Alternative rock singer-songwriter Rothrigo released his newest single “Apple Juice” on January 21. The track was written and recorded during quarantine in Madrid in the artist’s home studio. As a proud DIY artist who is set on redefining classic rock, Rothrigo held onto the sounds of rock that he loves while incorporating a fun, charming introspectiveness. “Apple Juice” is the lead single off his debut album, Apple Juice, coming later this year.

The rising pop artist says the goal behind “Talk To Me” was to create a fresh, modern sound while incorporating some retro synthwave elements. Lyrics like “don’t wanna wait or hold back, don’t wanna lose you out of sight” emphasize the passionate, in-the-moment urges people get when developing an exciting new crush. “Talk To Me” is the break we all need from serious topics – it takes listeners away to the most untroubled, yet lively moments in life.

Hip-hop/R&B artist Luv Troi followed the release of his single “ODOYK” with a music video on April 2. The track is a lead single off his upcoming mixtape MANIA, releasing April 20, and has a unique take on love and lust in a relationship. Luv Troi created “ODOYK” in May of 2020, after getting the beat from Los Angeles producer, Fletch. “I would have never guessed when making it that “ODOYK” would be a lead single for MANIA,” says Luv Troi.

Featured on the critically acclaimed Swedish blog PopMuzik, the song describes the most intense part of having a crush. Yaniza says, “I wrote it when I was completely enamored with someone who I was pretty sure was not into me, but as the song says ‘either way I gotta say I’ve fallen’.” From happiness and excitement to a crash of unreciprocated feelings, a crush gone wrong can take people on emotional rollercoasters, and Yaniza has written about it all.

To sit with stillness – however uncomfortable it may be, with all possible emotions coming up – is a necessary part of being a human being, and even more necessary to be creative. Quarantine has been a forced opportunity to explore that stillness.

Sasha Smith is a self-made artist born in San Sebastián in the Basque Country in Northern Spain. Smith was brought up speaking English at home, Spanish while playing in the street, and Basque at school. “I’m a mix of all these different cultures that come from my family and where I’ve lived,” says Smith. “I have family spread out across the globe, from Australia to Argentina.” After receiving his first electric guitar at the age of 13, Smith was hooked. He fell into the craft of songwriting and felt deeply inspired by legends like John Frusciante.