top of page

Experience all the excitement from every angle, exclusively at SoundCheck Mag!
Pop


Charlie Puth Releases Second Single, “Beat Yourself Up”
Article Contributed by Fernando Flores Photo: Spotify Charlie’s Natural Gift Charlie Puth has a way of drawing listeners in without relying on big moments and “Beat Yourself Up” is an example of that confidence. As the second single from his upcoming album Whatever’s Clever, the track doesn’t rush to make an impression. Instead, it eases in self-assured allowing the mood to settle before the message fully lands. The song rides a smooth, steady groove that feels almost convers

Fernando Flores
Feb 24


Producer Highlight: How Blackbear Built His Own Sound
Blackbear has created his space within the music industry through diving into different genres, collaborating with diverse artists, and musically expressing his journey through life.
He started releasing projects under this name and creating a buzz through his alternative sound. He later transitioned into the artist he is today - Blackbear.

Monica Soriano
Feb 20


Harry Styles Explores New Sound with “Aperture”
He’s back! Harry Styles releases the first single from his new album ‘Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally.’ along with tour dates and a music video!
Stepping into a different sound, Harry Styles’ release of “Aperture” leaves many stunned. While it is very clear by the title of the album that it would involve some sort of disco, dance, house or EDM influences it still left many puzzled. Not necessarily in a bad way, but rather, people are left curious about this new direct

Monica Soriano
Feb 18


Next Stop The Tour: SZN4 brings Love, Pinstripes, & Pure Energy to Detroit
Article & Photos by Rachel Catherine SZN4 performing at El Club in Detroit. Photos by Rachel Catherine (@ rachsgalleryy on IG) A Valentine’s Day Evening to Remember February 14th, I spent my Valentine’s Day evening on a Saturday night with SZN4 and it was quite the spirit lifter. On a “holiday” that’s particularly not my favorite, you could feel the love emulating off of the group from the love they have for each other as well as the people supporting them in the crowd. A Ho
Rachel Catherine
Feb 17


Sarah Kinsley Finds Beauty in the Passing of Time With “Fleeting”
A reflection on impermanence, cinematic pop, and the new chapter ahead. Article Contributed by Vaneza Gutiérrez Wyckoff Sarah Kinsley shot by Florence Sullivan Sarah Kinsley has built a career around capturing fleeting moments — and with nearly one million monthly Spotify listeners, she’s clearly not the only one listening closely. During our recent chat, she spoke about time the way some people speak about weather: ever-present, uncontrollable, and quietly shaping everything
Vaneza Gutiérrez Wyckoff
Feb 15


Nat & Alex Wolff Explore Emotional Honesty and Experimentation on Their Latest Album
The sibling duo lean into restraint, vulnerability, and unexpected sonic turns on their most exploratory project yet.
There’s something quietly disarming about the way Nat & Alex Wolff approach this album. It doesn’t rush to impress, doesn’t clean itself up for easy consumption, and doesn’t pretend to be anything other than what it is: emotionally lived-in, occasionally messy, and deeply honest. This is not a record that begs for perfection. It asks for patience.

LJ Portnoy
Feb 11


Locket by Madison Beer — An Album Review That Hits Where It Hurts
Madison Beer’s new album Locket feels like being let into something private. The album moves gently, almost carefully, through heartbreak and loss, never forcing big moments but letting emotion build naturally. There’s a softness to it that makes the heavier moments hit harder, and a sense that every track belongs exactly where it is. This is Madison Beer at her most vulnerable and most confident, all at once.

LJ Portnoy
Feb 5


This Year’s Grammys Worked: What They Got Right
For years, the Grammys struggled to hold attention beyond highlight clips and post-show discourse. Performances blurred together, categories felt preordained, and the experience increasingly asked audiences to endure rather than engage.
This year’s Grammy Awards marked a noticeable shift. Not through spectacle alone, but through sustained intention. The show operated less like a checklist of obligations and more like a curated conversation about where music is right now an

LJ Portnoy
Feb 3


Why 2026 Is Shaping Up to Be a Landmark Festival Year
Music festivals have become some of the most anticipated cultural events of the year. They create moments that launch careers, define summers and bring fans together in unforgettable ways. Heading into 2026, the continuation of these iconic festivals promises even bigger lineups, louder crowds and more moments that will be talked about for years after the fact. If the past few years are any indication, 2026 is shaping up to be nothing short of legendary.

Fernando Flores
Jan 30


Dean Lewis in Seattle: Warm Voices, Cool Lights, and a Crowd That Felt Every Word
A night of intimacy and reflection that warmed a winter crowd. Article and Photos contributed by Vaneza Gutiérrez Wyckoff January 19th at Showbox SoDo had the crowd of concert-goers feeling like their own cozy little world tucked inside the grungy brick venue walls — even as the chilly winter air outside made it clear just how deep into January the PNW was. By showtime, the room was already humming, bodies packed shoulder to shoulder, phones raised and waiting, the anticipati
Vaneza Gutiérrez Wyckoff
Jan 29


Meels Shares her Inner World with Us
Recently, we had the opportunity to hear Meels talk about her upbringing, inspirations and new sound. She spoke with such genuine care for her craft that it became clear why she’s continuously growing as an artist. She has built this wonderful folk-country world, as she invites us into it, we can see just how much meaning there is behind her music.

Monica Soriano
Jan 29


Sylvaner Makes His Artist Debut With “Pentimento” - A Creative First Single
A first look into Sylvaner’s musical capabilities after making the transition from studio engineer to artist. Sylvaner recently released his first single, “Pentimento,” which is notably a creative output of talent. In this ambitious 4-minute and 33-second track, Sylvaner dives into his feelings about heartbreak with a soulful and enchanting sound. Not many artists release such a lengthy track to kickstart their career, but Sylvaner did…. and it works!

Monica Soriano
Jan 27


Harry Styles Wants To Disco In 2026, Occasionally
The surprising news of a Harry Styles comeback this year leaves many emptying their bank accounts in hopes of a tour or residency.
Out of nowhere, in different cities around the world, Harry Styles promo began popping up. The words WE BELONG TOGETHER are plastered on walls. It could only mean one thing: a comeback. Indeed, Harry Styles announced a surprising new album, Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally. set to be released March 6, 2026.

Monica Soriano
Jan 22


Internet Sensation Jordi Establishes Her Pop Sound with Debut Self-Titled Album
The 22-year-old internet sensation is making her debut as an artist with a pop-focused album.
Releasing a first project can be nerve-wracking to some and a breeze for others. It is the beginning of establishing oneself within the music industry. Finding a sound, collaborating with people, and working out the details are all important steps. Jordi has amassed millions of followers across social media platforms, a huge accomplishment for someone who is only in her early 20’s.

Monica Soriano
Jan 21


Songwriter Spotlight - Savan Kotecha: Raising Generations Through Music
From One Direction’s career launch to Ariana Grande’s mainstream singles, Savan is responsible for many fan-favorite pop hits within the past two decades.

Monica Soriano
Jan 19


The Hits That Never Reached #1 (But Everyone Thinks They Did)
The reasoning behind some of the greatest songs in history never made it to the top spot on the charts.
Just imagine, hearing the same songs everywhere you go - at a bar, a mall, a grocery store, or the radio, and thinking that there is no way it didn’t hit the number one spot on the charts. The reality is that some of the songs that marked our middle school, high school, or college experiences didn’t even come close to that coveted spot.

Monica Soriano
Jan 17


Disney Channel Songs and Acts That Escaped the Mouse
Disney Channel launched many artists into fame and long-lasting careers in music and acting. Singing on Disney Channel was a given; if you had a show, you most likely also sang the theme song for it. There was even a time when many shows and movies were centered around music. This included the High School Musical trilogy, the Hannah Montana show, and The Cheetah Girls films.

Monica Soriano
Jan 13


Charlotte Sands: “one eye open” - The Bold Single Leading The Way For Her New Album
Charlotte Sands expresses her personal feelings through her latest single, “one eye open.”
The single “one eye open,” by Charlotte Sands, is a gloomy escape to freedom in which she paints a clear picture of her feelings through her lyricism. The song sounds almost dreamlike with somber undertones and a release of emotions through Charlotte's vocals. It is a direct focus on the anxiety experienced in an unhealthy relationship, being told directly from Charlotte’s perspectiv

Monica Soriano
Jan 12


Nickelodeon Songs That Quietly Outperformed Expectations
Nickelodeon features a diverse range of shows, including cartoons and teen sitcom series. Their series range from wacky comedy-style shows to more arts and music-focused genres while maintaining the comedic aspect. Many great songs were derived from these shows. Although most were not intended to be more than a catchy intro song, a few managed to engrave themselves into pop culture and quiet longevity.

Monica Soriano
Jan 7


Songwriter Spotlight - Justin Tranter: Songwriting, Advocacy, and a Decade of Pop Hits
The name Justin Tranter holds weight within the music industry due to their involvement in writing some of the biggest hits for over a decade now. Tranter is not only a successful songwriter but also an educator and mentor to future generations of writers. They share knowledge about the music industry consistently, and when asked about their songwriting process, they seem glad to share what details they can.

Monica Soriano
Jan 5
bottom of page
