different for me, as I’m used to working solo. It was great to bounce ideas off both of them, and we’ve developed a solid understanding of each other. Most of the time, we’re just having a laugh.
We love all things sweet at The Honey Pop, so could you say something sweet about your fellow Maejor Audio Sunshine members? JARED: I’m very lucky to work with two of the kindest and most talented people I’ve met in the music business. Their calmness and confidence were exactly what I needed to get my life and musical direction back on course.
BIPOLAR SUNSHINE: These two are really inspiring, and I’m happy I get to learn on so many levels from them. Ace qualities for a supergroup!
MAEJOR:We love you and are so grateful for every second we are with you.
How do you feel you’ve grown as artists and people since starting to work together as Maejor Audio Sunshine? JARED: I’ve been playing this type of music my whole life, but this project has helped me get back to the fundamentals of why I got into music in the first place. It’s made me appreciate my instrument and my gift even more. Simplicity is key.
BIPOLAR SUNSHINE: I’ve grown by taking my mental health more seriously. The more time we spend together, the more it encourages me to look inward. I meditate a lot more, watch what I eat, and try to stay positive. I’ve realized that personal happiness is a frequency, and that’s what others feel when they’re around you.
Has working on Maejor Audio Sunshine changed the way you approach your other projects? JARED: This batch of material really flowed out, and we probably could have written hundreds of songs. But this focused set really represents what our message is to fans.
BIPOLAR SUNSHINE: I agree with Jared. We could’ve written hundreds of songs, but we tapped into something special with these.
MAEJOR:The fundamentals of why I got back into music has actually made me appreciate my instrument and my gift even more. The way that Maejor Audio Sunshine has changed the way I approach other projects is that simplicity is key. Sometimes overthinking composition and what the outcomes and goals are can be paralyzing.
What can your fans look forward to in the rest of 2024? JARED: The release of several singles leading into 2025, and a full album, tour, and wellness experiences throughout 2025.
BIPOLAR SUNSHINE: Releasing music, building communities, and playing shows as a band.
Is there anything else you’d like to say to your fans? JARED: I hope people enjoy this music. This project feels like my Gorillaz moment. I’ve always wanted to have a global pop project that speaks to putting positivity into the world, and I hope that’s what people take away from it.
BIPOLAR SUNSHINE: This journey is about discovering something new within ourselves. Change your frequency, change your life.
So many inspiring moments within this Q&A! Thank you so much to Maejor, Jared, and Bipolar Sunshine for answering all our questions and using your musical talents to make such a strong change in the world. We can’t wait to see what’s next for Maejor Audio Sunshine!
Now, honeybees, we have some questions for you! What do you think of ‘POWER?’ What does your everyday wellness routine look like? Let us know in the comments below or hit us up on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
We at The Honey POP love Toronto alt-pop artist, X. ARI. Her previously released singles, ‘Frenemy’ and ‘Lifeline‘ got us hooked. We’ve been anxiously awaiting her new EP, Neuroplastic and it’s finally out! Neuroplastic is all about X. ARI’s mental health journey. While it’s personal to her, the tracks will resonate with anyone who’s also ever struggled with mental illnesses. You can streamNeuroplastic on Spotify! While listening to the EP, we found parallels between the tracks and tarot cards.
‘Neuroplastic’ — Justice
The title track is all about taking accountability and putting in the work needed to heal. And the Justice card represents cause and effect. If you put in the effort, it will make a difference!
“If I want to be rewired, it’s up to me to build my powerhouse. Construct a fortified force field, shelter of love, morphing ’til I’m healed.”
‘Frenemy’ — The Tower
There’s no denying that sonically, ‘Frenemy’ is an absolute bop. But the song itself is about the chaos of bipolar disorder. The Tower card is just like it looks. It represents chaos and destruction. Although it’s always temporary, it doesn’t necessarily make the situation easier.
“I used to pretend it wouldn’t happen again, ’cause when he shows up everything blows up.”
‘Thank Me’ — Strength
This is one of our favorite songs from the EP. ‘Thank Me’ is all about inner strength. Sometimes we don’t give ourselves enough credit, especially when mental illness is involved. Even just taking it one day at a time is an accomplishment!
“The biggest champion I need is me. Now I gotta thank me.”
‘How Are You Really?’ — The Hermit
‘How Are You Really?’ may be a short song title, but it packs a big question. Especially if “I’m fine” is your “go to line.” The Hermit represents introspection and self-reflection. If you ask yourself, you’ll find an answer to ‘How Are You Really?’
“Why bother with the small talk? Let’s get to the hard stuff, like healing.”
‘Lifetime’ — The Star
‘Lifeline’ is about self-forgiveness. We chose The Star because it represents positivity and healing, especially after going through a difficult time. In the deck, it comes directly after The Tower card (like we said earlier, represents chaos and destruction), which makes it even more meaningful.
“Give me forgiveness, give me a chance to carry on. Heal from the past, break free at last.”
‘RIP’ — Death
Okay, this one is kind of obvious, but it matches up perfectly. Just like ‘RIP,’ the Death card is all about transformation and rebirth. Despite its appearance, it’s honestly one of the most positive cards in the deck, in our opinion.
“If I gotta bury the old me, I’ll dig my grave. Anything to save my sanity, gonna be born again.”
So, what do you think of our picks for X. ARI’s new EP, Neuroplastic? Have any additions you’d like to add? And what do you think of Neuroplastic? Let us know on Facebook, Instagram, or by tweeting us @thehoneypop!
Calum Scott has done it again. He has given us another perfect love song to prove that romance is very much alive and thriving and we’re living for it! ‘My World’ is all we could’ve asked for and more when it comes to a good love song. Of course, we expected nothing less from the man who gave us ‘Lighthouse‘ only a few months ago.
‘My World’ is a soft ballad that combines piano, strings and Calum Scott’s lovely voice into an epic love song. In Calum’s own words, “‘My World’ is a new way of saying ‘I love you’ and we couldn’t agree more. Don’t believe us? Check out the song here and the lyric video below:
As soon as the track starts, we hear Calum voicing his devotion loud and clear with the lyrics “I talk in my sleep every night, and think of the wrongs I’d make right, so I can give you my all undivided…”. And we’d say that sets the tone for the rest of the song, which is filled with hopeful and uplifting feelings translated beautifully into words. Even the instrumentals of the song reflects this optimistic vibe of ‘My World.’
And could we possibly say about the chorus? “I’d pull down the moon, I’d go to space / To the end of the universe, I wouldn’t hesitate / Just to make you see that you got all of me, and you are my world” are simply the most romantic lyrics we have ever heard! ‘My World’ is the kind of love song that makes us want to dance around the kitchen with our love in the middle of the night and we mean that as the highest of compliments.
And if you’re around North America and feel the need (like us) to hear Calum Scott live, you’ll be pleased to know he’s heading on his The Songbook So Fartour during the month of October, starting in Montreal and ending in California. Oh, and by the way, Cian Ducrot will be supporting him during the tour.
Check out the dates for the North American leg of Calum Scott’s The Songbook So Far Tour below:
October 3 – Montreal, QC – MTELUS
October 4 – Toronto, ON – Massey Hall
October 6 – Boston, MA – Orpheum Theatre
October 9 – New York, NY – The Beacon Theatre
October 10 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore Philadelphia
October 13 – Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern
October 14 – Seattle, WA – The Paramount Theatre
October 15 – Highland, CA – Yaamava’ Theater
What do you think of ‘My World?’ Come chat with us about the song and Calum Scott’s tour on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. You know we love to hear from you!
How is it already October? As I get older, I swear time is moving faster. So now it’s hard for me to even comprehend how we’re essentially at the end of the 2024 already.
And maybe it’s because we’re all back in the full swing of work…no more summer vacations to focus on, the sun is setting earlier (chills.), or maybe it’s because I’m generally more bored in the colder months…but I am listening to more music than ever.
This week especially has felt a billion years long, so I’m looking forward to making a bunch of playlists to get me through my impending bout of seasonal depression. And just because the summer may be over, that doesn’t mean music stops.
In fact, each week there are fresh songs to be found. Artists are constantly churning out new tracks and albums every Friday, which is great news for those addicted to music like me. Luckily for you, I compile a playlist of the best new releases from the week.
Whether it’s an anticipated release like Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet or a more indie artist, we’re checking out every new song that comes our way. That way, you get the best playlist with the best new music…and I get to brag that I’m great on aux.
Anyways, if you’re looking for new music to get you through the weekend…no matter what your plans are, I’ve got you covered. Without wasting any more time, let’s get listening!
Nate Smith, Avril Lavigne- “Can You Die From A Broken Heart”
In “Can You Die From a Broken Heart,” you get everything you need from a hard-hitting power ballad collaboration. With Nate Smith and Avril Lavigne’s vocals belting out the chorus, this is the breakup anthem you needed. It’s a healing song you can scream along to in your car.
One of my favorites from this week’s playlist…and doesn’t everyone need a good song to cry to?
JoJo- “Porcelain”
JoJo was the voice of our childhood. A pop princess who just understood the assignment every time…and now she’s back with new music to get us through the fall.
“Porcelain” has an R&B pop fusion sound that exhibits JoJo’s vocals while making you want to dance at the same time. If you’ve been missing JoJo’s music for some time, she hasn’t missed a beat.
FINNEAS- “Lotus Eater”
FINNEAS, one of the best singer-songwriter-producers in the game right now, makes music that feels like art. With his new album, listeners will be graced with his prowess for music and rewarded with great tracks, good vibes, and all around fun. “Lotus Eater” is your perfect introduction to FINNEAS.
It’s almost melancholic, with an alternative indie sound that is perfect for this time of year. “Lotus Eater” is a must listen on this playlist thanks to its flawless production, making it an easy listen.
Joe Jonas- “What This Could Be”
We know Joe Jonas can cover just about any genre and do it well. It’s a sign of how long he’s been around in the industry, and just his sheer talent overall. With this new single, “What This Could Be,” you get a raw, honest Joe Jonas that hones in on his dynamic vocals and songwriting ability.
It’s not what you’d necessarily expect from him, but it works nonetheless. “What This Could Be” is both relaxing and reassuring, an introspective song that takes you on a journey with Jonas.
Perrie- “You Go Your Way”
Perrie Edwards has always had the starpower and vocal ability to catapult her into popstardom. Whether she’s in a group or doing solo work, her voice will shine through no matter what. And it’s not her fault, some people are just born with that certain It Factor.
With “You Go Your Way,” you get a taste of that pop princess within Perrie. It’s independent, uplifting, and strong, a song that builds from the beginning and doesn’t stop until it’s over. It seems like she knows who she is as a solo artist, and the music falls into place.
In terms of collaborations, “What You’ve Done” by Ferry Townes and Liz Gillies is sonically perfect. The song is gentle throughout, almost like a lullaby as the two take turns melding their smooth, silky vocals into one synchronized harmony. It’s a special song from two dynamic singers in the industry, a submission that feels like just the beginning for these two.
You may recognize Liz Gillies from your television screen growing up. Starring as Jade in the Nickelodeon show, Victorious, or more recently as Fallon Carrington in The CW’s Dynasty, Gillies has become a familiar face for many…and while Victorious gave us a glimpse into her impressive vocal prowess, she deserves a career in the music industry with her own solo work.
Ferry Townes is a rising voice in the indie scene, where she paints colorful tapestries with her voice describing struggles as a woman, love, and more. She’s already had a massive year with releasing her debut album, Side Effects of Happiness, which captured fans’ attention by her raw honesty, witty lyricism, and sheer songwriting capabilities.
With their single, “What You’ve Done,” comes a poignant track that exudes a melancholic sadness and yearning. It’s a no-frills single, where their vocal abilities shine in place of a slew of instruments backing them…and it works perfectly.
It’s an exciting time to be a listener of both artists. For Gillies, this is her first real submission as a solo artist, where her work isn’t tied to another project. For Townes, she continues to solidify herself as a top contender in the indie music world. Both have a solid place in this industry and by joining forces, it shows just how talented they truly are. You can listen to the track here:
Ahead of their single release, Popdust got a chance to ask both Gillies and Townes a few questions about “What You’ve Done.” Check it out below!
PD: Congratulations on “What You’ve Done!” What was the inspiration behind the song?
FT: Thank you! We actually didn’t discuss what the song was going to be about before we started writing it. This song wound up basically writing itself. When it was done, we both ended up with something we loved and related to.
PD: How did you two find each other for this collaboration?
LG: We met through a mutual friend a couple of years ago and we’ve been writing music since then. I think we have a similar approach when it comes to songwriting and a lot of the same musical influences so it’s always been a very organic collaboration. Julia is an extremely talented singer and songwriter.
PD: Liz, this is your first single in a while. How did the process of creating this track differ from your past musical endeavors?
LG: The majority of what I’ve released musically has either been tied to and written for a specific project or they’ve been covers. This is the first original song I’ve released that wasn’t either of those things. I write music all the time and have for the majority of my life but I infamously never put anything out. Julia and I actually wrote this song almost exactly a year ago. One day I just realized there was no reason for this song not to be released. We were still listening to and loving it a year later, so I figured that was a good test. I also felt our collaboration made a lot of sense and I really like our sound. I think production is what ends up giving me cold feet most of the time so I loved that this was just guitar and vocal. It’s just a simple, pretty song with no bells and whistles. A lot of my favorite songs are the same way. I hope people enjoy it.
PD: Ferry, after releasing your debut album this year…what made this collaboration particularly special for you?
FT: I was excited to get to write and share music that was heavily folk influenced. + it’s very cool getting to explore that space with Liz. I feel so connected to the song we ended up with.
PD: What was your favorite memory making “What You’ve Done?”
FT: Listening to the day-of demo we recorded, on repeat. I must’ve listened to that file 20 times a day.
Listen up, honeybees! If there’s one thing we love here at THP, it’s sharing our favorite up-and-coming artists. Which is why we’re beyond excited to introduce you to your next obsession: Beth McKenzie. Today, the Stockport-born, Manchester-based popstar has released her latest track, ‘Inside Out’! This drop follows the unveiling of singles ‘Don’t Tell My Boyfriend’ and ‘She’s Finally Lost It.’
Beth McKenzie’s latest single, ‘Inside Out,’ is a self empowerment anthem that reflects her journey through a toxic relationship with remarkable honesty and poise. Beth manages to capture that all-too-familiar feeling of knowing someone will hurt you but still finding it hard to walk away. It’s relatable, it’s honest, and it’s wrapped in an upbeat vibe that keeps us coming back for more.
We can’t help but feel all the emotions as we listen—this track is an instant essential that’ll linger in your mind long after the last note fades. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to dance, reflect, and maybe even write a few heartfelt letters. With ‘Inside Out,’ Beth McKenzie is undoubtedly cementing her place in our playlists and our hearts!
“This song was so difficult to write. I kept putting it to one side over a number of months, but for some reason, I kept persisting with it. I was so relieved that I finally got it to the place I wanted.”
Beth McKenzie on ‘Inside Out’
Our Favorite Lyrics
“Was it casually or callously? Either way, it’s tragedy I’d say”
Have We Convinced You To Stan Yet?
We could list a million reasons why Beth McKenzie should be your next favorite artist. But just in case streaming ‘Inside Out’ over and over again wasn’t enough, here are our top 3!
She Doesn’t Shy Away From Talking About Difficult Topics
Whether it be deconstructing internalized homophobia while in a relationship or being candid about mental health – Beth McKenzie is an open book!
She Strives For Representation
As a queer female artist, Beth McKenzie is on a mission to transform the music scene! From playing an all-female band and being expressive about her identity to hosting a WhatsApp group for her fans: she keeps on proving that the best soundtracks come from an inclusive community that can unapologetically be themselves.
She Doesn’t Mind Being the Problem
Let’s face it: none of us are perfect. And honestly, who doesn’t love being a little unhinged sometimes? Luckily for us, Beth McKenzie is full of chaotic energy and isn’t afraid to show it!
This is the rising star’s last single before her debut EP is set to release this fall, so be sure to follow along on Beth’s promising journey!
Are you just as infatuated with Beth McKenzie as we are? Let us know in the comments or over on our Twitter @TheHoneyPOP. We’re also on Instagram and Facebook!
One of the best parts of discovering an artist you can’t get enough of is getting to step into the immersive world they create with their music and visuals, and we can confidently say that no one does that quite like BAYBE! Her signature fusion of dark pop, metal, hip-hop, and horror has propelled her into a league of her own and proven she’s a genius artist you need to keep a close eye on. And now is the perfect time to start doing so, because BAYBE just dropped her latest single, ‘Pretty Gay!’
‘Pretty Gay!’ is a sapphic anthem that sees BAYBE pining for a girl who says she’s straight, with a chilling soundscape that combines the tumultuous adrenaline of falling in love with the edgy thrill of films like Jennifer’s Body. In fact, we actually need a film inspired by this song, because we’re absolutely obsessed with the plot and imagery. We’re feeling pretty lucky, because we got to ask BAYBE all about the song, her thought-provoking visuals, and so much more! Check out ‘Pretty Gay!’ below, then keep reading for our Q&A.
Hi BAYBE, congrats on the release of ‘Pretty Gay!’ How does it feel to let the song out into the world and see how your fans are reacting? Thank you! It’s been an interesting release for sure- I’ve been nervously holding onto this song for over two years now so finally getting it out into the world feels great. My music tends to receive a mixed review online, but this one probably wins for most dividing response so far.
What does ‘Pretty Gay!’ mean to you? This song started as just a song about liking a girl with a boyfriend. When writing the chorus, it evolved into a sort of jab at internet culture and how overly sensitive we all can be. There’s a sort of tip-toe feeling around using the word “gay” in a negative context nowadays, which I think is a complex argument on both sides. The point I wanted to make was that it’s just not that serious. There are many things I will not say, or sing about. I think this one in particular is funny though, and I like laughing.
There are so many cool lyrics on ‘Pretty Gay!,’ with one of our favorites being “all your boyfriends wanna fight me.” Is there a certain line on the song that you’re especially proud of? I think the line I’m most proud of is the outro, specifically “When they say the end is near and the missiles head our way, all I think about is you and I think that’s pretty gay.” The producer, Paige Blue, and I couldn’t stop laughing when writing it, but there was such a deeper feeling of dark, satirical sadness tucked into that section which makes me love it so much more.
“Pretty gay” has long been used as an insult against the LGBT+ community – what has it been like for you to get to reclaim the phrase and build such a powerful story around it? I think if we used it in a lighthearted fun way, as it’s used in the lyrics, it wouldn’t hold such negativity around it. Being gay rocks, and calling things “gay” also rocks. I don’t think we have to choose.
Speaking of reclaiming, you released a reimagined version of your previously-released song ‘Cherry Pie’ this summer after taking it down. How did you approach remaking the song with a new BAYBE flair? What has it been like to see how much fans are embracing it? It’s been amazing. After two years of comments and messages asking for it to come back to streaming, I decided it was time to give the song a second chance. I gave it my own touch so it’s a lot darker and heavier now- it’s been great hearing from fans that they’re loving this new version more 🙂
Your songs have such a cinematic quality to them while often talking about relatable experiences – how do you go about creating an immersive world around the stories you’re telling in your lyrics? Thank you! That means a lot. When writing a song, I picture the music video simultaneously. Those two things happen at the same time for me, so I like to keep the visuals in mind when producing or recording, to make sure they’ll lend to something special visually.
You blend elements of metal, hip-hop, and pop so effortlessly! When you’re starting to write a song, do you typically know which direction it will go in production-wise, or does that come later? Do you feel like certain feelings match certain genres better? That’s a great question – I think when I go into a session I generally know if I’m feeling like leaning one way or the other beforehand. With that being said, I’m a believer in “the song writes itself” for the most part, so if the song tells me it wants to be heavier with more organic metal instrumentation, I listen. The feeling and emotion of the lyrics play a huge role in dictating the genre as well.
Another defining quality of your work is how much thought you put into your visuals – one of our favorites is the ‘Dinner For One’ video, which sees you killing a creepy guy who wants to go on a date even after you claim to be 14. What’s your creative process like when you’re preparing a music video? I touched on this earlier, but when I write songs, I write the video concept as well, usually day-of. Last week I had a session in LA and left with such a detailed vision for the music video, that I drove straight to a coffee shop and sat for 3 hours until I finished the entire video treatment. I might not even shoot it for another year, but I had to get it down. I think in another life, or maybe just later in this one haha, I would be a director. I direct all of my music videos, and I don’t think there are many things in life that make me happier.
Content Warning: The ‘Dinner For One’ music video contains blood and slight violence.
Something else that stands out to us about songs like ‘Dinner For One’ is how intentional you are with the themes and imagery you use, even if it’s not always apparent on the surface. For example, the cannibal-themed ‘Dinner For One’ makes a statement against predators in the music video and ‘Stray Dog’ explores the effects that toxic relationships can have on someone. How do you go about finding the right balance between surprising or shocking imagery and making sure the message is clear? Do you feel that these messages have been overlooked among casual listeners, or do people seem to grasp them well? I have absolutely no idea if people catch onto it or not. I hope they do! It’s all very intentional. I’ve tried many times to keep the artwork, visuals, and promo for songs ultra simple (for my own sanity), but I cannot do it. I am obsessed with pairing each song with a visual world, as I think songs on their own hold much less weight than if I can immerse someone into it fully.
How do you feel you’ve grown as an artist since releasing your God’s Favorite EP last year? I think I change as an artist every single day, as we all do, so it’s a tough thing to measure. I’ve discovered new music that changed the way I think, experienced new things for the first time, etc. – it’s such a cool thing to think about. To answer the question: immensely, and in many ways.
What can your fans look forward to in the rest of 2024? I have one more release coming out this year that I’m so excited about, which may or may not have a featured artist on it.
Is there anything else you’d like to mention or say to your fans that the questions didn’t touch on? Not really, other than my constant “thank you.” The artist-to-fan relationship is so special, and I love finding my people while releasing the music I love creating.
As a site with a mission to celebrate the connection between artists and fans, we couldn’t agree more! Thank you so much to BAYBE for answering our questions and sharing your vision with the world! You’re a truly special artist and we’re so excited to see what ‘Pretty Gay!’ and this new chapter bring to you.
Now honeybees, we have some questions for you! What do you think of ‘Pretty Gay!’ and BAYBE’s music? Which of her songs do you think is the best sapphic anthem, and which one is your personal favorite? Let us know in the comments below or hit us up on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! We could talk about her work all day, so we’ll be waiting to hear your thoughts.
The leaves are falling, the decorations are going up, and Halloween is just around the corner. In our experience, there are two ways to celebrate Halloween: planning your costume in August and waiting until October 30th. If you’re the latter, let this article be your sign to plan now. To make it easier for you, we’ll do most of the work. If you love this year’s pop girls, why not be one for Halloween? We have a few ideas for you.
Sabrina Carpenter
We know when we said pop girls, many of your minds went straight to Sabrina. With such a distinct look, there is no shortage of Sabrina Halloween costumes. Now that the Short n’ Sweet Tour has started, you can make your own version of tour outfits (the black bodysuit, the pink babydoll dress, etc.), and add a fur coat. But we can’t stop thinking about the looks from the ‘Taste’ music video. A version of her blue gingham look with a bloody wound would be the perfect combination of pop girl glamour and Halloween horror. Bonus points if you and a friend do matching Sabrina and Jenna Ortega costumes!
Of course, Chappell Roan is another example of peak theatrics. The cover of The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess is Chappell in drag, and the blue dress, sash, curly red hair, and tiara are begging to be a Halloween costume. If you wanted to go a little farther into Chappell lore, you could use one of her tour themes: midwest princess, ‘pink pony club,’ ‘my kink is karma,’ and ‘super graphic ultra modern girl.’
We have to be a little more creative for Charli XCX, who might not have as much of a signature look. But we are so determined to add the pop girl of the summer, so we’ll do our best. Like with Sabrina, you could pick a look from the Sweat Tour (here’s another duo costume idea with Charli and Troye Sivan, or even Charli and Lorde). Or if you’re worried about being recognizable, you could just throw on all lime green and call it Brat Halloween.
We’re willing to bet a few of our readers attended Olivia’s GutsTour this year. True, Guts came out before Halloween last year, and perhaps some readers already showed off these looks. But for those that didn’t, you have another chance! The ‘bad idea, right?’ music video look is iconic every year. And you could also do the bangs and a black dress for ‘obsessed’ (a new option for this year).
We simply don’t have time to list all the costume possibilities. Take inspiration from whoever your favorite artist is. Taylor fans can use an Eras Tour look, or a Tortured Poets Department music video look. Phoebe Bridgers fans can be a skeleton. And groups of five can be 2010 One Direction. So many possibilities.
Let us know if you have any other pop girl costume ideas, and be sure to send us pictures of your costumes at @thehoneypop on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!
As fall approaches, it’s time to refresh your playlists with some of the most exciting rising artists in the music scene. Whether you’re into heartfelt lyricism, edgy pop-punk vibes, or genre-defying sounds, these five artists will surely become your next obsessions. From singer-songwriters capturing the pain of young love to independent artists breaking boundaries with their unique style, these musicians are making waves. Get ready to keep your eye on these artists—before they inevitably blow up. Here are 5 rising artists you need to start stanning this fall!
Lexi Jayde
For fans of Gracie Abrams and Lizzy McAlpine, Lexi Jayde is your next favorite artist. She’s already made a stellar debut with her EP Closer to Closure. Her single ‘drunk text me’ has wracked up almost 1,000,000 plays on Spotify. Her blossoming success has led to live shows at The Troubadour in LA and Baby’s Alright in Brooklyn. Before Lexi Jayde’s sophomore project inevitably blows up, get on board – it’ll be worth it.
Brynn Cartelli is primed to be the next big singer-songwriter pop star. She finds her niche in cinematic, lyrically, heart-tugging acoustic-pop, meeting and dare I say, even sometimes exceeding the precedent set by hits like Olivia Rodrigo‘s ‘drivers license‘ and Gracie Abrams‘s ‘Mess It Up.’ Now five years out from winning Season 14 of The Voice at only fifteen years old, Brynn Cartelli has already proved that she has enough vocal talent to succeed on that alone. Cartelli released her debut album Out of the Blue in March of 2024, with many of the album’s fourteen tracks self-written by Cartelli. Out of the Blue proves that she also shines as a lyricist, romanticizing the growing pains of young love and yearning for self-acceptance with the finesse and sophistication of a well-seasoned virtuoso.
Probably the biggest name on this list is Del Water Gap, the stage name for S. Holden Jaffe. He spent the summer opening for Niall Horan. He works with producer Sammy Witte (who you may know as the producer behind hits from Harry Styles, Luke Hemmings, Halsey, SZA – just to name a few). His first two albums are alt-pop gold. His finsta, @horsewithbowlcut, is chock full of hilarious memes of himself. Get on the Del Water Gap train now because when DWG3 is inevitably released, he’s going to be a massive star.
Almondmilkhunni fearlessly dropped her record label and went independent after her debut self-titled 2020 EP. Now, she’s truly hit the sweet spot in creating a conceptual project that’s the perfect balance of fun and introspective with her sophomore project ENJOY THE RIDE. From her quirky, LA girly social media feed, to her great respect for fans, and her teasing of live shows and potentially ENJOY THE RIDE PT.2 in the foreseeable future, Almondmilkhunni is an artist to watch. She takes the it-girl cool and out-of-this-world dance-pop style of artists like Charli XCX and Tinashe and lends her air of lighthearted vulnerability and charming softness.
Charlotte Sands has steadily gained recognition since her first release in 2018. Including a particular track that Harry Styles’ VOGUE cover may have inspired. With her her debut LP can we start over? released in January of 2024, Sands has now fully arrived as a powerhouse in the music scene. For fans of female rockstars who appreciate the vocal prowess of Kelly Clarkson or the pop-punk energy of Avril Lavigne, but may find Olivia Rodrigo a bit too youthful—Charlotte Sands is the perfect fit. She spent last year supporting pop-rock bands PVRIS and 5 Seconds of Summer. She also brought her first headlining tour international this spring, wowing audiences from New York to Sydney. With her stunning blue hair and down-to-earth sense of humor, she’s cool, she’s talented, and she’s diehard for her fans. What’s not to love?
What other rising artists do we need to start stanning this fall? Be sure to let us know by tweeting us at @thehoneypop or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.
In typical Aussie fashion, a thick mustache runs just underneath ARIA Platinum-certified folk star Ziggy Alberts’s lip line outside of Movember. If you were to ask about his whereabouts, we’re never quite sure if we should point you toward a beach or a recording studio, his illustrious guitar not being very far. Good thing for you: his two worlds always seem to be entirely merged together. Take the announcement video for his latest era, New Love, uploaded roughly two weeks ago, where he’s surfing a crystal blue wave! This tide didn’t sneak up on us. Instead, it was in a careful layering of a single of the same name and then, uh, a tour of the same name (but we’ll get into it later, promise!).
For now, we’d prefer to let you know what our exclusive interview with Ziggy Alberts entails. Of course, there’s a lot of surfer talk, and for you waterheads, make sure never to ask what their favorite spot is like we did! He also has a family-run publishing company, Commonfolk Records, and more.
Commonfolk Records
As an independent artist, your self-belief has flourished your career through carving out Commonfolk Records! Obviously, freedom as an artist is fundamental, but what does the phrase “creative autonomy” mean specifically to you? Creative autonomy is, in its simplest form, me being able to have freedom on the topic of releases, style, and timing, but it has also given me the ability to work with family and friends and take the path less traveled. Starting Commonfolk was a big decision, but I’m proud of the risks we’ve taken and the fact that we’ve stayed true to ourselves. We bet on our vision, stayed independent, did things our way, and trusted that it would lead to where we are now.
What’s interesting about Commonfolk Records is that it’s located in your home state of Queensland rather than where you made your stamp on music: Byron Bay, NSW. It shows that giving back to local artists is essential, and you still have that sense of home within you. Was wanting to rebirth that sentiment of belonging a factor in the label being based in Queensland? To be honest, basing Commonfolk in Queensland because that’s where most of my family is. I founded the company in 2018 with my sister and my father, and soon after, my aunties and brothers joined the team. It’s a true family-run business. We have since grown to an 11-person full-time office team, with a few non-related members (haha), but they’ve become family, too.
Commonfolk Records also extended a few years ago, pushing toward publishing, which then helped you release a couple of poetry books! One of those poems was read during your Laps Around the Sun tour gig at Fremantle Arts Centre in 2019. It’s now been reworked for the announcement video for your seventh studio album (an impressive number as it is), New Love! What is it about that particular poem that shapes this new album? It’s funny because now you mention it, I forgot that I read that poem on the LAPS Aus tour back in 2019. How fitting. It’s called The Responsibility of the Dreamer, and I guess it’s a call to adventure and making the best of your life. I think it’s a great way to introduce the album.
New Love
We can’t discuss the album announcement of New Love without referencing the Easter eggs, the New Love World Tour, and the song ‘New Love,’ released around five months ago. It seems like you like to do things backward, ha. Did anyone catch on that it alluded to something bigger? I definitely have a penchant for doing things a little differently (haha)! The easter eggs leading up to the album announcement have also been ideas my team has had, so I can’t take all the responsibility for it. The New Love World Tour is just another step in that journey, where we can dive deeper into the songs and the stories behind them in a live space. It’s a beautiful way to connect, and I love that people are engaged and theorising about what’s coming next. It makes the whole process feel even more fun!
Its latest single, ‘Where Does The Love Go?’ is also out. We love the Perth call-out. As touring has taken up quite a bit of your time in the previous years, has another city most inspired this body of work? Every location had something different, making the album more of a journey—a collection of influences woven together rather than tied to any one city. It’s about the people I met and the connections I made, and how I also changed as a person. I do find Western Australia very inspiring, and love my shows in Perth, so shoutout to all the West Aus crew.
Garrett Kato, whom you’ve collaborated with for a while, also helped with this track! And we’re particularly interested in this character, “Dr. Love Go,” whom you’ve helped craft up! If we’re going off your dream of him having a comic strip, what shenanigan do you think would first ensue? He would be a hopeless romantic with a sidekick dog, and he always saves the day but usually fumbles in the middle.
His Other Love: Surfing
One of your other pastimes, surfing, comes to the center again in this new era! Digging into the bag of surfing tricks, if you had to associate a move with the themes of this new album, which would it be? Working your whole life for a big wave, pulling in, getting barrelled, and making it in front of your friends… which happened at Cloudbreak, Fiji, earlier this year.
You’ve recently commented that moving away from surfing just at the beach to other venues, such as parks in nature, is something you enjoy, especially after having surfed in Germany. What’s been your all-time favorite location to surf? That’s a tough one because there are so many incredible spots! If I had to choose an all-time favourite, it would probably be Western Australia. The combination of stunning scenery, powerful waves, and the rugged landscape makes it so special. There’s something about being surrounded by nature while riding those epic swells that really resonates with me. Surfing there feels like a full-body experience—you’re connected to the ocean and the land, and it just inspires creativity in so many ways. Every session feels like an adventure, and I love how it reminds me of the beauty and power of nature, which often seeps into my music. It’s truly a magical place!
Finally, what are you listening to? What stand-out albums from this year have made their way to your playlists? Honestly, my favourite song of late is ‘Gasoline’ by Lily Meola. I’m obsessed. No albums from this year, I’m afraid, but like everyone else, I really like Stick Season!
What’s your favorite lyric from Ziggy’s ‘Where Does The Love Go?’ There are so many thought-provoking nuggets to name. So we’d much prefer you to do it for us on our social media, Twitter,Instagram, and Facebook!
‘Enough About Me,’ says Orlando musician Jeff Ilgenfritz
When you put about a couple decades’ worth of time into a scene as a tirelessly fertile artist who’s also a generous collaborator, you tend to rack up a lot of friends.
That’s the story of Jeff Ilgenfritz, whose prolific footprint in the Orlando music scene has a length, width and depth that few can match. His résumé is a long and accomplished continuum of notable acts that reads like a shorthand history of Orlando music and includes Mumpsy, The Heathens, Moonmen From Mars, Luscious Lisa, Florida Slang, Corvus, Incorporated, Great Graves and more.
Although he was either the leader or at least a core member of most of those bands, Ilgenfritz finally struck out on his own last year with the debut of solo vehicle The Real Fritz. But already it seems that he’s back to his old familial ways on the new Real Fritz album Enough About Me. As a glorious result, this sophomore collection looks more like a studded cavalcade of Orlando stars than a solo record.
In addition to multiple bandmates in every one of the aforementioned Ilgenfritz acts, the guest list here also includes members of groups like The Sh-Booms, American Party Machine, Bob on Blonde, Dirt McCoy, The Punching Contest and Forget Myself, among others. Even though there are nearly two dozen cameos across these 10 songs, Enough About Me still plays like an unmistakably Jeff Ilgenfritz album.
In fact, Enough About Me is more a return to Ilgenfritz’s famously effervescent indie-pop optimism than even The Real Fritz’s previous album, All In Now. Unlike the often reflective tenor of that 2023 debut, this new batch is a mostly upbeat ride of big, swaying hooks and more rock vigor than usual. Even the slower songs are still lush with melodic swells. In total, the album’s a well-stocked excursion powered by sails full of gust and gusto.
Released on Post Records, Enough About Me now streams everywhere and atop TLU’s Spotify playlist. It’s also available on limited-edition cassette via Illuminated Paths. Better yet, hear these songs live this weekend at the Real Fritz album release show with New Eagles (8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27, Stardust Video & Coffee, free).
You may have seen self-proclaimed “emo friendly, punk curious” band senses on tour recently with Charlotte Sands, Boys Like Girls, or Leah Kate. And you may have left yearning for more. If you haven’t been lucky enough to see senses live, we have the immense pleasure of introducing you. Taking inspiration from so many genres, any fan of music is guaranteed to find something to enjoy in senses’s collection. After signing to Hopeless Records, they have a lot of exciting things coming up. Starting with the release of their single ‘every little thing’ which is pure punk perfection, they let us in on some of their plans. And you know us, we would never leave you in the dark. Read on!
Welcome to the Honey Pop! Can you give our readers a quick elevator pitch for your music? We are an emo friendly, punk curious, pop rock band from Los Angeles California. We make high energy, moody, belt in your car music.
Late last year, you were featured on Idobi Radio’s “100 Rising Artists To Listen To In 2024.” Who have you been listening to recently? Our list is extremely eclectic haha. We’ve been listening to Chappell Roan, Sleeptoken, MUNA, Doechii, Bad Omens, Sabrina Carpenter, Stand Atlantic, the whole range of genres!
Congratulations on signing to Hopeless Records! How do you think your new song ‘every little thing’ celebrates this next chapter in your career? Thank you! This song is so fun for us. It’s one of those songs that didn’t take much time at all to write because we were just so on the same page about it. It was really us just feeling so confident in our writing process and the message of it, that we think it really shows in the attitude of the song. We’re coming out of the gate swinging!
What went into the decision for ‘every little thing’ to be your label debut? It was definitely a collective decision. To be honest we have quite a lot of demos right now that we really love because we essentially spent the whole summer writing, but there was something about the energy of this one that just felt right to put out at the start of fall and to really launch this new partnership. It felt like we were letting something go and moving into a new chapter.
‘Every little thing’ is about dealing with a toxic relationship, and you mentioned that the aggressive feeling was meant to reflect your frustration. So which came first, the lyrics or the melody? I usually don’t get to say this because generally it’s one or the other, but this one was pretty simultaneous. We were in the studio and just kind of talking about how frustrating it can be dealing with a martyr mentality and we all had dealt with it at some point or another. So when we decided on that overall theme the music and lyrics really went hand in hand after that.
Image Credit: Alex Lyon
It’s so interesting that you two met on Craigslist. What was the process of fitting together as a band for the first time? Well we met up at a rehearsal studio in North Hollywood, and I had just released this solo EP I used as a guide for what I was looking for in a band. So when we met we just kind of tried to play those together for the first time. I sent them to Nick so he was familiar with them and we started learning those first to just see if we fit with each other. But really it just worked from the start and there was never any hesitation on whether or not it was a good fit. It just was!
You’ve talked a lot about identity and expression. How has your music allowed you to find or express your identity? Oh it’s everything. Our music really is the way that we express ourselves in its most natural form as it comes to us. We just know how to let it all go and escape into it. It truly has made me just more confident in who I am and what our message is because we put our whole lives into it. We express ourselves a lot through just being goofy and not taking ourselves too seriously, so when we get to do that in a live setting and just hang out with the crowd it solidifies that identity for us even more.
Recently, you’ve gained attention with your punk cover of Chappell Roan’s ‘Good Luck, Babe!’ Why this song? Well who doesn’t absolutely love Chappel Roan?! We had thought about releasing a cover for a while, we always incorporate one in our live shows to really get the crowd into it. So when we discussed actually releasing something that would live in the world on the various platforms, we wanted it to be a song that really captivated both of us, but also by an artist that we truly believe in and believe in their message.
We love your take on the song, and we love that we’re in a time where artists can experiment with genres. We never thought that we’d hear Chappell Roan at Emo Nite, but we’re happy we are! Has that freedom to play with genres influenced your songwriting? Oh definitely. We have said a lot especially in these last few months writing that we don’t want to be tied down to one specific genre. That’s kind of why we call ourselves “emo friendly punk curious pop rock.” It’s like we’re dipping our toes into each little area to see what we can come up with. We’re both influenced by all kinds of music, but a lot of pop as well.
What was it like putting your own spin on ‘Good Luck, Babe?’ It was really fun. We wanted it to be just different enough, while keeping all of the essence it already had. I mean the song is such a huge hit that we just didn’t want to mess it up haha. It was fun to see what it could sound like in a more punk/rock genre.
We feel like more of your personality came out in your music videos, which feature original storylines and characters. Where do you get ideas for videos? Videos can sometimes be our achilles heal. I really respect and envy those artist that have such a specific vision for the visual side of things. Sometimes it will come to me and I will be really passionate about a specific idea, otherwise we collaborate and work with the directors to come up with something outside the box.
Can we look forward to more music videos in the future? Yes! Videos are honestly just so expensive, but as soon as we can make it happen we will! We love making music videos.
There’s so much energy in all of your songs, and it’s matched in your live performances. Are there any pre-show rituals involved in keeping up your electric energy every night? Yes we listen to a lot of insane scream music or straight up pop. We generally have a whole little dance party to get out some of the ramped up energy, and then after that we just lay it all out on the stage!
While you’ve been touring, you’ve acquired some dedicated fans and had the chance to connect with them. Have you had any favorite interactions with fans? On the last tour one of our fans printed out a bunch of signs for our newest single at the time. It was our last show of the night too so when we got to that certain part of the song she had handed out like 50 of these printed out signs and they all held them up. That was a really cool thing for someone to take the time to make these.
You’ve been on so many incredible tours in a short amount of time, and you leave every show with more fans. What has it been like gaining so much attention so quickly? We are just riding the wave. It feels really amazing to feel like we can finally really connect with people, and that they connect with our music. That’s the best part of it all. If we can reach one more person in the room that resonates with us, then we feel fulfilled.
Thanks for chatting with us! One last question: You’re about to set off on another tour with Bailey Spinn. Do you have anything new planned for this tour that you can tease? Thank you so much! Welllllll we actually have a few new songs on the set list this time around. We are reaching that point where we have so many songs that we really have to curate our set list now to fit all of the ones we want to show off in. There may just be an unreleased song on the setlist this time around too.
Image Credit: Alex Lyon
The words “unreleased song” will never not excite us, as if we weren’t excited enough! We hope you’ll celebrate this new phase of senses music with us in the comments! Let us know your favorite senses song or what you’re hoping to hear from them next. We’re always available to chat about senses (or all things pop culture) at @thehoneypop on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
