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“Crumbling” by Catlea stirs a soulful anthem of rebuilding strength in fragility

Catlea

Catlea masterfully strikes a balance between delicate vulnerability and an irresistible sense of playfulness, exhibiting a distinctive talent with the latest single, “Crumbling,” a stunning fusion of genuine emotion and intricate musicianship. The Cincinnati-born artist singer-songwriter has always had a knack for weaving deep emotions into her music, but “Crumbling” takes it to a whole new level. From the moment the song begins, it’s clear that this third release is a glimpse into Catlea’s upcoming Language Barrier album, enveloping audiences in a world as emotionally impactful as it is sonically enchanting that sets the stage for an introspective lyricism.

The production, helmed by producer Claudia Mills of BITTERS, is lush yet intimate and features the stunning instrumental of Nick Tsang, known for collaborations with significant giant artists like Ed Sheeran and Lewis Capaldi, brings exquisite beauty to the piano performance that’s hard to resist. It is an emotive exploration presented with a lightness that keeps the delicate balance between fear of everything falling apart and the discovery of strength within the fragments without becoming overly burdensome. Catlea’s vocal delivery shines with an unguarded honesty that leaves a lasting impression long after the song concludes.

Mastered by the acclaimed mixer Jason Boshoff at the renowned Room to Studios in Barcelona, known for its top-quality sound engineering. The haunting melodies, recorded at PLAY Audio, are underscored by a powerful arrangement, resulting in a fragile yet formidable sonic landscape. It boasts a polished yet authentically intimate sound that aligns with Catlea’s creative vision.

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Lyrically, “Crumbling” explores the pretense and resilience through refined poetic lyricism. It skillfully portrays the paradoxical experience of feeling broken while quietly and resolutely rebuilding. The juxtaposition of weighty themes with a playful lyrical approach renders the song captivating. Each line is imbued with profound sincerity, reminding listeners that even in our most shattered moments, there is beauty in rising again. Catlea has presented an empowering musical allure that speaks to the heart and lingers in the soul, making “Crumbling” undoubtedly stand out as an outstanding addition to her already impressive body of work.

 

For more information about Catlea, please visit [website]. 
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Catlea’s Crumbling on Spotify.
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Artist Spotlight

Lexi Berg stirs a soulful splash of intimacy with her recent single, “In So Deep”

Lexi Berg

A rare phenomenon exists within the music industry wherein a composition manifests as genuinely enchanting. Lexi Berg, originating from Stockholm and influenced by her distinctive upbringing on a houseboat, delivers an exemplary representation of such craftsmanship through her latest single, “In So Deep.” This Swedish-American singer-songwriter is noted for her hauntingly raspy vocal quality and her capacity for intricate poetic storytelling. Lexi envelops her audience in a cinematic experience, wherein the act of falling in love resembles a leap from an emotional precipice, infused with an atmosphere of warm sincerity, reminiscing about someone who once made you feel alive.

Co-written and produced by the accomplished Jim Eliot, a veteran producer with an impressive portfolio and collaborations with renowned artists such as Ellie Goulding and Kylie Minogue, “In So Deep” was meticulously crafted in the tranquil hills of Wales. The composition captures a sense of airy tranquility, blending sun-drenched sonic nostalgia from the classic 70s piano with heartfelt folk influences and the irresistible shimmer of Swedish pop. This results in a sonorous palette that envelops listeners in a comforting embrace.

Lexi Berg’s lyrics create vivid imagery, portraying scenarios that include hands submerged beneath water, laughter echoing through canyon walls, and hearts racing with each fleeting glance. These intimate vignettes embody the essence of daydreaming, further enriched by her raw, rich vocals, which glide seamlessly over luminous piano melodies complemented by subtle Americana nuances. It evokes the joy inherent in sharing moments with another individual.

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The track’s distinctive nature lies in celebrating the little things, which carry her free-spirited roots in authenticity. The verses convey a gentle, confessional tone, while the chorus unleashes a dynamic catharsis that promotes audience engagement, particularly in open-air settings.

In a music landscape increasingly characterized by cacophony and overwhelming stimuli, “In So Deep” provides an elegant respite. It enables listeners to escape into a realm of love and ephemeral, golden moments infused with genuine emotion, articulating a connection that resonates on a profound level.

 
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Lexi Berg’s In So Deep on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Lexi Berg | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook |

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Artist Spotlight

Who’s Making the Most Money on Spotify in 2025?

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In 2025, Spotify conquers the music streaming world, with 500+ million monthly paying subscribers globally. Considering the platform paid out $10 billion in royalties, a record high, during 2024, it’s evident that streaming is now a revenue stream for artists. Yet only a few musicians are making good money from it.

At the top of the list is Drake, whose 21.5 billion streams yield around $52.5 million. Next up is J Balvin, with $37.9 million this year, a clean-up job from his massive streaming numbers. Other artists who earned significant amounts included Post Malone, Ariana Grande, and Bad Bunny, each featured among the platform’s top earners.

In electronic music, the Chainsmokers had 7.2 billion streams and made $17.7 million, and Calvin Harris made $14 million. The first-place finisher among the grossers is Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You,” which earned $6.6 million from 2.7 billion streams.

Although these numbers are impressive, most artists on Spotify receive a much lower payday. In its 2024 Loud & Clear report, Spotify found that only 4.4% of artists make at least $131,000 annually. On average, an artist in the bottom 98.6% of earners makes just $12 monthly. This difference underscores the difficulties many musicians face in the streaming age.

Dead artists are still having a real impact on Spotify. Pop Smoke, Shoot for the Stars, and Aim for the Moon have 8.51 billion streams, £29.29m, 6.79 billion streams, and £23.37 million in earnings with Juice WRLD’s “Legends Never Die.” Lil Peep and The Notorious B.I.G. are also proving influential, with their music still raking in significant amounts of money.

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Spotify’s global platform has allowed artists to perform in front of audiences beyond their home countries. In 2024, most artists who earned at least $1,000 in royalties made most of their revenue through international listeners, at over 50%. Since 2017, the number of female artists grossing over $1 million per year has quadrupled, signaling greater diversity and representation in the music industry.

The few artists who do make millions from Spotify streams get 1 %, while the 1% of artists get funds. Only a handful of artists are financially rewarded through it, even as the platform’s continued global reach and growing diversity create opportunities for emergent practitioners.

Let me know what you thought of this post in the comments if you found this article interesting!

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