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Starchild’s “PG-13” is a love letter to teenage romance

Starchild - Honk

If you’ve ever had a sweet crush that made your heart feel like it was on a trampoline, “PG-13” will resonate with you most awesomely. Starchild, the queer dance punk musician and poet from Williamsburg, VA, swaps out distortion and misery for something softer, sunnier, and just as emotionally potent on this indie pop reggae gem.

“PG-13” is a cacophony of butterflies-in-the-stomach innocence seen through a rainbow-tinted lens. With lax reggae grooves underneath airy pop melodies, the tune emits a nostalgic warmth. It is the musical equivalent of doodling hearts in the margins of your notebook when you should be working on your homework, daydreaming about somebody who makes you feel like everything out of your imagination becomes suddenly electrified.

“PG-13” dances into your ears with an irresistible, frolicsome charm that epitomizes the essence of summer break in song. Starchild’s self-assured lyrical exposure is a breath of fresh air. Inspired by the cutest girl Starchild has ever seen, it cut the preamble from an unbridled rush of giddy, unfiltered emotion. The voice is earnest, a little breathless, and completely real, bringing a tender specificity that strikes home, especially for queer listeners who very rarely hear their first crushes celebrated in such an open and joyful manner.

It’s a taut song, and the reggae undertow gives it an easy lilt and confidence that grounds things just the right way. It’s that mandate of lightness and depth, a musical tightrope that Starchild easily walks. “PG-13” doubles down on the awkwardness, the shine, and the exposure of first feelings, and in so doing, it lodges itself directly in your heart. It’s both an homage and an innovation, a celebration of queer joy, innocence or ignorance, and the power of seeing someone and feeling like you’re feeling everything at once. And in a world that often rushes right past the R-rated material, “PG-13” reminds us that the true magic is sometimes in the blush rather than the smooch. And Starchild nails that magic.

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Artist Spotlight

“Dry Land” by Songbird evokes a metaphorical anthem of emotional entrapment

Songbird

Drawing inspiration from her fascination with sharks, Songbird immerses audiences, both thematically and sonically, into the intricate realms of manipulation and the unyielding experiences of personal struggle with her newest single, “Dry Land,” exuding an absolutely captivating melody. She cleverly employs these apex predators as a metaphor, symbolizing the emotional entrapment in an uncertain affair. However, the track goes beyond mere references to sharks and marine life; it explores the pursuit of conviction and purpose amid the fluctuating tides of doubt and the allure of dangerous forces beyond our control that threaten to pull us under.

The song addresses the subtle snares of toxic relationships, internal conflicts, or the weight of unspoken fears, providing an ample interpretive framework for listeners to connect with the lyricism. “Dry Land” is characterized by a haunting yet melodic vibe, propelled by Songbird’s emotive vocal delivery, which feels simultaneously delicate and fierce. Her performance suggests a personal familiarity with these challenges, offering a cautionary perspective on the perils of emotional turbulence. Lyrically, the song encapsulates the universal experience of indecision, navigating the complexities of uncertainty, latent strength, and the quest for clarity amidst chaos.

The production is atmospheric, underscored by a consistent tension that permeates the composition. Each beat feels intentional; the gradual builds mimic the rise and fall of crashing waves, while subtle electronic touches add an edge that mirrors the song’s darker themes. One can almost sense the encroaching sonic ocean, with every lyric resonating with vulnerability and poignancy, effectively portraying the dichotomy of the desire for liberation and the pull of deeper existential currents.

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Notably, the emotional sincerity evident in each line exemplifies resilience. Songbird avoids convoluted messaging; her lyrics are brilliantly poetic, mood-oriented, and impactful. By allowing the metaphor to resonate naturally, she grants listeners the opportunity to immerse themselves in the narrative and extract their interpretations.

Dry Land” functions as a vital sonic lifeline for anyone grappling with their inner fears, particularly those who have ever felt manipulated, overwhelmed, or dragged down by something they couldn’t quite identify. While Songbird expresses an evident admiration for sharks, with this release, she demonstrates her adeptness at navigating the intricate emotional landscapes of the human experience.

For more information about Songbird, please visit [website]. 
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Songbird’s Dry Land on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Songbird | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook |

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Artist Spotlight

Start Forward walks the reflective edge of emotion in his recent gem, “Tightrope”

Start Forward

Tightrope,” the newest single from Start Forward, the brainchild of Miami-based artist Joshua Sturtevant, offers a nuanced exploration of emotional stability and vulnerability, serving as a poignant representation of lived experience. Derived from the forthcoming album ‘Breathing Under Water,’ this track exhibits an introspective depth that significantly resonates strongly with the listener.

Musically, “Tightrope” embodies the tension inherent in the liminal space between control and chaos, effectively capturing the essence of emotional defenses that, although initially protective, have now become constricting. The production evokes a distinctly 90’s alt-rock aesthetic, drawing inspiration from influences such as Pearl Jam and Radiohead while simultaneously maintaining a unique sonic identity rooted in Sturtevant’s innovative approach: a fusion of haunting melodies and contemporary soundscapes.

The arrangement showcases a deliberate dynamic between tension and release, with gritty guitar lines oscillating between moments of restraint and cathartic expression. The vocal delivery, imbued with a palpable weariness, reinforces this thematic duality, fostering a personal yet universally relatable experience for the audience. The emotional fatigue articulated within the composition is not merely audible but felt deeply, inviting a profound engagement.

Sturtevant’s methodical approach to songwriting and production, as he manages all facets of the process independently, infuses the track with authenticity and intimacy. Each lyric emerges from a space of late-night introspection, embodying a moment of resignation where one yields to emotional currents. The chorus encapsulates the juxtaposition of fragility and strength, illustrating the experience of an individual on the verge of collapse yet finding resilience in vulnerability.

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Tightrope” resonates with anyone grappling with the façade of composure amidst internal turmoil. It masterfully blends vulnerability and incisiveness, offering raw honesty without descending into melodrama. Start Forward doesn’t simply recount an experience; instead, he immerses the listener directly within its emotional landscape.

For more information about Start Forward, please visit [website]. 
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Start Forward’sTightrope on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Start Forward | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook |

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