The Vlade, the musical moniker of Vlad Kolarov, released his sophomore album, “It Could Be Better,” a 14-track exploration celebrating the glorious messiness of life. It’s a 50-minute album that has soul-baring and intimate moments. This proves that The Vlade is capable of writing deep, intimate lyrics that connect with everyone.

From the resilience of “I’m Still Here,” a track that establishes a mood of resolve that’s effective both for stadium speakers and late-night listening. “Falling for You” carves out a melodic space for those who know the thrill and fear of taking emotional risks. Each track explores ideals of freedom, friendship, and personal growth, as well as the relentless grind of everyday life. These, along with other great tunes like “Walk On” and “Hope,” portray a spirit of never giving up, offering an emotional range from soaring guitars to catchy melodies that stay lodged in your head.

The title track, “It Could Be Better,” articulates the human saga of recognizing our faults without succumbing to them and radiating hope. “It Could Be Better” is worth fighting for as a reflection of life. The album’s combination of hard-hitting riffs, melodic ballads, and evocative storytelling makes it hard to ignore. It calls on you to embrace your own journey as well. This album is a reminder for people who have felt trapped, made the moves they needed to make anyway, and who still believe in something better.

Connect with The Vlade on | Website | Spotify | Instagram |

Dian Sheng releases his long-awaited first English-language album, “Sid,” a genre-defying collection of songs that includes pop, rock, electronic, and jazz. “Sid” is a deep, meditative exploration of identity, relationships, and self-growth, spanning 29 minutes and 12 seconds across eight tracks. This album is a personal exploration of the complex emotions of mankind and the vitality and jubilation of life.

From the opening track, “Right Now,” Dian Sheng establishes a sense of urgency and reflection. The upbeat song “I Come From Far” examines the connection between the self and one’s environment. It has joyful beats and layers that make you think and feel like part of the narrative.

The jazz ballad “Undecided Love” delves into the complexities of modern romance, featuring tender vocals and instrumentation that showcase Sheng’s delicate touch as a songwriter. “It Will Be Alright” is an empowering anthem about overcoming life’s biggest obstacles, combining electronic beats with a rock influence.

“Seventeen” is bursting with youthful energy, and its production captures the restlessness and emotionality of adolescent life. Two introspective songs with similar atmospheres, “The Way Before” and “This Life,” match chilling melodies with moving lyrics that touch on bygone relationships, self-awareness, and the quest for meaning we all experience.

The album concludes with “Shining As Your Name,” and the final few minutes of this piece alone evoke a strong sense of hope. Dian Sheng demonstrates his ability to join emotional depth with new styles. “Sid” is an invitation into the rich musical universe of Dian Sheng, where you can both consider yourself and feel influenced.

Connect with Dian Sheng on | Facebook | X | Spotify | Instagram |

Written by:

Faith Koch