Carlie Hanson

With each emotional, introspective song she shares with the world, Carlie Hanson reveals a little more of the out-of-placeness that has dominated her headspace over the last few years. That foggy feeling that’s all-consuming hangs heavy over the 23-year-old singer/songwriter’s sophomore album Wisconsin, a deeply personal collection of songs detailing the homesickness that has plagued her since moving to Los Angeles from the home state that gives the record its title. LaCrosse, Wisconsin is where Hanson fell in love with music. Her sister blasted Avril Lavigne and Evanescence in the car, and she grasped that at a young age 

She recorded herself singing in her car and to her astonishment, it went viral. Producers took interest and she recorded some demos, like “Only One,” which Taylor Swift included on her list of favorite songs in 2017. At 17, Hanson moved to Los Angeles. Despite early success with self-released EPs and her acclaimed debut album, ToughBoy, she felt out of place. Changing the trajectory of your career is a process, and Hanson documents much of it in Wisconsin. There are, however, glimmers of hope. The title track, for example, is about recalibrating how she feels about moving across the country. As Hanson becomes more confident in her artistry, she brings a little piece of the Midwest to Los Angeles, song by song.

Ezra is a multifaceted singer/songwriter from the Bronx now based in Los Angeles. Ezra was inspired by how his favorite artists growing up made him feel and realized at an early age he wanted to be able to give that same therapy to people. After years of honing in his sound,Ezra began to release music that people who found him on tiktok labeled as “Ezracore.” Its hyperpop, rock and rap elements really made it unique and different sounding from anyone else out. Since then he released his first EP “appreciate the small things” and has had big moments across socials with his singles “another sad song” and “can’t let my guard down.” His meticulous and descriptive writing along with unique and controlled chaotic production makes every song an incredible listen.