Music
Houston Pop Artist Confronts Inner Demons on LoFi Single “lately i been”
“lately i been” is a vibey, introspective reflection for mental health challenges and feeling directionless in life.
Houston-based pop artist tonnhi is expanding his musical landscape with his upcoming lofi R&B single, “lately i been,” out January 14. Paired with the sparkling vocals of indie (R&B) artist Jolise, the single describes the hardships and circumstances that prevent one from moving forward. The two singers touch on feelings of isolation and struggles with mental health. “Songs like this are important, especially as society works to create an open space to discuss mental health issues,” says Jolise.
Working together came naturally for the two during quarantine, says tonnhi. “Funny enough, I had a vocal melody idea already made for the second verse for Jolise to write lyrics over, but she completely made her own thing, and I’m so glad she did, because she brought this song to a whole new level. She killed it!” Reminiscent of pop artists like H.E.R. and Joji, “lately i been” casually dives into the raw, honest message of owning your struggles. Fans of all ages can relate to this single as society combats the trials presented by the pandemic alongside the growing pains of simply being human. The introspective track features lo-fi soundscapes paired with a strong R&B/pop core, which is the perfect delivery for such an engaging message.

Fans can stream “lately i been” on January 14.
Houston-born singer songwriter and producer “tonnhi” has been creating music since early 2020. His music tends to fall under the indie/alternative umbrella, but he often dives into the hip hop, R&B, pop and soundtrack genres as well. Tonnhi started his musical journey at the age of 6 when he picked up the violin. After mainly playing in orchestras throughout his childhood, he eventually took on performing across Houston as a solo freestyle violinist, where he learned what his personal music style is. Some major influences of his include Jon Bellion, Twenty One Pilots, Childish Gambino, and Studio Ghibli composer Joe Hisaishi. These influences, along with his orchestral background give tonnhi a unique take on songwriting and production, often creating a cheeky yet enchanting vibe with his music.
Houston-based Singer/songwriter Jolise started out at a very early age writing songs, singing in talent shows, and competing in choir competitions and continued to do this all the way through her school career. Her current music style is mainly R&B with a touch of pop and indie/alternative as she continues to write, produce, and perform around Houston. Her vocal delivery is more on the gentle side, and with her soft controlled tone, Jolise provides the listener with a smooth and soothing experience with her vocal performance. Some of her biggest musical/vocal inspirations include Toni Braxton, Babyface, Ariana Grande, Giveon, Mac Ayres, Amber Mark, Charlie Wilson, Lucky Daye, and HONNE.
Artist Spotlight
Lana Crow turns challenges into a celebration with “Laugh With You”
“Laugh With You,” the latest single from Lana Crow, is a sincere rallying cry to embrace life in all its messy, beautiful mess. In the song, indie pop and alt-pop combine to deliver an emotional blow that feels both personal and universal.
“Laugh With You” feels like an instant connection, and Crow is telling you stories of hard times with a cozy, knowing smile. This song is as much about struggle as it is about how strong you are. It serves as a reminder that these struggles are simply what give us the strength to keep going, even when life is tough.
Crow encourages people to welcome them, create happiness in the cracks, and laugh even as the world gets heavy. The result is a song that delicately nudges you to love and embrace yourself. It is an anthem for anyone experiencing tough times who refuses to give up hope. Lana Crow continues to demonstrate her songwriting skills, both musically pleasing and emotionally rich, with “Laugh With You.”
It’s a reminder that it’s how we respond to tough times, rather than how they affect us, that’s key. With this song, not only does Crow provide us with music, but she also lets us know that sometimes a laugh is what we need to remember that there is always something to smile about and that, even when it feels like life has waged war against you, laughter can still be found.
Artist Spotlight
Lisa Boostani creates a mesmerizing tidal realm in “Ocean”
Lisa Boostani’s “Ocean” takes you deep into a sensory world where body, spirit, and myth come together, beyond the surface of genre. Boostani makes a soundscape that is both ethereal and deeply human by combining the broad essence of psychedelic pop with the strong appeal of alternative rock.
Her voice rises as if it is coming from deep within her, shaped by emotion rather than action. She intentionally channels the intangible, turning weakness into strength rather than a source of pain, and “Ocean” tells people to get involved in this inner world, not just watch it. This release is an integral part of her first EP, “One,” which will come out in March 2026 and is based on love, sensuality, and unity.
If “Ocean” is any indication, the EP will show sensuality not as something pretty, but as a kind of spiritual intelligence, a way to know yourself by connecting with others. The song’s textures and structure have an aquatic quality, moving between clarity and delirium, rhythm and freedom. Its emotional focus is on immersion instead of resolution.
The striking quality of “Ocean” is the blend of the mystical worlds. Boostani understands that strength often shows up as gentleness and that deep feelings are better expressed through frequencies than words. She wants people to see consciousness as immediacy, sensation as truth, and openness as an undeniable strength.
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