By Kristian Tofilovski
1. Fallin’ – Sara Maria & Nadia Plumb
“Fallin’” by Sara Maria and Nadia Plumb reflects on a past relationship of Maria’s, using music to find closure and clarity from a toxic experience.
The song explores the frustration of unreciprocated feelings and lack of commitment from someone you’re attracted to. Despite these challenges, it emphasizes embracing the relationship as it is, helping you appreciate the good aspects and move forward without resentment.
“It’s about not knowing what the outcome of a relationship will be, but still accepting it for what it is at that moment,” said Maria. “The relationship didn’t become what I wanted it to be but I was okay with it,” she added.
The song features hard-hitting EDM dance-pop sounds, thanks to producer Nadia Plumb. Although, this doesn’t stop it from also finding a sense of ambience, complementing the song’s theme of navigating love and relationships.
2. Pink – Jasmine AlexJ
“Pink” by Jasmine AlexJ explores the controversial yet common aspect of toxic relationships, where both people find satisfaction in the chaos and drama they create together.
“It’s about enjoying the fire of a toxic relationship. It’s a story about consumption and addiction to a messy love,” said AlexJ.
“Pink”’s pop sound and lyrics give the song a sense of humour and authenticity that both directly and metaphorically emphasizes its theme. This is highlighted in the song’s bridge, which states, “I kind of live for the drama; I know it’s bad, but I love it.” AlexJ also connects the pleasure of toxicity to the idea of being “pink and expensive,” inspiring the song’s title.
Finally, AlexJ praises producer Jesse Maxwell for crafting the second chorus as an auditory representation of chaos.
“He did such an amazing job at finding that balance between going overboard with the production while also making it interesting and fun,” said AlexJ.
3. Outcast – Joseph Robinson
“Outcast” by Joseph Robinson is a coming-of-age anthem that captures the angst of entering adulthood, grappling with feelings of being stuck and falling behind while watching others succeed in various aspects of life, such as relationships and career.
The song also reflects on using marijuana to treat anxiety caused by these feelings, which he has personally experienced. This is expressed in the lyrics, “Could use come edibles; my anxiety is bold.”
The song’s upbeat and pop-indie sound, however, helps transform these feelings into something carefree that listeners can embrace.
“It was about not fitting in and feeling uncomfortable, but it’s light and fun and embraces that,” said Robinson. “It’s a song for everyone who doesn’t feel like they belong,” he added.
Robinson also explains that creating an upbeat song with heavy lyrics was therapeutic for him and can be for listeners as well. “It was my first time ever writing a happy song, and I’ve written hundreds of songs before this. It was definitely therapeutic and made me feel a lot better,” he said.
4. Catch You Now – Carina
“Catch You Now” by Carina tells the story of discovering that a romantic interest or partner has been unfaithful, drawing inspiration from her own experiences and those of her friends.
“Me and my friends always talk about these kinds of situationships,” Carina explains. “It’s about when someone says they’re not ready for a relationship, but then a few days later, you find out they’re with someone else you didn’t know about.”
Although this can be upsetting, the song’s pop-synth sound and its message of holding the partner accountable provide a gratifying experience, helping people in similar situations move on. This is expressed in the song’s bridge, which states, “C’mon, we gotta go; no, we’re putting on a show, only the show where I catch you!”
This also adds a sense of humor and female solidarity to ease the pain. “It’s about laughing it off and not letting it bother me or other girls,” said Carina.
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