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Ladies and gents, pop those earbuds in and dim the lights—because Rekha Yasmin just kicked off 2025 with a sultry, trap-infused gem of a single titled “ Visual .” It's here, it's hypnotic, and it’s giving main character energy. The track isn’t just a song; it’s an experience, the kind that feels like you’re wandering through a neon-lit dream where all your unspoken desires come alive. Rekha isn’t playing coy here. With lyrics that explore the tantalizing allure of embracing the unfamiliar, she’s urging us to get real with ourselves. Forget fighting those fluttery feelings for someone who isn’t your usual type—“Visual” says it’s time to dive headfirst into the deep end of desire. “The desire that builds as you learn little things about them and ultimately decide that although this person is different than your usual type, you need to know them,” Rekha shares. And honestly, who can’t relate? There’s a universal thrill in peeling back the layers of someone new. Rekha’s rich, velvety vocals glide over trap beats and dreamy synths, creating a sonic landscape where temptation and introspection meet. And let’s talk about that music video for a second. Whew! It’s all sensual glances, striking visuals (pun intended), and moody, cinematic shots that feel like a high-fashion fever dream. Rekha owns every frame like she’s been doing this for years—and maybe she has, considering her powerhouse resume as a songwriter, producer, and engineer. This isn’t just artistry; it’s a masterclass in how to serve both sound and spectacle. Musically, “Visual” draws from a who's who of modern pop and R&B royalty. Think The Weeknd’s dark seduction, Jhené Aiko’s ethereal storytelling, and a touch of Doja Cat’s playful unpredictability. It’s clear that Rekha isn’t here to be pigeonholed. She’s crafting a lane all her own, and we’re happily along for the ride. “Visual” is just the first chapter of what promises to be a breakthrough year for Rekha Yasmin. If this single is any indication, 2025 is going to be full of music that challenges us to feel, explore, and maybe even shoot our shot. After all, longing and lust are as human as it gets—and Rekha’s here to remind us to honor those emotions. This is a track you’ll want to keep on repeat, especially when you’re in your feelings… or maybe even when you’re ready to act on them. So, what are you waiting for? Hit that pre-save, press play, and let Rekha Yasmin take you on a journey of discovery. "Visual" explores themes of desire and embracing the unknown—what personal experiences inspired you to write this track, and how did you channel those emotions into the music?" “VISUAL” truly became a self-declaration of expressing my desires and embracing my feelings, especially when it came to taboo experiences. The song was inspired by my own personal confessions, whether to myself or to another. As I explored being in my 20s, I found it less daunting to be transparent about the things that I want, especially the experiences that I may have shied away from when I was first experiencing them, not feeling confident or powerful enough yet. I often find solace and reflection in songwriting, but writing “VISUAL” was as easy as writing in my journal at night, it was like poetically spilling my secrets, confessing my desires all over alluring melodies until I finally concluded that the only way to be satisfied was to ask for what I wanted. I feel my emotions were channeled into the music through the attention to the layers in the song as well as the building of urgency, especially in the hook. Starting out with a confident declaration, to the soft but sultry vocal harmonies decorating the record as the confessions start, and finally, when you get to the chorus, there is a push-and-pull feeling from the bass that has you going back and forth with your emotions until you finally declare what you need, a visual. The music video for "Visual" is striking and cinematic. Can you tell us about the concept and creative direction behind the visuals? What story were you hoping to tell through the video?" Thank you, I have always loved the visual aspect of connecting music to an audience, and the cinematic feel is truly something I do strive for. The creative direction for “VISUAL” came from wanting to convey the power of the dark feminine energy that I believe every woman possesses. I wanted to capture the mental seduction that dawns desire and used an arrangement of deep reds and hues of blue to represent the tranquil discovery of my fearless pursuit. Emulating that playful, mysterious energy, through the movement of the silhouette, that can come over anyone as they start to imagine being with someone they are drawn to. I was hoping to tell the story of releasing the hidden side, allowing the unseen longing to be imagined through movement and alluring sparks of color. You've drawn inspiration from artists like The Weeknd and Jhené Aiko. How have they influenced your sound, and in what ways have you worked to craft your own unique musical identity? Jhene Aiko and The Weeknd are two artists who have played a huge part in influencing my sound; the creative importance that I have drawn from them is their ability to submerge their audience into their world. They both have incredible stories they tell and sound environments that they have created to allow listeners to just let go and experience the moment. Jhene has always been a beautiful poet and storyteller, I love how unapologetic she is with her emotions, she allows her listeners to get close to her and she carries authenticity with high regard. The Weeknd is super versatile but, at the same time, is able to stay true to himself and his dark mood ambiance through every era of his music. His focus on themes of desire, uncovering parts of yourself and lust, have definitely helped shape my sound and the creation of “VISUAL”. I feel like my sound has been crafted with elements of transparency, themes of desire, and self-awareness, and I personally try to dig as deep as possible when it comes to the design of the song, layering harmonies to draw in listeners, creating environments that I also feel would allow my audience to close their eyes and enter a world of endless possibilities. It’s important to me as an artist to create something unique to me, something that my audience can listen to and not feel like they’ve heard before, and I definitely owe that type of dedication to the craft to the artists before me like Jhene Aiko and The Weeknd who have done a marvelous job at creating their world for us to enjoy. As someone who’s evolved from working behind the scenes in music production to stepping into the spotlight, how has that transition shaped your approach as an artist? Working behind the scenes on music for artists has given me so much insight into the creative process, creative development, and the importance of knowing yourself as an artist. I think that this path has offered me many advantages as I know how to get ideas out in an authentic way and be more involved in each step of the process. I think it’s a beautiful discovery to go through as an artist to take an idea you hear in your mind to hearing it out in the world, but it’s also not often executed. It’s given me the ability to truly create a world that represents Rekha Yasmin and carefully shape each element of what that sounds like and feels like to me. I owe a lot to my team of creatives as well, they are amazing at what they do and have allowed me to have input and take the lead on creative direction any way. My transition from being behind the scenes to being an artist has greatly influenced how I create. It has definitely allowed me to be more fluid with my music. I feel like it has grounded me in knowing who I am and what I sound like, always starting with me and ending with me. I never get lost in another artist’s influence while creating, I am extremely reflective and don’t like to rush anything, my focus is on creating the best piece of art possible in my eyes by serving the song and what feels right. Having the ability to alter the production, the mix, or the lyrics, has been my superpower, I feel like I can speak many languages and it makes being authentic in my music a seamless process. 2025 is looking like a huge year for you! What can fans expect in terms of upcoming releases, collaborations, or projects you’re particularly excited about? I’m very excited for 2025! My audience can expect many more releases this year, the next one being in early Spring. I’m really focused on building my catalog of music and creating meaningful connections with my audience, so if you’re listening to my music, please connect with me! I recently did an Instagram Live performance and Q&A and had the best time sharing some unreleased music as well as answering questions from my followers, so I'm definitely going to be doing more of those soon! I’m hoping to release a project later this year as well and I’m always open to collaborating with others, there are so many talented artists emerging and doing their thing right now, super proud of the sounds coming out of Toronto and I’m grateful to be a part of that legacy.

Have you ever had life throw you a curveball so wild that even a GPS couldn’t reroute you? Well, Creigh Riepe knows that feeling all too well—and lucky for us, he turned that experience into a powerhouse of a song. His latest single, “Your Perfect Plan,” isn’t just a track; it’s a faith-fueled, soul-stirring, hands-in-the-air moment of realization that even when life feels off the rails, God’s got the wheel. Creigh didn’t just write this song—he lived it. He shares that "Your Perfect Plan" was gifted to him in a dream (which, let’s be real, makes this song feel even more divinely inspired). At a time when his own plans were crumbling like week-old birthday cake, he found himself trusting in something bigger. The result? A life-altering shift that took him from lost to found, from uncertain to unshakable—and now, he's sharing that journey with us through a melody that hits straight to the core. Creigh Riepe isn’t just singing on this track—he’s declaring. His soulful, arena-worthy voice takes flight over a melody that’s both intimate and spiritually seismic. You can feel the weight of his testimony in every note, balancing tender vulnerability with the power of someone who’s made it to the other side. Instrumentally, the track blends contemporary Christian with hints of country warmth and cinematic build-ups, making it perfect for a moment of reflection or a full-on “I’m ready to change my life” montage. And with Creigh being a multi-instrumentalist and producer, every layer of the song feels intentional, heartfelt, and masterfully crafted. From The Voice Stage to Center Stage Before going solo in 2020, Creigh’s resume already read like a country superstar starter pack—touring with acts that have opened for Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, and Thomas Rhett. And let’s not forget his recent stint on NBC’s The Voice (Season 26), where Reba McEntire herself saw his talent and coached him through the competition. Talk about divine alignment. Now , with “Your Perfect Plan,” Creigh isn’t just singing about faith—he’s living proof of what happens when you trust the process, even when it doesn’t make sense.

Crooked Teeth is kicking off a bold new era with the addition of bassist and co-vocalist Livi Dillon, a familiar face in the alternative scene known for her work with Emarosa. The genre-blurring, queer-forward band is wasting no time making waves with their latest single, "One Week Off," now streaming everywhere. Marking Dillon’s debut on vocals, "One Week Off" delivers an emotional gut-punch, tackling themes of depression and the struggles of navigating life unmedicated. Co-written with Nick Long (Machine Gun Kelly, Blink-182, Gwen Stefani) and produced by Shan Singh, the track blends raw lyricism with a polished yet deeply vulnerable sound. Alongside the single, Crooked Teeth has dropped a visually striking music video directed by DJay Brawner (All Time Low, Fever 333, Travie McCoy), bringing the song’s message to life. With momentum at an all-time high, the band is set to hit the road for a headline West Coast tour, giving fans a first taste of this electrifying new lineup.

Canadian singer-songwriter Nemahsis is proving that she doesn’t need industry gatekeepers to make an impact. Nemahsis —born Nemah Hasan—revealed in an interview with CBC ’s Q  that her label abruptly cut ties with her in 2023. The reason? Her outspoken Palestine stance didn’t align with the company's “values.” Rather than backing down, she doubled down, using her voice to amplify both her music and her message. And guess what? It worked. Her track stick of gum   has been making serious waves on social media, scoring #2 on Spotify's Best Songs of the Year so Far: 2024. As the industry scrambles to control narratives, Nemahsis is a reminder that artists today don’t need label backing to succeed—just a loyal fanbase, a powerful message, and a platform to share it. With viral moments stacking up and support pouring in from across the globe, Nemahsis’ story is another example of how the independent music scene is thriving. Labels may have the money, but artists like Nemahsis have something far more valuable: integrity, resilience, and the internet. Moral of the story? Sometimes, getting dropped is the best thing that can happen to an artist.

Six months after its debut, Furaha Sadi 's trailblazing single, Make Her Proud , remains a beacon of empowerment for dreamers worldwide. The Congolese singer-songwriter has carved a unique space with her genre-defying Congo Jazz Pop, blending soulful rhythms, jazz melodies, and pop hooks to create something entirely her own. Inspired by her harrowing personal experiences, Make Her Proud  pulls listeners into a raw, emotional journey. Furaha opens the song with an arresting line: "You were yelling let me go, fk it all I won't fake fine anymore."  The vulnerability is palpable, reflecting the trauma she endured, yet the song's core message is one of triumph and transformation. It's a call to rise from the ashes, reclaim your power, and push forward no matter the odds. The track's infectious yet poignant energy has earned over 77,000 streams and found its way onto coveted editorial playlists. Fans have flocked to Furaha's music, resonating with her lyrical exploration of survival, resilience, and self-empowerment.  As anticipation builds for her next single, Waste Me , set to release in spring 2025, Furaha Sadi promises another deeply personal anthem. With lines like, "I keep falling for the things that shatter my soul," she challenges listeners to confront the toxic cycles that keep them trapped. With her fearless artistry, Furaha continues to create music that isn't afraid to get real—bold, daring, and full of flavor. "Make Her Proud" opens with a strikingly raw and emotional line: 'You were yelling let me go, fk it all I won’t fake fine anymore.' What was the significance of starting the song with such a powerful statement, and how did it set the tone for the rest of the track? Writing Make Her Proud felt like a conversation with my younger self. I wanted to acknowledge my past without denial or excuses and strip away the shame of having gone through dark times. Opening with such raw words made it clear: this is me, unfiltered, unapologetic, and ready to speak my truth. The tone of the track follows that same energy: honest, raw, and completely bare.   You’ve spoken about how the song reflects your struggles with trauma and harassment. What gave you the courage to be so open in your storytelling, and how has this vulnerability resonated with your fans? What I went through does not define me, only I have the power to shape the woman I want to become. That realization gave me the strength to be so open in my art. Make Her Proud is about reclaiming that power, and I want everyone who listens to remember that they have the right to do the same. Three weeks after its release, a teenage girl reached out to me on Instagram and told me the song gave her the strength to fight back against the harassment she was facing at school. That moment showed me just how deeply vulnerability can resonate with people; it connects, empowers, and reminds us that we’re not alone. Many fans have connected with the themes of resilience and empowerment in "Make Her Proud." What does it mean to you to have your personal journey become an anthem for dreamers and hustlers worldwide? Seeing people connect with my journey takes away the loneliness I’ve carried since I was 9. It also reminds me that my voice matters and that my story can uplift others around the world. Knowing that Make Her Proud has become an anthem for dreamers and hustlers is a privilege, and I’m beyond grateful for everyone who has found strength in it. Music plays a complex role in your healing process—lifting you up but also weighing you down at times. Could you elaborate on how creating "Make Her Proud" helped you reclaim your voice and sense of purpose? Make Her Proud took over two years to create, and during that time, I faced countless challenges: adjusting to a new country, finding my place, and realizing just how much I needed to grow. Music became my therapy, and every instrument in this song represents a part of my journey: the FX embodies my traumas and demons, the Guitar symbolizes my motivation, the Drums reflect my discipline and experiences, and the Bass is the child in me watching it all unfold. The Piano and Claps during transitions mirror my mistakes and moments of doubt, while the Strings and Trumpet represent the voices of others: society, future fans, and even critics. But above all, the Swahili pre-chorus stands for the promise I made to myself. Writing and producing this song helped me reclaim my voice, reminding me that despite everything, I have the power to write my own story. Since its release, "Make Her Proud" has achieved over 77,000 streams and landed on editorial playlists. How does it feel to see your story reach and inspire so many people, and how has this success influenced your approach to your upcoming music? I’m not gonna lie; it feels surreal to see Make Her Proud reach so many people. Knowing that my music has landed on editorial playlists and surpassed 77,000 streams reminds me that this is just the beginning. It fuels me to go even harder for my next release, Waste Me . This song is going to shake things up; it’s raw, haunting, and brutally honest. If Make Her Proud was about reclaiming my power, Waste Me is about exposing the ugly truths we ignore in the name of love. I can’t wait for the world to hear it.

Cleveland's NuCore chaos masters, Unhealthy While Unhinged (U.W.U.), have dropped Lumos  featuring Koly Kolgate. This anthem captures the spiraling thrill of destruction and existential burnout. From the first beat, this track seizes listeners by the throat with its brutal fusion of breakdowns, trap rhythms, and raw, unapologetic lyrics. With vivid imagery like "two feet on the gas" and "drawn to a flame," Lumos  embodies the recklessness of living on the edge. It's a full-speed anthem for those caught in cycles of self-sabotage, driven by an unstoppable force toward inevitable wreckage. Koly Kolgate's feature adds a haunting intensity to the track, layering piercing vocal contrasts over the crushing soundscape. The refrain, "Won't make it out alive," reverberates like a warning and a rallying cry for those navigating their inner demons. In just two months, Unhealthy While Unhinged has skyrocketed from Cleveland's underground to become a must-see touring act. Their signature style—a chaotic cocktail of metalcore, trap, and biting wit—captures the raw energy of the 21st-century existential crisis. Each track is an unpredictable roller coaster designed to leave you exhilarated, exhausted, and craving more. With Lumos , U.W.U. solidify their status as genre disrupters. They're not just making music but creating anthems for the unhinged and undefeated.  Buckle up because Unhealthy While Unhinged isn't slowing down anytime soon.

Chicago's rising pop-punk star Nick Karcher brings humor and heart to the complexities of love in his latest single, " Not Another Song Called Perfect ."   A catchy blend of polished synths, gritty guitars, and self-aware lyrics, this track is the perfect addition to your Valentine's playlist—whether you're embracing love or rolling your eyes at it. In classic Karcher fashion, the song's title is a clever joke and reflects its deeper message. "In actuality, this song really should've just been called 'Perfect,' but I refused to have such a basic title," Karcher shares. The track opens with his signature playful defiance but quickly turns introspective, exploring the insecurities that come with questioning if love is truly mutual. Producer Michael Bono (Blink-182, Avril Lavigne) guides Karcher's evolving sound, balancing nostalgia with a fresh pop-punk twist. The track's upbeat, live-ready energy hides a vulnerability many listeners will relate to, making it fun and thought-provoking. This release follows Karcher's explosive rise in 2024, with pop-punk legends We The Kings co-signing his breakout single "Blame It on the Universe."  With over 77,000 streams and editorial playlist placements under his belt, "Not Another Song Called Perfect"  further cements Karcher's status as a dynamic voice in the scene. Whether in love, heartbroken, or somewhere between, this anthem is here to soundtrack your February. Don't sleep on  Nick Karcher—he's just getting started.

The Homme (pronounced "home"), New York’s rising indie rock band, has just dropped their second single, Shaded , and it’s a genre-blurring anthem for anyone who’s ever felt trapped in their own head. With sonic nods to The Killers, Wallows, and Hippo Campus, The Homme knows how to turn internal chaos into auditory gold. Let’s face it: this is one track where you’ll want to cry, dance, and maybe punch a pillow all at the same time. The heartbeat of Shaded  is rooted in a deeply personal struggle. Drummer Dan Pfeifer opens up about his battles with anxiety and panic attacks, turning raw emotion into rhythm. The song’s chorus, "Just give me a minute of your time," becomes both a plea and an empowering mantra. With shimmering 80s-inspired guitars and synths paired with Latin rhythms, Shaded  feels like a sonic journey through the mind’s stormiest moments—but with a light at the end of the tunnel. Think of it as a pep talk disguised as a dance party. “We hope our listeners realize that we all experience negative thoughts that impact our daily lives, and it’s perfectly fine to talk about it with others. You’re not alone. We’re in this together,” the band shares. It's indie rock’s take on group therapy, and honestly, we’re here for it. Shaded  is just one of the seven singles paving the way to The Homme’s first full-length album, Parallels , slated to drop this summer. They’re not playing around when it comes to themes and vibes. The first single, Just Kids  (released October 29, 2024), took us on a nostalgic trip back to youthful days when life was simpler and skateboarding at 2 a.m. made perfect sense. Next up, Always Find the Sun  (dropping Valentine’s Day—talk about timing) promises to soundtrack all your post-breakup feels. But this isn’t The Homme’s first sonic rodeo. Their debut single Silver Lake  gave us ambient surf rock guitars and dreamy synths, painting a picture of sun-kissed summer flings by the beach. Tracks from their first EP, Tides , like Cliffhanger  and Dancing on Fire , pushed the limits of their sound, layering emotive guitars, synth landscapes, and even more Latin rhythms. These boys know how to keep things interesting. Whether you’re an indie rock devotee or just someone in need of a cathartic dance break, Shaded  deserves a spot on your playlist. It’s a reminder that you’re never really alone in your struggles, and sometimes all it takes is a minute of someone’s time—or a killer track—to feel a little less weighed down. So grab your headphones, find a spot to dance, and let The Homme guide you through the storm. You’ll come out the other side feeling just a bit lighter.

Photo by Cottonbro Studios It’s not often that a lyric can define a moment, an artist, or even an entire generation, especially with a genre that’s as hallowed as indie. Yet, the indie music landscape has always been fertile ground for words that stick in the back of your mind like stray threads—sometimes poetic, sometimes visceral, even life-changing. Burrowing into our collective consciousness, these lyrics managed to become snapshots of defining moments in music history. Here, we count down the 15 most iconic indie lyrics of all time.   15. “Well show me, a word that rhymes with pavement / and I won’t kill your parents, and roast them on a spit” - Pavement, “Harness Your Hopes” (1999) The indie-rock deep cut that somehow became a Gen-Z TikTok obsession, Harness Your Hopes is peak Stephen Malkmus—freewheeling wordplay, absurdist imagery, and a melody so effortlessly catchy it feels like a secret you weren’t supposed to find. Originally left off Brighten the Corners, the song’s recent revival proves that Pavement’s weird, off-kilter charm was never about chasing hits—it just happened naturally. 14. “If you’re feeling sinister, go off and see a minister” – Belle and Sebastian, “If You’re Feeling Sinister” (1996) Although younger fans of the genre might more readily recall the equally iconic “Dear Catastrophe Waitress” or “The Boy With the Arab Strap,” Stuart Murdoch’s flair for juxtaposing whimsy with existential weight shone exceptionally bright on the titular track from their 1998 classic “If You’re Feeling Sinister.” This lyric encapsulates the band’s ability to make melancholy feel oddly charming, like overhearing a cryptic confession in a pastel-coloured dream. It’s indie pop’s answer to a sly shrug. 13. “Look outside at the raincoats coming, say, Oh” - Vampire Weekend, “A-Punk” (2008) In just a few words, Vampire Weekend paints a vivid, almost cinematic scene—raincoats marching down the street, a vague sense of urgency, and a carefree exclamation of “oh.” It’s a lyric that captures the band’s signature blend of preppy wit and whimsical storytelling, fitting perfectly within A-Punk’s jittery, infectious energy. Like many of their songs, the meaning behind the lyrics for “A-Punk” remains open to interpretation, but they nonetheless paint a vivid picture. 12. “I would say I’m sorry / If I thought that it would change your mind” - The Cure, “Boys Don’t Cry” (1979) You’d be hard-pressed to find an opening line that hits as hard as this one. In just a single sentence, Robert Smith distils the essence of regret, emotional repression, and the futility of apologies. It’s a lyric that carries all the weight of heartbreak, but delivers it with a deceptively upbeat rush of jangly guitars and anthemic urgency. The brilliance of Boys Don’t Cry lies in its contradiction—Smith’s voice wavers with sincerity, yet the protagonist refuses to show weakness. It’s both a critique of masculinity’s rigid expectations and a universal portrait of unspoken pain.  11. “But I crumble completely when you cry / it seems like once again you’ve had to greet me with goodbye” - Arctic Monkeys, “505” (2007) Given their massive success and pop culture appeal, it might be hard to remember a time when the Sheffield outfit weren’t at the top of the world as they are now. Back in 2006 however, they were the new, indie-rock kids on the block. They would go on to back up their grassroots hype with hit after hit, but “505” remains one of the band’s most iconic and enduring releases in their star-studded discography. Alex Turner’s signature poetic lyricism perfectly captures the desperation of rushing back to a lover as the song builds from eerie organ chords into a full-blown emotional eruption. 10.  “Can’t believe how strange it is to be anything at all” - Neutral Milk Hotel, “In the Aeroplane Over the Sea” (1998) There’s a reason In the Aeroplane Over the Sea feels less like a song and more like a half-remembered dream. Jeff Mangum’s quivering voice drifts over a swirl of acoustic strums, brass flourishes, and lo-fi fuzz, carrying surreal images of childhood, love, and loss like a faded photograph held up to the sun. The lyric “Can’t believe how strange it is to be anything at all” feels like a revelation and a resignation all at once—an existential gut punch wrapped in warm nostalgia. In a record full of cryptic beauty, this song remains its radiant, aching heart. 9. “Hey, wait / Great smile. Sensitive to fate, not denial” - Interpol, “Evil” (2004) Interpol’s brand of moody post-punk always danced between the cryptic and the visceral, but Evil strikes a rare balance. Paul Banks’ detached, almost mechanical delivery is instantly unsettling, and as the song builds, it becomes a fever dream of tangled desires and ominous warnings. The off-kilter groove and stabbing guitars make Evil one of the band’s most hypnotic and enduring tracks—dark, mysterious, and impossible to shake. 8. “If there’s no one beside you / when your soul embarks / Then I’ll follow you into the dark” - Death Cab for Cutie, “I Will Follow You Into the Dark” (2005) Few songs capture love and mortality with such gut-wrenching simplicity. Ben Gibbard’s fragile voice and gentle fingerpicking make “I Will Follow You Into the Dark” feel like a whispered promise, both comforting and deeply unsettling. There’s no grand metaphor here—just the quiet acceptance that love, at its core, is about devotion, even in death. This song remains Death Cab for Cutie’s most devastating and enduring ballad in a catalog full of poetic sadness. 7. “I may say it was your fault / because I know you could have done more / Oh you’re so naive yet so” - The Kooks, “Naive” (2006) There’s an undeniable charm in Naive’s simplicity. Luke Pritchard’s lovesick, youthful frustration spills over every word, making the song feel like a drunken 2 AM conversation you can’t take back. The jangly, infectious guitar line gives it an effortless singalong quality, but beneath its breezy exterior, there’s a sting—an acknowledgement of immaturity, regret, and the realization that you can’t change someone, no matter how much you want to. 6. “And we’ll all float on, okay” - Modest Mouse, “Float On” (2004) Modest Mouse pulled off the ultimate contradiction with Float On: an upbeat existential crisis. Isaac Brock, typically known for his frantic, free-associative rants, sounds strangely at peace here, embracing life’s misfortunes with a shrug and a bounce in his step. The song’s buoyant, looping guitar riff and stomping rhythm make it feel like a mantra for chaotic optimism—because even when everything goes wrong, we’ll all “float on” alright. 5. “Love, love will tear us apart again” - Joy Division, “Love Will Tear Us Apart” (1980) A love song turned epitaph, Love Will Tear Us Apart is devastating not just because of what it says, but because of what we know now. Ian Curtis’ voice, distant yet aching, sings about love corroding under its own weight—too much distance, too much closeness, too much of everything. The cold, driving synths and Peter Hook’s melancholy bassline give it a mechanical pulse, as if the song itself is slowly breaking down. Decades later, it remains one of the most hauntingly beautiful songs ever written about the inevitable collapse of connection. 4. “If a double-decker bus, crashes into us / To die by your side, is such a heavenly way to die” - The Smiths, “There is a light that never goes out” (1986)  Few songs capture the drama of youthful longing quite like There Is a Light That Never Goes Out. Morrissey delivers one of his most iconic lyrics with a melody that feels like it was plucked from the pages of a tragic romance: "If a double-decker bus crashes into us, to die by your side is such a heavenly way to die.” It’s melodramatic, poetic, and completely self-aware, balancing between irony and sincerity in a way only The Smiths could pull off. Marr’s shimmering guitar work transforms the song into something timeless, a love letter to both reckless devotion and the thrill of feeling something intensely. 3. “I’m gonna fight them off / A Seven Nation Army couldn’t hold me back” - The White Stripes, “Seven Nation Army” (2003) It’s the riff that conquered the world. Jack White’s unmistakable, throbbing guitar line became anthemic overnight, echoing through stadiums, protest marches, and every teenager’s first attempt at playing electric guitar. Although the opening salvo from “Boys Don’t Cry” was incredibly iconic, it's got competition here. Beyond its ubiquity, Seven Nation Army is a masterclass in minimalist blues-rock, with White’s snarling delivery and Meg White’s pounding, hypnotic drums carrying a sense of swaggering paranoia. The song is proof that sometimes, all you need is a riff, a beat, and an attitude that can shake the foundations. 2.  “Where is, where in my mind / Way out in the water, see it swimmin” - Pixies, “Where Is My Mind?” (1988) Frank Black doesn’t ask where his mind went—he asks where it is, as if he’s already accepted that it’s floating somewhere between reality and oblivion. Where Is My Mind? is both surreal and strangely comforting, its dreamy, offbeat melody drifting over tumbling drums like a lucid dream unravelling. Years before Fight Club immortalized it for a new generation, the song had already cemented itself as the ultimate soundtrack for existential drift. 1. “What the hell am I doing here / I don’t belong here” - Radiohead, “Creep” (1992) For a song that Thom Yorke has openly despised, Creep refuses to be erased. It’s Radiohead at their most vulnerable, with Yorke’s cracked whisper rising into a scream of self-loathing that felt like an anthem for every outsider who never quite fit in. Jonny Greenwood’s violent, slashing guitar before the chorus - initially meant to sabotage the song - made it unforgettable. Creep became so much bigger than the band ever intended, but its raw, aching sincerity is precisely why it still resonates with the disenfranchised, the unrecognised, and the outsiders. Although the combination of these lyrics spans decades,what ties them together is their ability to capture fleeting, indescribable emotions with a precision that feels almost supernatural. Whether it’s heartbreak, self-reflection, or a moment of bittersweet joy, these words endure because they feel so uniquely human. And in the indie canon, there’s no higher praise.

Photo by StartraksPhoto/Michael Simon On February 5th, West Hollywood's famed Abbey  transformed into a scene straight out of a '00s fever dream for the book launch of Hollywood Virgin,  the mid-life tell-all by Jason Felts , founder of Virgin Entertainment. This wasn’t your typical literary soirée—unless, of course, your idea of typical includes Absolut cocktails, VIP tequila tables, and a G.H. Mumm champagne toast served to a crowd of Hollywood A-listers in plush, themed bathrobes. (Yes, bathrobes. And yes, they were fabulous.) The event was hosted by Los Angeles Magazine,  which also revealed its February cover featuring Felts alongside Richard Branson and a kaleidoscope of early-2000s icons. Proceeds from the event benefitted the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, with additional book sale profits supporting The Trevor Project. Celebs mingled with firefighters like it was the most natural pairing since tequila and lime. Tea Was Spilled, Beats Were Dropped Photo by StartraksPhoto/Michael Simon Jason Felts took the stage to share anecdotes from Hollywood Virgin , a memoir that promises to unravel tales from his career navigating the glitz and grit of the entertainment biz. Think: celebrity tea with a side of heartfelt self-discovery. Spoiler alert: this book might just become your new bedside obsession when it drops on February 11th. After a few heartfelt speeches from Felts, LA Magazine  publisher Chris Gialanella, and LAFD Foundation’s Tara Gurlides, the vibes shifted as Too $hort hit the stage. Performing fan-favorite tracks like Bossy  and Blow the Whistle , the rapper turned the party into a full-blown West Hollywood rager—bathrobes and all. Stars, Firefighters, and Bathrobe Chic Photo by StartraksPhoto/Michael Simon The guest list read like a ‘00s tabloid dream come true: Ashlee Simpson Ross and Evan Ross brought nostalgic vibes, while Lisa Vanderpump and Ken Todd proved they still own the WeHo  scene. Lance Bass and Michael Turchin showed up in style, mingling with Brian Austin Green, Jodie Turner-Smith, and that guy from your favorite teen drama , Justin Berfield. Other notables included Joel Michaely (of cult cinema fame), reality TV darling Paola Paulin, stylist-to-the-stars Natalie Saidi, and even a cameo from Too $hort's biggest fan : Stocktip Dave (don’t ask, just Google). Meanwhile, the first responders from LAFD mingled with LA’s elite, exchanging stories over signature Codigo 1530 tequila cocktails and light bites. Somehow, even in the presence of champagne-fueled celebrities, these heroes stole the spotlight—just like they do in real life. What’s Hollywood Virgin All About Anyway? Photo by StartraksPhoto/Michael Simon More than a celebrity gossip fest (although there’s plenty of that), Felts’ memoir explores the hustle, heartbreak, and hilarity that comes with chasing dreams in Los Angeles. Packed with Aughties-era nostalgia, it’s a love letter to the city, complete with all the risk-taking and soul-searching you’d expect from a guy who built an empire with Virgin Entertainment. Felts’ journey is raw, inspiring, and filled with enough juicy tales to keep your book club chatting for weeks. And if last night’s party was any indication, this book will fly off the shelves faster than the VIP tables emptied out of tequila. Can’t Wait? Neither Can We Hollywood Virgin  officially hits shelves on February 11, 2025. Pre-order it now on Amazon (your bathrobe isn’t going to read itself). And if you missed last night’s bathrobe bash at The Abbey—well, there’s always next time. In LA, the party never really stops. Follow Jason Felts on Instagram (@iamjasonfelts) and tag #HollywoodVirgin to share your own LA stories—bathrobe optional.