2026

In our Take Two series, Playlists & Polaroids checks back in with our past Spotlight features after a few months to years. If our original coverage on Emily O'Neal inspired you to start following her career, you'd know it's been quite the journey for her! Back in 2023, she had just graduated from MTSU as she introduced us to the soft, watercolor-toned world of Bird’s Eye View. Since then, she's traded dreamy indie-rock textures for shimmering synth-pop production, while embra

Whether you recognize her from “In My Arms” with Illenium, “Where You Are” with John Summit, “Faded” with Nelly Furtado, or any of the other countless hits she’s contributed her vocals to, HAYLA’s name should ring a bell for every EDM fan. But the rising British phenom is more than just the topline on your favorite DJ’s track. HAYLA is now unleashing the parts of her artistry she’s been quietly honing for years. “Heal” and “Enough” are the first tastes of the singer’s reinven

If your playlist needs some spice in the form of fresh, emotionally driven alternative music, look no further than Claire Martine. Aided by a classical foundation through playing the violin, Claire draws inspiration from everyday experiences and relationships in some of the most unique, authentic indie rock tracks we've ever heard. She's been steadily building momentum over the past year - including airplay on 88Nine Radio Milwaukee, a live Studio Milwaukee Session at Summerf

After exploring heartbreak in her debut EP, London-based singer-songwriter and producer Serena Mary is opening a new musical chapter centered around healing. With her latest single “There Is Love,” she continues to carve out her space within a rich blend of pop, soul, and jazz, drawing influence from artists such as RAYE, Adele, and Cleo Sol. Known for her emotionally grounded songwriting and warm, expressive vocals, she explores themes of love, growth, and human connection,

Opening your heart to someone is a crucial turning point in one’s life that’s not nearly discussed enough. That’s where breakout singer-songwriter ALANI’s latest single “April Showers” comes in, an ethereal and emotional track about the early stages of romantic relationships. The song originated in a 2022 songwriting workshop, but later took on a new meaning when she revisited it in 2025, following a period of personal heartbreak. By experimenting with soft pianos and minimal

At just 18 years old, Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Andi Brielle is beginning to carve out a space that feels entirely her own. Blending indie soul, alt-pop, and R&B influences, Andi’s music feels like an open journal, capturing the quiet tension between control and surrender. As she steps into the spotlight with her debut single “Imagine,” her sound strikes a balance between ethereal and grounded. Fueled by her deeply rooted self-awareness, “Imagine” reflects the momen

What happens when a rising singer-songwriter sets out to write 100 songs in just three days? The push to just write and a lack of overthinking certainly fuel the process, making the tracks that emerge feel much more natural and authentic. Independent English artist Mara Liddle recently took on this exact challenge, and “Rivers” immediately stood out for its vulnerability. “Rivers” explores the complicated feelings that can arise in relationships when insecurity and compariso

What began as a letter written during a moment of doubt gradually transformed into a song about growth, reconciliation, and learning to stay present even when things feel uncertain. “suck it up” is just the latest testament to Alex Coel’s thoughtful lyricism and profound artistry - the rising Spanish singer-songwriter is known for blending melancholic melodies with string arrangements, as they reflect on love, queerness and mental health. Through gentle acoustic layers and h

While many people make art solely to be seen or heard, Ryan Steven does so to unleash the emotions we tend to bury. From picking up a guitar at 13 out of his love for 90s rock, to performing in local venues, to releasing his debut single “Yours,” Ryan approaches his music with an intensity that shows up in everything he creates. The Fresno-born and LA-based singer-songwriter His next single “Fractured” - which was written before his move to LA and fully produced after it - is

A cinematic pop confession on the quiet aftermath of betrayal, “Kwik Trip” turns a late-night convenience store run into a vivid emotional moment. Emily incorporates several small, everyday images - such as driving somewhere just to cry or hiding in an aisle to conceal her feelings in public - to illustrate the places we go to fall apart in private, and the way heartbreak lingers long after it’s “over.” Through these ordinary moments, the song captures the strange stillness t

As she transitioned from a traditional law school career path to a more fulfilling, enjoyable one in music, Julia Adrian tapped into her lifelong knack for telling stories about her personal experiences. Pieces that started as a means for her to process the moment, helping her understand herself better by putting words to complex feelings, have now reached an audience that feels less alone thanks to her. Fast-forward to now, she’s developed a very recognizable sound, blendin

Blending vivid storytelling with a dark alternative sound, Lila Holler’s music gives a voice to our most quiet thoughts. She transforms uncomfortable emotions into something reflective, vulnerable, and deeply human - creating art that shows her listeners, particularly other young women, that they’re not alone. Her latest release, “Monster,” departs from her signature indie-pop style and instead takes the form of a guttural pop rock ballad, as she explores insecurity and compa

Flight to London, the 80s-inspired synth-pop duo formed by Jimmy McGorman and Robb Vallier, has always had a clear vision: chase a feeling, not a sound. After releasing their debut album Instructions for Losing Control , the duo has embarked on something new: The Moog Sessions, an EP featuring two tracks “Elephant” and “Surrender” crafted in collaboration with the iconic synthesizer company Moog Music. Drawing on the 80s sounds that were simply the soundtrack of their child

For years, Julia Skye put music aside to follow a more traditional path in investment banking — but no amount of spreadsheets could quiet her calling. Built on honesty, reflection, and the moments we sometimes try to forget, Julia Skye’s music embraces her true identity and passion. Her new single, “All The Time,” takes a bittersweet look at the past, capturing the emotions of a version of herself she’s only recently begun to understand. Drawing from childhood memories, perso

To Evann McIntosh, fantasy isn’t simply an escape. It’s what pushes us forward. On their latest album Fantasy Fuel, the rising artist sings of desire, projection, and miscommunication as they navigate the space between imagination and reality. Within ten resonant tracks, they explore how projection, intimacy, and ego can shape our view of ourselves and those around us. The represents a transitional period in their life, as they wrote it between Chicago and Los Angeles amidst

For ÊMIA, music is not merely an auditory experience - it is an emotional processing, an examination of personal anecdotes, and connection with others who may feel invisible. The Vietnamese-American artist's latest single, “Corinne,” started as a text message on her phone but blossomed into something even larger. A struggle with jealousy, comparisons, and the human desire to feel seen and loved, "Corrine" encapsulates universal themes. From her studies in law school to her d