alayna: A New Zeal for New York

alayna, an electronica R&B artist from New Zealand, started out by singing with her father. She eventually picked up the guitar and experimented with her own sound. Moving to Brooklyn after university for a year, she felt inspired by the magnetic environment. After years of struggling with self-doubt and identity, her EP caught the attention of the label 20XX. Now 24, alayna's debut single 'Falling Autumn' has surpassed 4 million streams with her other tracks right behind it. 

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LYTA: Are We There Yet?

LYTA, an electronica-R&B artist from Houston, Texas, grew her music and dance skills side by side. She dances at Soundbox Studios and has already released three singles this past year. From supporting her mother's battle with cancer to breaking off toxic relationships, LYTA creatively pushes past her boundaries through the lens of movement and music.  She also adores sweatpants and Swedish Fish.

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Lieza: The Other Side of the Board

Lieza, a 24-year-old singer-songwriter from Dallas, took some time to find her voice. On a journey of self-discovery, she partnered with Grammy award-winning writer and producer, Femke. Joining the artist-first community founded by Femke, LV Music, Lieza recently released the power anti-bullying anthem 'Hate Me.' Not hiding from her past, Lieza grips her pain as a catalyst to connect with those who listen. 

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Send Bernie Home: A Letter by Essence

Essence Goldman, a singer-songwriter from San Francisco, started giving Bernie Dalton vocal lessons two years ago. Since then, Bernie has been diagnosed with the most aggressive form of ALS and likely only has months to live. Essence is helping Bernie fulfill his one dying wish: making an album. The band, made up of Bernie, Essence, Roger Rocha, Daniel Berkman, David Simon-Baker, and Bernie's daughter Nicole, just released the music video for the song 'In Your Shoes.' The full album will be released February 9th. Read Essence's full letter on Bernie's story and watch the music video below. You can give money towards Bernie's home care on Go Fund Me by clicking the 'Donate' button.

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Paper Cuts: A Letter by Yasmin Lajoie

Yasmin Lajoie, a 29-year-old music manager in the UK, wrote this letter on her experiences with sexual assault in the music industry. She also appeared on BBC news to speak about what she's been through. Yasmin, along with three other prominent women in the industry, started the 'Stop 2018' campaign aimed at ending bullying, misogyny, sexual harassment, assault, and rape in the music business. 

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Bryce Vine: Like Mother, Like Son

Bryce Vine, a rapper and singer based out of LA, rose to the spotlight with the hit single 'Sour Patch Kids' off of his 2014 EP Lazy Fair. Now 29, Bryce is on the verge of releasing his second full-length album highlighted by hits like 'Bella' and 'Drew Barrymore.' But before he ever stepped into the studio, Bryce grew up watching his mother face the realities of LA acting life.  

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Chlöe Howl: Sexual Harassment in the Music Industry

We spoke with Chlöe Howl, a 22-year-old pop singer from the UK, on her experiences with sexual harassment in the music business. As a teenager, she signed with a major label and has been the subject of harassment, and has heard horrific stories from her peers in the industry. Along with three other prominent women in the business, Chlöe started the 'Stop 2018' campaign aimed at ending bullying, misogyny, and harassment in the music industry. Here is what she had to say:

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Sol: Fighting Back With The Mic

Hailing from the suburbs of Seattle, Sol has been creating in the studio since 12 years old. As a Haitian-American, he has harnessed his rap skills to rebuild his family's homeland and stay active in the community. Raising thousands of dollars in the wake of the 2010 earthquake and Hurricane Matthew, he remains grounded to his roots. In his most recent release, Legacy, Sol speaks on his family's influence and eyeing the mainstage "since Diddy did the Harlem Shake." 

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Greta Van Fleet's Sam Kiszka: From The Fires of High School

Sam Kiszka, bass and keys player of Greta Van Fleet, picked up the guitar at 12 years old in his hometown of Frankenmuth, Michigan. Now fresh out of high school, Sam tours the globe alongside his older twin brothers, Jake and Josh, and longtime friend Danny Wagner. With a full length album on the horizon, Sam plays with a passion and style learned in a musically creative household. For Sam and the rest of the band, the future of rock and roll started in a small town garage. 

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Gigi Rowe: A Glamorous Runaway

Gigi Rowe, a pop singer based out of Miami, has already made her mark with hit songs like 'Got That' and 'Run The Night.' Featured on the past two editions of the acclaimed video game Just Dance, she has grown an international audience that identifies with her infectious, powerful personality. Before the lipstick, glam, and classic pop-inspired sound, she picked up the guitar as a teen from Jersey. 

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Odesza Tour and Sofi Tukker in Chicago: 'A Moment Apart' Concert Review

The Odesza tour stopped in Chicago accompanied by the sweet sounds of Sofi Tukker. Hailing from Seattle, Harrison and Clay of Odesza unleashed the music in waves over the crowd. Sofi Tukker, comprised of Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern, opened the night by charging the crowd up with songs like 'Drinkee' and 'Awoo.' Read our review of the Saturday night concert in Chicago here.  

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Riley Pearce: Reaching the Treasured State

Riley Pearce, 24, reflects on lyrics and meaning of the song 'Brave,' his perspective changing semester in Montana, and past relationships. The Australian singer-songwriter began playing guitar and singing for people on street corners. Not until 18 years old did he start to hone his skills in the studio. 

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Route 91: A Letter by Smithfield

We reached out to Smithfield, who performed at the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas this past weekend, for some much needed perspective after this horrific attack. Jennifer and Trey offer these words, not only as music artists, but as human beings looking to stand strong with those affected. 

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Healy: Made in Memphis

Ethan Healy, known as simply 'Healy,' just released his debut album titled Subluxe. With laid back jams like 'Unwind,' Healy has built upon the success of '$150/roll widdit' to put forth a project showcasing his natural vibe. Studying for a Doctorate in Physical Therapy while working on Subluxe, Healy embraces the uphill battle of making time for creativity. 

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