Artist Spotlight
Pop singer-songwriter Sydney Lauren Flourishes In Self-Love With New Single “Maybe”
Pop singer-songwriter Sydney Lauren shares her perspective on messy, uncomfortable breakups — a situation everyone’s been in, and no one enjoys — with her single “Maybe” which released July 16. The juxtaposition between playful production and a melancholy story shows listeners that everything happens for a reason. The chorus of “Maybe” reflects a painful moment of acceptance in which the singer-songwriter realizes a lack of appreciation from her significant other. She writes, “maybe is reserved for things that don’t hurt, like should you chop off your hair or throw out clothes you don’t wear,” asserting that love has to warrant more than just a “maybe.” This project is a rumination through clear eyes in which Sydney breaks down the reasons why relationships like this never work.
“Maybe” represents the start of a new era for the artist; characteristic of playful, upbeat projects in contrast to her previous releases. Racing thoughts kept Sydney awake, eventually compelling her to get out of bed and write the chorus to the song. She came back to the idea weeks later, filling in the blanks to a story of heartbreak, and in the end, growth. This single is a testament to the value of never settling for less than you deserve.
In partnership with producer Jake Ohlbaum, the two recorded the single remotely over Zoom. Jake produced Sydney’s prior EP, and the artistic dynamic between the two was a match made in heaven that called them to continue working together. The two managed to capture the same magic in the recording process that fills the room during in-person studio sessions, despite the complications of isolation during the pandemic; the result is an upbeat, perfect-for-summer anthem that tells the story of someone realizing their worth.
The singer-songwriter bases her identity in honesty and simplicity, letting truth permeate the lyrical content of her music. In every song, she gives listeners a “snapshot of a time in [her] life that was special to [her].” Sydney has grown up as a musician and found that a life-long companionship with her guitar has shaped her into the confident artist she is today. Sydney gives listeners an unadulterated, authentic representation of herself — “no over the top makeup or creating an image of myself that doesn’t feel truthful,” she says. “It’s a girl with her guitar telling stories she writes in her bedroom in hopes that others will relate.”
Find “Maybe” on all major streaming platforms now.
Sydney Lauren tells stories through her songs. She grew up singing and writing music just outside of New York City, the place she now calls home. The city serves as her inspiration as well as her stomping grounds, and she has performed in NYC venues like the delancey & the bitter end. Sydney’s training in piano, guitar and songwriting are clearly reflected in her songs, which take inspiration from some of her favorite artists including JP Saxe, Sarah Bareilles, Ingrid Andress, and more. Her music has been featured on Temptation Island and The Biggest Loser on USA Network. Sydney’s new era of music represents a chapter in her life lyrically, and her authentic vision sonically. She dives into the emotions that occur during heartbreak and the simplistic happiness that can come with love. New York City will always play an important role in her music, whether it’s a street she references or the subway home. Fans can find her latest single “Maybe”on all major streaming platforms on July 17.
Connect with Sydney Lauren: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube
Artist Spotlight
Cali Tucker Unwraps Christmas Magic With Her New EP “Santa Baby”
Cali Tucker is back in the spotlight this season with “Santa Baby,” a beautifully made holiday EP that captures the heart, warmth, and timeless glow of Christmas classics. Cali is known for singing the National Anthem at NASCAR’s Pennzoil 400 in front of 80,000 fans and more than three million people at home. She brings the same powerful presence and emotional depth to this holiday project.
“Santa Baby” is a great holiday release for music lovers, bloggers, and new artist discovery sites. It has six tracks and lasts 20 minutes. It mixes nostalgia with Cali’s signature smooth vocals. Each song shows off her talent, but “O Holy Night” and “The Christmas Song” are two that stand out as favorites. Both performances show off her range, control, and ability to bring classic songs into modern emotional spaces without losing their original charm.
“O Holy Night” stands out as the EP’s spiritual center, with a glowing performance full of dynamics, warmth, and a cinematic stillness that draws people in. Cali gives the song both respect and a unique touch, breathing new life into a well-known hymn. “The Christmas Song,” on the other hand, makes you feel like you’re sitting next to a fire. It’s soft, heartfelt, and full of stories that make you feel nostalgic. Cali’s voice flows effortlessly through every note, making it impossible not to feel the magic of the season.
The whole EP flows easily and has a mix of fun sparkle, soulful warmth, and classic Christmas music. “Santa Baby” is the perfect song for the season, whether people are making holiday playlists, looking for new Christmas music, or discovering new vocal talents. This EP adds a new but familiar sound to today’s holiday music scene. It has a comforting feel and is easy to listen to repeatedly.
Artist Spotlight
Kalpee Honors Heritage and Heart on His Emotion-Rich New EP Dougla Boi
Kalpee is back with Dougla Boi, a beautiful new EP that is both personal and powerful. It gives listeners a close look at the layers of identity, heritage, and emotion that make him who he is. The Trinidad and Tobago artist is confident in his own space, which is rooted in New Calypso and polished with hints of dancehall, R&B, and afrobeats. In this space, genre bends, but emotion leads.
Named after the Trinidadian word for someone of mixed African and Indian heritage, Dougla Boi is honest, proud, and warm about the complexities of culture. Kalpee opens a window into the dualities that define him across six tracks, turning personal truth into universal resonance. The EP is just under 19 minutes long, but every second is carefully planned to take listeners on a journey through courage, joy, healing, and the quiet strength that comes from accepting all parts of yourself.
The first single, “Under,” stands out right away for its calming yet emotionally charged experience. Kalpee’s voice flows over a beat that sounds both new and old, fitting the EP’s theme of bringing cultures together. It’s one of the best examples of how he can mix soft and hard sounds, which is what makes his New Calypso sound so unique.
“Everybody,” which features Full Blown, is another excellent song that has already done very well. It has a happy vibe and an infectious bounce, making it one of the EP’s most replayable songs. “Everybody” captures the spirit of community and shared experience, which is what Kalpee means when he says that identity is not a box but a rhythm.
Connect with Kalpee: Instagram
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