Lauren Spencer Smith, the generational talent and breakthrough act of 2022, is set to have a landmark 2023. The 19-year-old singer songwriter from Vancouver Island, Canada shares the official video for her latest single, “Best Friend Breakup.” It’s an anthem for a falling out among best friends, an experience simultaneously so personal to Lauren and universally understood. In the video, Lauren is in her bedroom reflecting upon the best friend breakup she experienced. The visuals, directed by Boni Mata, complement the tone of the single with Lauren looking and sounding beautiful juxtaposed against the heartbreak she’s going through.
Lauren had an impressive 2022 at nearly 1 billion global artist streams. “Fingers Crossed” catapulted her onto the charts and has earned her RIAA Platinum Certification. She followed “Fingers Crossed,” with equally emotive pop ballads “Flowers,” and “Narcissist,” performances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the 2022 MTV VMAs, Dick Clark’s New Year's Rockin’ Eve, and more. “Flowers” also earned RIAA Gold Certification. Lauren was nominated as a Best New Artist and performed at the People’s Choice Awards 2022 and Apple Music selected her as one of their “5 Breakthrough Artists Of 2022.” She has earned praise for her versatility, from both her powerhouse vocals to her detailed songwriting. Lauren’s unfiltered feelings resonate just as loudly as her stunning vocals do, tracing life’s ups, downs, and everything in between with sharp lyrics and even sharper melodies.
Lauren was honored with two 2023 JUNO Award nominations, Artist of the Year and Fan Choice, and will properly introduce herself on her forthcoming full-length debut album, to be released via Island Records/Republic Records.
As a dynamic vocalist, deft multi-instrumentalist, and dexterous producer, Blake Rose not only dives in and out of different sonic wavelengths, but he also attunes to experiences and emotions. Against a backdrop of glistening alternative atmospheres, hummable pop choruses, and immersive electric guitar-laden soundscapes, he lyrically places himself inside of identifiable moments and unfiltered conversations unlocked by a keen sense of empathy. You'll practically hear his memories and anecdotes unfold in real-time as he ponders the nature of nostalgia, infatuation, struggle, mental health, and family. Emerging in 2018 out of Perth, Australia, he initially gained traction with "Hotel Room," "Best of Me," and "Lady" before 2020's "Gone" exploded to the tune of 65 million Spotify streams. "Lost" picked up over 100 million streams as well. Meanwhile, his A World Gone By EP arrived to widespread critical acclaim. FLOOD hailed it as "a body of work that's easy to get lost in," while V Man dubbed him an "Artist to Watch" and FLAUNT attested, "Blake Rose is your new favorite artist." He notably sold out headline gigs on both coasts of North America in addition to sharing stages with Noah Kahan, Ashe, Boys Like Girls, girl in red, Dean Lewis, and many others on the road. Now, the Australia-born and Los Angeles-based artist chronicles a series of realizations and revelations on his 2023 EP, You'll Get It When You're Older [AWAL Recordings].
Hailing from Los Angeles, Geena Fontanella is a rising star in the alternative music scene. Her powerful vocals and unique sound have earned her a growing legion of fans, and she has recently been gaining attention with her captivating live performances and high-profile collaborations.
Geena's music is characterized by its emotional depth and haunting melodies, which draw on a diverse range of influences from rock and pop to electronic and indie. Her lyrics explore themes of love, loss, and personal growth with a raw honesty and vulnerability.
In 2022, Geena opened for Lauren Spencer Smith's highly anticipated tour, where she wowed audiences with her electrifying performances and dynamic stage presence. Her ability to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level has made her a sought-after performer. She will be opening for Lauren in all of 2023 as well.
After Geena's viral "Crazy" cover with Natalie Jane, she has racked up hundreds of millions of views online, solidifying her status as a rising star in the industry. With a growing following and a unique sound that sets her apart from the crowd, Geena is poised to take the alternative music world by storm. Her passion, creativity, and dedication to her craft are an inspiration to fans and fellow artists alike.
Geena recently released her highly anticipated new single, "Loser", which dropped on April 27th. The track is a powerful and emotive addition to Geena's already impressive discography, with her signature raw vocals and haunting melodies. "Loser" is a deeply personal and introspective song, exploring themes of self-doubt and insecurity with a fearless honesty. Geena's lyrics are both relatable and thought-provoking, capturing the complex emotions that come with struggling to find your place in the world. As with all of Geena's music, "Loser" is sure to connect with audiences on a deep and emotional level. Her ability to channel her own experiences into powerful and cathartic songs is a testament to her talent and dedication as an artist.
