Browsing Tag

Empowering Pop

Melody Key: The Virtual Girl Group Taking Pop to Rapturous Heights – An Exclusive Interview

Posted on 4 December 2024

With infectious energy and a mission to uplift, Melody Key is redefining what it means to be a modern girl group. Formed virtually in 2022 by Katy “Kitty” Kunberger and Lashnate “Shanti” Johnson, the trio has already made waves with their viral TikTok videos, empowering anthems like Girls Rule, and a dynamic collaboration with UK rapper 0milicu0us. In this interview, they discuss their songwriting journey, their forthcoming debut EP, and their vision for spreading positivity in a pop landscape often focused on despair.

Melody Key, thanks for sitting down with us to discuss your discography and burgeoning pop career. We’d love to know what initially brought you together in 2022. 

Our girl group, Melody Key, was originally a virtual girl group that was founded on May 4, 2022, by me (Katy “Kitty” Kunberger and Lashnate “Shanti” Johnson). A couple of months earlier, I was posting an audition call for members who were interested in joining a girl group. However, I wanted to have a girl group since 2014 but kept it a secret but finally revealed it when I posted the audition call online.

Shanti was the third girl to audition for the girl group after two girls had told me that they could not stay nor continue with the girl group. Since then, we made songs and posted singing videos on social media. We have three members in Melody Key and hope to have one or two more members to make it a total of four or five members.

How does the songwriting and recording process play out between the two of you?

Shanti and I usually write original songs and all of us recorded songs on Bandlab. Bandlab is an app where we record our songs, even remotely. Although, we would like to meet together in person sometime next year whenever we are available to record songs at a studio.

How did it feel to go viral with your dance videos to your original music on TikTok? 

To be honest we felt very honored to have our TikTok videos go viral! It has been part of our dreams to have our TikTok videos go viral, let alone dancing to our original music.

How did you connect with the British rapper, 0milicu0us, for your official debut track, College Groove? 

We met 0milicu0us on Instagram last year! He discovered us and sent us a message requesting that he could rap in a song someday. We accepted his request to collaborate with our song, “College Groove” and then he recorded his rapping verse on Bandlab! We released the song this past January 12th!

Your latest single, Girls Rule, is an instantly iconic lo-fi hyper-pop anthem; what’s the story behind the single? 

The story behind “Girls Rule” is how girls could be anything they want to be, meaning girls could have professions that only boys had once upon a time. For instance, Mary Blair was a female animator back in the 1940s to early 1950s and she worked for Disney. It was not typical for women to be professional animators and often those who were employed took masculine names.

There’s an eclectic mash of aesthetics and genres in the mix, allowing the track to unravel as an infectiously upbeat celebration of feminine power; what do you hope your listeners take from it?

We hope that our listeners will be inspired by the positive message and the upbeat tempo of our songs. Our group has been somewhat dismayed by the numerous pop songs that focus on depressing themes of despair, We believe that life is full of joy and opportunity and we want to inspire young people, especially girls to seize opportunity and live life to the fullest.

Can you tell us a little about your upcoming debut EP? 

Our debut EP has six songs:

  1. Reach the Stars
  2. The Girls and I
  3. Take Me Back to the 90s
  4. Golden Age (Best Years)
  5. Lover Girl
  6. Bright

We do not exactly have a title for our debut EP but we are planning to release the EP this coming May. “Golden Age” is my personal favorite song, but “The Girls and I” will hopefully be our most popular song in our EP and we would like to have our own music video for the song, “The Girls and I”. The mock instrumentals are already made but needed their official remakes. This is our golden opportunity to travel to Los Angeles, California and meet up there in person in order to record our EP and do our music videos whenever we are available.

How does your forthcoming EP fit into your broader ambitions as an artist?

In our forthcoming EP, other members in Melody Key other than myself wrote some of our songs such as “Lover Girl” and “Reach the Stars”. Additionally, all six of our songs have different themes and stories behind them. “Reach the Stars”‘s theme is Zodiacs and Astrology. Whereas, “Golden Age”‘s story about how great and optimistic vintage culture is unlike modern-time media that can cause anxiety and melancholy.

Stream Melody Key on Spotify.

Follow the artist on TikTok.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

Mia Laren is on rhythmic fire in her latest self-produced pop hit, Woman Like Me

Posted on 16 March 2024

Mia Laren’s latest single, ‘Woman Like Me‘, is a masterclass in contemporary pop production, interweaving nostalgia with a fresh, electrifying approach. The guitar tones shimmer with a transcendental quality, while the basslines run as hot and heavy as the empowered lyrics. The anthem of self-worth and confidence is a striking testament to her burgeoning prowess in the pop music sphere.

Hailing from Baltimore and now based in San Diego, Laren, a singer, songwriter, producer, and professional dancer, infuses her music with the rhythm and expression of her dance background. This is vividly apparent in ‘Woman Like Me’, where she combines sharp rhythmic beats and sultrily magnetic vocal lines which hark back to Shakira’s ‘Whenever, Whenever’ while exhibiting her ability to create aural auras which reflect her lyrical themes. Coupled with her impressive octave range, which borders on the celestial, Laren is undoubtedly on the cusp of becoming a significant name in the pop genre.

‘Woman Like Me’ is a reflection of her belief that music is the connection to the soul. It’s a track that not only awakens the rhythmic pulses but also invites you to connect with its deeper message. The track is the perfect opportunity to align your actions with your worth.

The official music video for Woman Like Me was officially released on March 6th; you won’t want to miss the conceptually fire gender fuckery Laren uses to prove her worth and inspire other women to find their own.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Swedish Soul Pop Firebrand, Nadine Randle, Has a New Chart-Topper on Her Hands with ‘Man Up’.

Posted on 19 February 2024

Nadine Randle’s voice has proven to be one of the most magnetic of this era; each of her hits goes down a soulful storm on streaming platforms and in the charts; her latest single, Man Up, is no exception to that rule.

Man Up revolutionises the 90s RnB Pop vibe, with all of the firebrand swagger you’d expect from an artist musing through that stylistically influential epoch. Exuding the same empowering edge as the iconic likes of Destiny’s Child and TLC, the Swedish singer-songwriter delivered a fiery anthem that will speak to anyone who wants to regain their power after suffering through a relationship that was beneath them.

Even though the title of the single has a slight misandrist undertone, when you hit play and sink into the soulfully melodious grooves of the release, you will realise that Randle versed this earworm to deliver vindication hand over fist to the women that need an affirmation that settling for less than what you’re worth is a recipe for destruction and frustration.

Man Up was officially released on February 9th; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Isla de Luca redefined the femme fatale archetype in her provocatively liberating alt-pop hit, I Already Am One

Posted on 16 February 2024
https://soundcloud.com/isladeluca/i-already-am-one/s-2uIRmKUEKZz?si=e1ec91131191412ab7cbbe435a4c3782&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Isla de Luca riotously fucked the gender binary with the launch of her debut alt-pop single, I Already Am One. With the rock licks augmenting the pop hooks and injecting them with adrenaline, the NYC icon staked a serious claim in the pop domain. After ensnaring just about everyone who crosses her on TikTok and Instagram, she’s more than ready to demurely dominate the airwaves with her scintillating synthesis of electronica, pop and rock.

While trad wives are falling over themselves to appease the male gaze as their sole aim in life, Isla de Luca has asserted herself as an indomitable queer pop icon with the refrain “I don’t need a rich man, I already am one”. It’s a subversive twist to die for and to live for. Through her mission to rip up the exploitative tropes around desire and empower others to embrace their provocative power, she stands just as tall as Kathleen Hanna in the feminist landscape.

If you thought femme fatales were all about seduction, feel the vindication cascading from Isla de Luca’s flawlessly electrifying vocal lines and realise the liberation of living as the archetype in their villain era.

For fans of MARINA, Paramore and Sophie, this single isn’t one you want to sleep on.

I Already Am One will be available to stream from February 16. Stream it and follow Isla de Luca on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Dani Enli became the soul-pop supreme with her empowering RnB hit, used to it

Posted on 11 February 2024

Dani Enli’s debut RnB pop release, ‘used to it’, is a revelation in the world of bedroom pop. The Malaysian-Chinese Aussie artist, now an emerging icon in the pop scene, demonstrated swathes of talent that have been eagerly waiting to be unveiled. ‘used to it’ is a bold statement of Enli’s potential to not only hold dominion over the industry but to redefine the pop landscape with her contemporary sonic signature.

The track is a melodious, tonally tender anthem, resonating deeply with anyone who has felt burned by passivity and is ready to reclaim their power or find it for the first time. Enli’s skill as a singer-songwriter shines as she floods her own emotions into the production, ensuring the song unravels as a succinct, sweet, and rhythmically cathartic experience.

Enli’s background as a singer-songwriter, producer, and dancer, coupled with her journey from graduating as a doctor to pursuing her childhood dream in music, adds layers of authenticity and passion to her work. Her songs are not just melodies but vessels of healing and understanding, reflecting the power of music that has always resonated with her.

This track is just the beginning for Dani Enli. As she steps into 2024, poised to be the next pop trailblazer, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation for what she will bring to the table next. If ‘used to it’ is any indication, the future is bright for this talented artist.

used to it was officially released on February 2nd; stream the single on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Empowerment calls in BLOOM.’s latest RnB Pop single, RING RING

Posted on 7 October 2022

After making her debut during the first lockdown, the London-based RnB Pop artist, BLOOM. has made strides in her career and fought for young LGBTQ+ representation along the way. The up-and-coming artist has a new weapon in her arsenal with her latest single, RING RING.

Running with the same emboldening lyrical attitude as Lady Gaga’s Telephone, BLOOM. created a hit that you’ll want to play on repeat until the lyrics tattoo into your mind, along with the slick style of the instrumentals that modernise the RnB genre. The single is one small step in the artist’s career and a giant leap for womankind.

With the help of producer Rich Mello, BLOOM. created a seductively emboldening anthem for every woman that has ever wasted their time, energy and emotions on a lost cause instead of allowing their own feminine energy to direct them to self-worth. It’s as hot as any track in Usher’s discography, and it is easy to see how BLOOM., with her fervidly fresh RnB pop style, will take over the airwaves.

Here is what BLOOM. had to say about her latest release:

“I’ve heard so many love songs where the girl falls for a guy she would do anything for. It made me wonder where is the music that says, girl, you are too good for him. Ring Ring conveys that emotion and empowerment.”

The official music video, which was directed by Aiden Thomas, will premiere on October 7th. Watch it on YouTube or add the track to your Spotify playlists.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Madam Who? invited you to ‘Reclaim Your Power’ with her 90s nostalgic pop-rock debut LP

Posted on 16 August 2022

The Eastern Shore, MD, USA-residing pop rock singer-songwriter Madam Who’s debut album, Reclaim Your Power, will undoubtedly be a soul-saver for anyone it catches in a vulnerable or transformative time.

With the rock reverence of Joan Jett, the zaniness of The B52s and the urban edge of Lizzo, the LP starts with the powerful title single, before You Are Not Alone brings in the 70s rock vibes and Goddess in Our Midst brings a little neo-soul into the mix.

Undoubtedly, one of the sweetest spots on the LP has to be Strange & Beautiful. The progressively enrapturing track hooks you in through an acoustic intro before building into an anthemic ballad which allows you to embrace your autonomy, idiosyncrasies and all.

Rarely do records hit the compassionate spot with the same efficacy as this LP. Madam Who? is a pop-rock diamond in the rough; there are few accolades she doesn’t deserve due to her overpowering sincerity and motivation to heal wounds that most women will experience in their lifetime.

Madam Who?’s notes on the album

“I wrote these songs as a form of therapy after I hit the most difficult time in my life – even more challenging than going through brain cancer. After being emotionally abused and abruptly discarded, I had to start my live over with little knowledge of who I was anymore. Before this destructive relationship, I pursued a music career, naturally, when it was over, I started writing again, with a focus on empowerment, not my life’s antagonists. The overall message is to be kind and love yourself.”

The Reclaim Your Power LP is now available to stream on Spotify.

Follow Madam Who? on Facebook & Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Partimama has made her empowering EDM pop debut with ‘Mamma Loves Ya’

Posted on 4 May 2022

Melbourne-based EDM pop artist, Partimama, has released her riotously catchy empowerment track, Mamma Loves Ya. With more soul than all of Ru Paul’s aural productions combined, it’s hard not to let the wholesomely uplifting anthem sink its teeth and drip-feed serotonin.

With the well-placed horn stabs and disco grooves around the unfaltering pounding bass, Partimama became the queer-celebrating icon we never knew we needed through her infectious extension of unconditional love. Even if you don’t get it from your mother, you’ve got an unlimited supply from this unity inspiring hit.

Like many of her fans, we couldn’t be happier that she stepped away from other people’s music and turned her attention to her own expression.

Mamma Loves Ya is now available to stream on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Estella Dawn unshackles herself from misogynistic policing in her fiercely demure pop track Vixen.

Posted on 5 November 2021
Estella Dawn

Estella Dawn’s latest fierce pop fix, Vixen, captures the artist’s frustration with the social policing of sexuality and personality while advocating for self-acceptance through moody hooks, sultry vocals, and an unbridled demure attitude.

In the very same way that Kathleen Hanna did by writing ‘Slut’ across her chest while performing topless, Estella acknowledges the constant sexualisation of her body and beats the misogynists to the mark by acknowledging her sexual agency and power first.

Every woman needs to hear this. Screw it; every man needs to hear this and realise that women are so much more than living archetypes that exist to fit within your narrow, cliched, suffocating perceptions of who we should be and how we should act.

Vixen is available to stream from November 5th. Check it out on Spotify or Estella Dawn’s official website.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Linn Willner reigns as pop supreme in her single, Throne.

Posted on 24 September 2021

Sweden-hailing singer-songwriter, Linn Willner, showed the world how empowering pop is done with her latest dark pop hit, Throne. With the empowering lyrics and the sharp hell-hath-no-fury vocals, Throne is just as visceral as HBO’s Game of Thrones, but it is so much more than an angsty provocative track.

Just as with the original Riot Grrrl bands in the 90s, you instantly get a sense that the inspiration came from a deep and intimate place rather than through some twee inclination to better the world, and it is all the more hard-hitting for it. If you have ever been in a place where you’ve cursed your naivety and bounced back with scathing vengeance, this song is for you regardless of usual sonic taste.

While most artists struggle to find their authentic voice in the blossoming stages of their career, Linn Willner found that expressive confidence and boldness right from the start. We can’t get enough of her emotion-driven dark pop. Once the world gets a glimpse of her untamed passion and polished sound, we’re pretty sure they won’t be able to look away either.

Check out Linn Willner on Spotify and Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast