POP

"It tackles sexism in the music industry with SHEARS’ infectious stamp of crisp, candid lyrics drawn from personal experience, big dance beats, and a glistening pop sensibility. BAD DREAM It’s about feeling stuck by other’s thoughts and ideas about you and feeling like you’re caught in a bad. I get it - it’s the story we’ve been sold for so long, but I also don’t, as everyone should be able to see it’s incredibly outdated now.”

"Mona Lissa Chanda is a Montreal-based singer-songwriter who blends the sophistication of timeless classics with the allure of catchy pop hooks. She is inspired by the likes of Amy Winehouse, Tracy Chapman, Melody Gardot, Sade, and Lake Street Dive. Drawing from her own life experience, Mona Lissa writes torch songs about self-discovery and the longing for love and connection. While she often explores the dark side of human nature, her songs are imbued with wit, charm, and a nostalgic feel. Ultimately, she loves life with all its imperfections and embraces the opportunity to witness reality as a modern woman."

"Lucky Star is about how people tend to look too far and wide only to realize that what they seek is already within themselves. Me and my sister had a lot of fun making the music video, which was filmed on the magnificent Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland."

"A testament to her unique approach to music production. Recorded entirely in her bedroom, this single features minimal instrumentation, allowing her mesmerizing vocals to take center stage. With a freestyle recording process that emphasizes the healing power of music, ANNA8ELLE infuses the track with a 528hz frequency designed to open listeners' hearts. "to love me" is not just a song – it's a transformative experience that encourages listeners to embrace their true selves and break free from conventions."

'With an eclectic fusion of indie, pop, and alternative influences, 'Stand as a Rock' delivers a deeply personal and resonant experience, exploring themes of strength, resilience, love, and self-discovery. Known for her captivating vocals and masterful songwriting, Dorine has once again crafted a project that speaks to the soul."

"This haunting track offers a raw and intimate look at the dissonance between external perceptions and internal realities—an imposter syndrome anthem wrapped in a brooding soft-rock symphony. 2 Girls in a Trench Coat tells the story of someone who feels as if they are constantly wearing a mask, never fully able to be their authentic self. The song describes, with brutal honesty, the joy of being close to someone, and the fear that you will never truly be known"

Born in Detroit, but growing up in Cincinnati, Andrew Puckett was not exposed to the music scene in many of the most popular music cities across the US. Because of this, Andrew Puckett’s music has a unique blend of hip-hop, punk, and modern pop genres, creating a memorable sound style and lyrical experience.

"Egentid is a Malmö-based indie folk-pop band formed in 2024. With introspective lyrics and a dynamic sound, they blend folk, indie, and modern pop melodies. Their debut single, “Call You Back,” released on March 6, 2025, offers a first glimpse of their upcoming album, Sail On, set to launch on March 28, 2025."

"I wrote this song about a time when I was so in love with a guy that I ignored all the red flags and chose to believe the lies he told me. Looking back, I feel a little embarrassed by my naivety—but it was a lesson I needed to learn about self-worth and knowing when to walk away. I learned the game, and decided that if I ever come across it again, I’ll see it for what it is and refuse to play."

"A mesmerizing blend of atmospheric textures and immersive melodies that showcase the project's evolution and commitment to pushing the boundaries of instrumental music. Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of influences, including Tame Impala and Tears For Fears, Wolf Mask's music resonates with those who seek both beauty and mystery in their sonic explorations."

"Stupid Town by Alfred Jones is a powerful preview of his upcoming album. Influenced by the likes of Gracie Abrams, Fleetwood Mac, and Willie Nelson, Jones infuses his unique sound and perspective into this track, marking it as a standout in his discography."

"Written at the beginning of a relationship, butterflies were flying but there was so much uncertainty of whether it would work out or not. The relationship has since ended but feels a lovely little time warp where Alex can remember that incredible feeling of being in love with this person."

INTERVIEW WITH MUP THE EDENS

(•)> Cru cru Mup The Edens, what first got you into music?

For starters, Tennessee might be the most musical place to grow up on Earth - from the bluegrass/folk of the Appalachians, to the Country sounds of Nashville, to the blues/soul of Memphis (especially Stax Records) - music was an integral part of daily life. But, personally (and perhaps more importantly) music was a way for kids like us who didn’t really fit in socially to meet new people and make friends.

(•)> It's wholesome to see an origin story where music unites such a big community! What records from the Appalachians, Nashville and Memphis scene would you recommend me to listen to? And which ones impacted you the most?

Wow! I think we could literally recommend hundreds of records from Tennessee, but here are 3 examples from each scene that had a a big impact on Mup the Edens…

From the Appalachians:

1. “Will the Circle be Unbroken” by the Carter Family (1935) - Recorded in the Appalachian mountain city of Bristol, this is a reworking of a folk hymn. Its lyrics are powerful, and it represents one of the first songs that made Tennessee famous as a place for recording music.

2. “Rocky Top” by the Osbourne Brothers (1967) - although recorded near Nashville, this is a quintessential bluegrass standard that lauds Appalachian life, and one of the official songs of the State of Tennessee.

3. “Jolene” by Dolly Parton (1973) - also recorded in Nashville, this was written/performed by the incomparable Dolly Parton, who is from Appalachia. It is regarded as one of the greatest country songs ever written, and a version of it appears on the album Cowboy Carter by Beyoncé (2024).

From Nashville:

1. “Crazy” by Patsy Cline (1961) - written by the legendary Willie Nelson, this classic features one of the best vocal performances of any record, and a jazzy chord structure that is unique when compared to many Country songs.

2. “Oh, Pretty Woman” by Roy Orbison (1964) - Another classic vocal performance, this is an example of a country-esque Nashville recording that became a pop hit, similar to songs by “rockabilly” artists who made their names in Memphis, like Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Elvis Presley.

3. “The Way It’s Meant to Be” by the Features (2004) - this band from the land between Nashville and the Appalachians (the tiny town of Sparta) showed us that Tennessee isn’t only about Country music, and that we can rock out with the best of them, just like another group from Nashville, Kings of Leon.

From Memphis:

1. “Soul Finger” by the Bar-Kays (1967) - a group that also served as the backing band for fellow Stax recording artist Otis Redding, this horn-heavy track demonstrates funk at its finest.

2. “When My Baby’s Beside Me” by Big Star (1972) - famously overlooked in their time, the British rock-influenced music of Big Star has influenced countless musicians since.

3. “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars (2014) - although not entirely recorded in Tennessee, this song serves as a 21st century example of how memorable music is still being made in Memphis.

(•)> Thank you so much for this starter pack to get into the sounds of Appalachia, Nashville and Memphis!I added these records to my waiting list: The Carter Family - River of Jordan / Keep on the Sunny Side. The Carter Family - Wildwood Flower / Forsaken Lover, Patsy Cline - Sentimentally Yours, Roy Orbison - In Dreams, Big Star - #1 Record.

(•)> What inspired you the most when creating "Feeling Uknown"?

When writing “Feeling Unknown” we were hearing a lot about “Social Media Isolation” in which excessive social media use can reduce in-person interaction and lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnection. Being such a modern phenomenon, we’ve often wondered how much social media has impacted our own mental health, in both positive and negative ways. This is why we presented “Feeling Unknown” as more of a question for the World - like, “Are you feeling this way too?”

When it comes to the musical arrangement, we had written it around the same time as another song of ours called “Staring at a Box of Rain”, which has a different lyrical theme but similar song structure. At first, both songs sounded very similar, kind of bouncy and ‘60s British-invasion pop-like. We did our best to make “Unknown” sound more like American post-punk, which is why we pulled the trumpet and trombone out of our closet and added live horns. In the end, it seems clear we were influenced by “The Underdog” by Austin, Texas rock band Spoon.

(•)> It's ironic when the thing that should've connected us most is the one breaking all our relationships. How would you describe "British-invasion pop-like"? What bands come to mind when someone says "American post - punk"?

I guess my use of the term “British-invasion pop” could be specified mostly in terms of rhythm. What I’m trying to describe is a feel often heard in 1960s British Pop music and can be described as “bouncy” or “jaunty” with accents on every quarter note of nearly every measure - as in the Beatles’ “Penny Lane” or “I’m Into Something Good” by Herman’s Hermits.

(•)> How would you describe "British-invasion pop-like"? What bands come to mind when someone says "American post - punk"?

My use of “post-punk” may be less appropriate, but I suppose what I’m trying to describe is music inspired by the energy of Punk rock, but that incorporates more instruments and influences from other genres. In the sense of “The Underdog”, this would be driving rock that includes the use of horns in a manner similar to Ska music, which is often considered a subgenre of Punk.

(•)> I'm a big big fan of Spoon and that's a great song to be inspired by! What's your favorite record from theirs?

Like you, I have a lot of respect for Spoon. I honestly can’t think of a record I don’t like of theirs, but I will say that I consider Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga to be one of the best albums of the 21st century so far.

INTERVIEW WITH PERPETUATE THE STRUGGLE

(•)> cru cru Perpetuate The Struggle, what first got you into music?

I have always loved music but really got into it as a teenager and never looked back. I have always loved all different kinds of music. Nowhere near to loving all if it but my tastes are pretty eclectic taste of music. I could listen to a metal song, an anime song, an alternative rock song, a pop song, a Ska song, a rap song..just all kinds of things just back to back and not bat an eyelash about it. I was always interested in the process of making music but just always had too much going on to do anything more than doing lots of karaoke at times and singing my heart out to music in my car or in other private spaces whenever possible. I really annoy my family sometimes because I have a need to always have music on that I have had to curb.

(•)> Always happy to meet another music - nerd who doesn't despise other genres of music :)) What's your favorite album of all time?

I don't have a favorite album of all time but I have a lot of favorite albums of the times. Probably the biggest album that really got me.head diving into music at like 12-13 was Roll The Bones by Rush. I already liked them a lot for older songs played on radio an then that album came out. Rush was my first memories of not just enjoying music recreational but with that album was the start of a deep love for music.

(•)> What song do you enjoy performing the most at karaoke?

Tough one on the karaoke. Contenders: Red Hot Chili Peppers Otherside and Under The Bridge, Creed My Own Prison, Stone Temple Pilots Sex Type Thing, Weezer Say It Ain't So off the top if my head...

(•)> Do you sing in the shower?

No shower singing but always in the car. What about yourself? I always try my best to just listen to the music but since I listen to music I love all the time it just comes I out whenever I am by myself listening.

<(•) What about yourself?

(•)> I still have to give Rush discography a chance! I'm not familiar with their records yet, unfortunately. I also should give Creed and Stone Temple Pilots a shot! It's rare to see artists asking about me. I usually ask them. I enjoy singing Carly Rae Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe" at karaoke, and I sing a lot of moments that live in my head rent-free - usually Weezer.

INTERVIEW WITH GOLDICAT

(•)> Cru cru, what first got you into music?

Haha honestly honestly? The real answer? I was obsessed with The Lion King as a small child...I mean obsessed...I probably put it on every single day for years. That's the first memory I have of really feeling something musically. I had a few organ lessons when I was about 7 but wasn't really interested unless it was related to Lions.

1. Cru cru, what first got you into music?

It could've gone either way growing up with legendary songwriting parents, I could've rebelled and gone on to be a doctor or a lawyer. The creative process intrigued me and I was allergic to letting other systems decide my fate. I took the route of art and life intertwined - and a consistent instability - in search of hidden treasure. What almost every parent wants to talk their child out of.

2. What or who is your inspiration to create music?

Different artists inspire different things. I turn to Chuck Berry and Bob Dylan for phrasing, Hank Williams for economy, Joni Mitchell and Kate Bush for lyrical artistry and melodic storytelling. James Brown, Earth, Wind & Fire, Isaac Hayes, and Parliament-Funkadelic fuel my sense of rhythm and movement. NWA inspires protest and provocation, Brian Wilson gives me permission to break every rule of pop song structure, and Prince shows how to blend it all—genre-bending, crafting bangers, and delivering tight performances. Nina Simone and Ella Fitzgerald remind me to stay humble and focus on the emotion of every note, vowel, and tone.

3. How do you feel the internet has impacted the music business?

The internet turned the music business into a wild talent show where artists juggle roles as life coaches, meme makers, video editors, and content creators—not just for their fans, but to fuel platforms’ ad revenue. Artists pour their creativity into feeding the algorithm, keeping everyone scrolling while getting paid pennies as platforms rake in billions. As Hunter S. Thompson said: “The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench... a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free... there’s also a negative side.” Still, an artist's job is to adapt, and the internet, streaming, and AI are changes we can either resist or make our own.

4. Will you tell us something embarrassing about you?

During a Star Wars craze, I had a brilliant side hustle: standing outside the theater selling paperbacks of the story to people who had just seen the movie. It turns out that no one is dying to read the plot they have just watched. It was a true masterclass in bad timing.

5. How is your perfect day?

Honestly, at this point, any day my house doesn’t burn down feels like a perfect day.

6. What memorable responses have you had to your work so far?

Some responses to my work have felt surreal—like reviews calling my last EP a masterpiece or hitting number one on the indie radio charts. But I’ve learned feedback is like surfing: you ride one wave, dive under the next, and keep going. The real reward is staying passionate and getting back in the water.

7. Do you see yourself as a music nerd?

I'm a total nerd when it comes to my creative process. Setting up my gear right is part of what gets me inspired. After losing my studio in the Palisades fire, I got excited talking about getting a half-inch 8-track reel-to-reel to do all my recording. It reminded me of using an editing block, tape, and a razor blade—bringing back those hands-on experiences. I’m so much of a nerd I’d probably marry a reel-to-reel if it had a decent EQ.

8. What album do you replay the most?

Talk Talk's "Spirit of Eden"

9. What's your favorite movie?

To Kill A Mockingbird

10. Do you agree with the Pigeon?

I need help on this one - I don't understand the question.

INTERVIEW WITH DELTA OF VENUS

1. What first got you into music?

I think for Delta of Venus, the reason we formed a group was to challenge ourselves, artistically.

What or who is your inspiration to create music?

My personal inspiration to make music was seeing an honest to goodness real Garage Band jamming in a garage in my childhood neighborhood heading home after a day at the school playground. I was seven years old. For this incarnation of Delta, the inspiration is to take advantage of our experience and continue to make inspired music until we cannot hold an instrument in our hands.

How do you feel the internet has impacted the music business?

The more things change, the more they stay the same. The internet has continued the practice of exploiting musicians in a manner that has existed since Mozart.

Will you tell us something embarrassing about you?

I was lured into a Scientology interview in Boston in 1988.

How is your perfect day?

Tomorrow.

What memorable responses have you had to your work so far?

“Delta of Venus’ reemergence with Disengaged and Slipping after decades of dormancy feels less like a return and more like an alchemical refinement of time, memory, and sound. These songs don’t just unfold; they meditate, refract, and ascend, offering a deeply cerebral and evocative listening experience that transcends the traditional structures of songwriting.”

One of the reviews we received on this PR campaign. Probably the second best review I have ever received, certainly the best Delta of Venus has received.

Do you see yourself as a music nerd?

I work at a record store. Mystic Disc

www.vinylmepleas...l60JLE

What album do you replay the most?

Issy; Dusty Springfield “Dusty in Memphis”

Ellery: Cocteau Twins “Victorialand”

Shawn: Swervedriver “Raise”

Mat: Scott Walker “Scott”

Do you agree with the Pigeon?

Of course!!!

"Sally is a fun and unique song with a cool video shot in Kyiv, Ukraine. An interesting point about the song is that it has a modern sound but it has no electronic percussion or sounds. It's a real band playing real instruments. This is unusual because virtually all current pop singers, especially females, rely on tracks or beats rather than a band. Kelsie is a very versatile artist who is comfortable in any genre and refuses to be pigeonholed."

"Michael Vettraino is a multi-talented artist who wrote the music and played all the instruments on his latest original single, "Chasing the Sub Lime." Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of influences from Wes Montgomery to Stevie Wonder to L'Impératrice, Michael's music is a unique amalgamation of eclectic sounds that capture the essence of his creative vision."

"Hailing from Kentucky, Terra Renae initially pursued modeling and completed a doctoral degree before meeting GRAMMY award winner Macy Gray by chance in Los Angeles, which kicked off her musical career. Recognizing her undeniable talent."

"NO ME HACES FALTA is a soltera/singles anthem. Sachellys reminisces about a toxic relationship were she was fooled, but has now come to the realisaton that she doesn’t miss them anymore, whatsoever. NMHF is a triumphant ’te supere’ / ‘I’m over you’ diss track."

"Jacqui is back with ‘Twennies’, a high-energy anthem capturing the chaos, excitement, and uncertainty of life in your 20s. Blending the emotional depth of Lorde with the punchy edge of Paramore, Twennies is a must-hear for fans of nostalgic yet fresh pop rock."

1. Hey Rye Catchers, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?

I’ve loved music for as long as I can recall, but one of my first recollections is sitting on some awful green 70's shag carpet and listening to The Beatles on vinyl. I would get the lyrics wrong and, undaunted, sing along to “Band on the Run” for hours.

2. Since you grow up listening to The Beatles, can you ranking the band members from your favorite to your least favorite?

No worries! John Lennon (before he met Yoko Ono) was the most inwardly gifted of the Fab 4. His artistry seemed to be the foundation that drove the creative grit and spirit of the band – his was that ‘X’ factor element that propelled the band. Paul McCartney technically was the most outwardly skilled Beatle. His melodies ruled and remain relevant today and while John brought a darker touch, Paul was the fun loving melody man that allowed for mainstream appeal. George Harrison brought a spirituality to the work and he was also a virtuoso in terms of melody. Ringo of course as the drummer can't be compared with John, George and Paul. He is one of the most rhythmic drum players of the world. His simplicity and his rhythm style were also highly creative and he was more a pioneer than many give him credit for. In the end it is hard to rank the Beatles members because if you were to subtract any one member from the mix the band would not have existed the way we now enjoy them today. Don’t even get me started on trying to rank the Rush members!! That would be impossible!

3. What do you think your role is in this world?

To be a positive force – that can take shape in so many ways and forms. Being kind to others. Helping, not hurting. And above all, being a great father to my son who means the world to me.

4. What makes you different from others?

We are all individuals, all unique, and we are the sum of our experiences. My experiences and interests shape my music, of course, and what makes my music different is the fact that I simply compose and produce what sounds good to me, without a lot of concern about whether it will be a commercially successful tune – I produce the music that I want to hear and that I find interesting. So, in a word, being stubborn is what makes me different from others; embracing my own individualism unapologetically. I believe the fact that I do not just stick to one style or genre – I produce all genres because I would otherwise become bored also makes me different.

5. What was the most difficult challenge you faced?

Becoming a better songwriter and producer. That sounds obvious but it is 100% true. For me, there is always room to grow and improve as an artist so it is a constant work in progress – that starts with my own compositions, and ends with placing the right talent for any given project. Each song is a cocktail that starts with a distinct recipe (the composition) and finishes with great individual ingredients (the other musicians). If done right, the final result should be balanced, unique and sonically tasty.

6. What is the biggest challenge of being an artist?

Accepting the fact that I am one of millions of other artists and that something like .02% realize any true success. So, the marketing and getting some kind of play and recognition is likely the greatest challenge, and then accepting that success is far from guaranteed.

7. Can you describe a real-life situation that inspired you?

Watching a really wonky video by an artist named Louis Cole. The song is titled ‘Bank Account” and he created a short video of just himself playing drums, playing keys and singing in a McDonald’s staff shirt, and it was such a quirky, brilliant and inspired song that it literally motivated me to return to making music after a long hiatus. The creativity was infectious.

8. What’s your favorite Youtube channel?

I really enjoy Rick Beato’s channel as he goes so in-depth with his music reviews and analysis, yet also just tells it like it is – he is an approachable technician.

9. What’s your favorite album?

Such a hard question as I have so many faves. If I had to choose just one: ‘Jazz Samba’ by Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd. You cannot feel anything but cool and relaxed when you listen to that album.

10. Do you often agree with the Pigeon?

As long as the Pigeon is down with some Stan Getz, we agree!

"With "Seawolves," Jehnniel draws inspiration from the depths of his being, channeling his experiences and emotions into a musical journey that resonates with authenticity and raw emotion."

1. Hey Juliander, super nice to have the chance to chat with you! First and foremost what got you into music?

Hey, thank you for having me! I’ve always been interested in music and especially the creative side of it. Never did sports as a kid, instead I sang, danced or did theater. I love every element of music. The lyrics, production and performance. I was fortunate enough to see a lot of live shows as a kid and I think that has inspired me a lot as well.

2. Can you write what was your best performance in your career? How do you remember it?The most memorable show I’ve done is probably when I got the chance to perform at Coachella with Alan Walker and Noah Cyrus. It was such a surreal experience and I can’t wait to do it again. So much adrenaline and a real dream come true. The entire crowd sang along to All Falls Down and it was magical.

3. What memorable responses have you had to your work?

I get really happy when people are touched by my lyrics. I’ve seen people crying at my shows and I think that’s beautiful. I usually get responses regarding my vocals and that feels very special as an artist.

4. Do you think that technology is improving lives?

I’m happy that technology has made it easier for me to have daily contact with my grandparents. So regarding that I would say that it’s improving lives. But I think it’s healthy to take a bit of a break from technology some times. Meditation is a good de-stresser for me.

5. Do you have a mentor or coach?

I’ve had several throughout my career that have taught me many valuable things but currently I’m going off of my own intuition.

6. What are you most proud of?

I’m currently very proud of my new project. It’s been a dream come true to be able to take an idea and make it into a reality by myself. I have written, produced, performed, done all the visuals and released on my own label and I am very proud of that.

7. How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?

The internet has made it possible for whoever has a phone and internet connection to become the biggest artist on the planet. Which is huge. This also means that there is a lot more music being made and it’s more difficult to be heard. I guess there’s always gonna be a good and a bad side to it but I think we’re in a really interesting time.

8. What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as an artist?

Just keeping on creating. When I first started I barely knew how to sing. Then I practiced everyday and finally found my voice. Then I started to write songs and got better and better. Now I’m able to produce, write and perform my own songs. I’ve experimented a lot with content creation this year which is one of my new passions. When I feel that I’ve become good at something I just keep on trying to find more things to take my creative skills to the next level