Artist Spotlight
UP-AND-COMING CHICAGO ARTIST PRONTO VALID RELEASES NEW EP ‘MIDNITE FLOWERS’
The Chicago native artist, Pronto Valid, has released his new summer-time EP titled, ‘MIDNITE FLOWERS.’ The project gives an introspective look into the artist and his current mental and emotional state. The raw and gritty lyricism on all four tracks present a first-person take on the reality of being an artist in a day and age where entertainers and their mental health are taken for granted.
On the opening song, ‘GOAT,’ Pronto speaks on his humble-yet-hungry mindset that pushes his efforts as a musician, while taking a deeper look into why he has this mindset. Lyrics like, ‘Soldier in my blood- in my DNA, I got some blood that’ll never be buried no matter the prices they willing to pay,’ speak to his Bosnian-American roots. His reference to ‘blood that will never be burried’ is about his family members who were killed or went missing during the Balkan Wars in the 90’s as a result of genocide. Despite all of the hate and fake love, what keeps him motivated is his willingness to push past it all and reach high levels of success for his family that never had a chance to live out their lives.
The third song of the project, ‘GET AWAY,’ introduces a much more calm and introspective feeling throughout the EP. On this track, he explains his introvertedness as a result of cutting off childhood peers whose personality traits were toxic to his creative process as an artist and mental health as an individual. With very direct lyricism, he states; ‘If I could paint a perfect picture it would change with every peak, every glance, every minute, hour, second as we speak, There’s someone looking at it now who’s just like you and can’t be pleased, Always giving your critiques, With the same old shit you talked about at seventeen, Ain’t did shit since seventeen.’
To contrast with his sharp lyrics, the artist employs a laid-back style of production that aims to give you the feeling of a late night during the Summer. The washed-out synths in the background of his song, ‘DIE YOUNG,’ and the flagship song of the project, ‘AFTER HOURS,’ give a perfect example of the vibe he aims for while providing a strong kick/bass combo that sonically anchor all of the other elements of the songs and brings the project together.
Stay connected with: Pronto Valid
OFFICIAL WEBSITE: www.prontovalidofficial.xyz
Artist Spotlight
“Hell has frozen over” finds Sarina choosing peace over being understood
Sarina’s new track, “Hell has frozen over,” explores the less dramatic, more complicated moment of reaching the end of the road, being gaslit, ignored, rejected, and painfully lonely. It translates the emotional burnout into a rock-pop context that’s easy to understand.
“Hell has frozen over” focuses on the decision to step away, instead of explaining, defending, or seeking understanding from people who refuse to listen. The rock foundation gives it the right weight, the pop influence makes it accessible, and the focus stays on the emotional message.
Sarina’s art is the struggle of loss and being strong in yourself. It’s about understanding that protecting your peace is more important than being understood. And that’s the emotional balance that gives the release its character so that the subject matter has relevance beyond a particular circumstance.
“Hell has frozen over“ is a relief from the burden of carrying on a debate that will never be resolved. Sarina turns an experience of isolation into a statement about boundaries, resilience, and the choice not to get caught in the same cycle. The result is a record that’s at its best when it’s being true to what it feels like to finally be free from whatever has been holding you down.
Photo Credit: Andrea Hunter
Artist Spotlight
Girlhood finds summer warmth and quiet freedom on “Lemon Aid”
“Lemon Aid“ is a warm indie-pop ballad from Girlhood that finds comfort in the ordinary and weaves in a sense of release. This song is about surrendering to the moment, finding space to breathe, and letting a little lightness back in. This reflective core is surprising, given the warm summer-night feel of the track, hinting at a moment of emotional rebalancing.
Singer-songwriter Natalie Holmes has a tender personality and fronts the slow-burning “Lemon Aid.” The production supports that softness, keeping the song’s gentle mood and intimate direction front and center. Beneath the comfort is a thoughtful examination of pressure, transition, and the need to pause.
The song’s link to the streets of Stroud offers yet another layer of art to the work. Familiar places can mean something when life feels uncertain, and the emotional scene involves storefronts, parks, cafes, and leafy, winding streets. “Lemon Aid“ searches for beauty in everyday places and rituals, finding still moments that mean something without getting carried away.
The track is the first release of Girlhood’s forthcoming album, “This Will Make Sense In The End,” a more reflective chapter with hope at its heart. “Lemon Aid” is about softness, conjuring a space where dancing, wandering, and just existing can feel like a cure. It’s an unleashing of small observations and soft emotional movement and a clear indication of the thoughtful direction that Girlhood is heading next.
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