For the last few years, AleXa has ascended through the world of K-Pop. Adopting a cyberpunk aesthetic with hypnotic choreography, she's racked up more than 160 million views on her YouTube channel. American audiences got to know AleXa two years ago when she won the first and only season of American Song Contest. She formed a bond with cohost Kelly Clarkson, appearing as a guest on her show this January. AleXa's latest single "sick" leans away from dance pop in favor of a more pop-rock sound...

Since the release of her massive debut album Innocent Eyes in 2003, Delta Goodrem has remained one of Australia's most popular entertainers. She's scored several number one hits in her home country, starred in popular shows, and served as a coach on the Australian version of The Voice. American audiences may recognize Goodrem from the 2023 Netflix movie Love Is in the Air. She's recently returned to the recording studio, although she's not revealing plans for a new album yet. Her latest...

Over the last few years, HAUSER has become one of the world's most popular classical performers. His shows are spectacles that thrill thousands of fans for up to three hours. With dozens of musicians on stage, the Croation cellist covers well known orchestral themes as well as new arrangements of modern hits. Although his previous album focused on Latin pop songs like "Livin' La Vida Loca," his new album, returns to traditional melodies. CLASSIC II is full of favorite compositions like...

Eight years after the viral success of "Sweatshirt," Jacob Sartorius has evolved into a contemplative singer-songwriter. Recent tracks like "homebody" and "luv" reveal a more mature musician facing grownup issues.His latest single, "Lonely," is a duet with friend Audrey Mika. The piano-driven song explores the fallout of a failed relationship. It's relatable, sad, and super catchy.Known for collaborations with artists like Tate McRae and Gryffin, Mika gained famed by posting covers of hit...

On March 1, Paula Cole released her latest album, Lo. It's her first collection of original new music in nearly a decade. Singles like "Green Eyes Crying" are earthy and organic, the result of recording with longtime collaborators like drummer Jay Bellerose.Known for hits like "Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?" and "I Don't Want to Wait," Cole never saw herself as a top 40 artist. She takes pride in the deep catalog she has created and the deep musical connections she's maintained.From her...

Although he found early success as a rapper, Travis Mills always liked the idea of being in a band. He grew up admiring blink-182, MxPx, and The Used. Early groups didn't work out for various reasons, and he found solo success with tracks like "Diemonds" and "Young & Stupid." In drummer Nick Gross, Mills found a musical partner with the drive to make their band a success. Together as girlfriends, the duo has embraced the music that shaped their youth. They enlisted producer John Feldmann,...

You may know Asher Angel for his roles in the Shazam! movies and the Disney Channel comedy Andi Mack. But he's also a talented musician. The 21-year-old plays guitar and piano, and his smooth pop R&B vocals recall vintage Justin Timberlake and Usher.Although he released several singles in the wake of Andi Mack, he hasn't spent much time on music since 2020. That's changing. His latest single, "Flip The Switch" came out last week, and he's lining up more releases for later this year.Listen...

For the final It's Real episode of 2023, Jordan Edwards and Demi Ramos talk to a couple of artists who have had great years. Sadie Dupuis, known for fronting Speedy Ortiz, was recently named one of the 250 Greatest Guitarists of All Time by Rolling Stone. In September, the band released Rabbit Rabbit. Their first album since 2018's Twerp Verse, it was a hit with both fans and critics. Outside of music, Dupuis is a poet and former journalist who has written the books Mouthguard and Cry...

With more than five million followers on social media, Gabi Sklar is on the rise. However, the singer-songwriter is more concerned about the quality of her music than the number of likes she receives. She's quick to point out that all those followers are people who are there for her voice, creative percussion, and impeccable taste in cover songs.Although she gained notoriety for performing other people's music, Sklar has been hard at work releasing originals. Her latest "Lonely Times," is her...

After more than two decades, NEEDTOBREATHE frontman Bear Rinehart stills gets a thrill out of performing for fans. Songs like "Who Am I" and "Multiplied" have helped build a huge following, allowing the band to play arenas across the country.Labeled a Christian band by many, NEEDTOBREATHE's music has a much larger scope. While embraced by the Christian music community, their catalog is full of songs both secular and spiritual. At their core, they're a rock band.On a break from tour, Rinehart...

On November 17, Plain White T's will release their self-titled ninth studio album. While the songwriting feels familiar, the band's sound has shifted. The acoustic guitar is still there, but the production is more atmospheric. "Happy," for example, features layered vocals and percussion ready for top 40 radio.Although best known for hits like "Hey There Delilah" and "Rhythm of Love," the Chicago band has a deep catalog going back to their days as a pop punk group in the early 2000s.Jordan and...

In a world of dark, cynical pop songs, UMI loves love. Whether through her music, social media posts, or YouTube videos, she radiates positivity. Her latest single "happy im" is a lush acoustic R&B song about giving in to love and joy. It's the kind of song that makes you feel like holding hands with someone on a rooftop at sunset. Born to a Japanese mother and African American father, she grew up immersed in both cultures. She would wake up to her father's soul and gospel records and...

This past summer, Yellowcard reunited and performed dozens of shows at large venues across the country. They also released their first new music since 2016. The EP Childhood Eyes returns to the sound that made them popular, but the songwriting reflects their maturity and sense of nostalgia. It includes collaborations with Dashboard Confessional and Pierce The Veil, as well as the lead single "Childhood Eyes." The reunion coincides with the recent pop punk renaissance as younger bands reach...

The last month has been one that Chappell Roan won't forget. She released her debut album, began a nearly sold out headlining tour, and announced that she will support Olivia Rodrigo in the spring. She even made an appearance on Elton John's Rocket Hour show, where the music legend expressed that he thinks her records are "amazing." It may seem like a quick rise, but there's a lot of hard work behind the success. Raised in Willard, Missouri, the singer-songwriter spent time in Nashville...

After 30 years together, MxPx remains one of the best and hardest working bands out there. They recently released their 11th studio album Find A Way Home. Anchored by "Not Today," and "Stay Up All Night," it's full of the catchy rock songs that fans love. Watch lead vocalist/bassist Mike Herrera and lead guitarist Tom Wisniewski talk about how they make music now, their favorite Warped Tour memories, and the story behind the "Pokinatcha Punk."

Jordan and Demi welcome Echosmith back to the show! The band has evolved since their breakout hit “Cool Kids” a decade ago. While they still produce atmospheric, catchy pop songs, they take more risks. Their self titled new album is their most experimental release yet. It may also be the trio's best. Sydney Sierota and Noah Sierota about recording the new album, their sibling bond, and upcoming European tour.

In an era of trending sounds and singles, Kota the Friend makes albums. His latest, Protea, is a kaleidoscope of clever wordplay, smooth hooks, and beats you can dance to. Dedicated to his wife, the 16 tracks feel like a celebration. It features guest spots from Aloe Blacc, Braxton Cook, and Samm Henshaw. Listen to Jordan Edwards and Demi Ramos interview Kota about the evolution of his sound, influences, and love for Brooklyn.

On this episode of It's Real, Jordan and Demi interview two multitalented performers who first appeared on screen when they were young. Katelyn Tarver was a contestant on American Juniors, where she made the final round. She then acted in shows like Big Time Rush, The Secret Life of the American Teenager, and HBO's Ballers. Olivia Olson made her debut in Love Actually as Joanna, the aspiring pop singer who belts Mariah Carey and steals Sam's heart. These days, Olson is best known as a...

For the first time, an episode of It's Real with Jordan and Demi features two unrelated guests. Madilyn Bailey and Rachel Grae are both singer-songwriters, but that's where the similarities end.Bailey's debut album Hollywood Dead drops on August 23, and she's expecting her first child after that. Although she's excited for motherhood, she doesn't plan to take much of a break from music.The Wisconsin native gained fame on America's Got Talent with a song composed of negative comments from her...

While Cannons been releasing music for nearly a decade, their popularity has exploded in the last couple of years thanks to the success of "Fire for You" and their last album, Fever Dream. That means their next album will be their most anticipated. The lead single, "Loving You," came out in April, but the band hasn't given up many details about the rest of the tracklist. Listen to Jordan Edwards and Demi Ramos interview Michelle Joy, Paul Davis, and Ryan Clapham about their Craigslist...

On June 30, Gabi DeMartino released her latest single "Heaven." More than a year in the the making, the track is perhaps her most confessional. Using lyrics from the 1957 film An Affair to Remember, the song reveals the truth behind her broken engagement to ex-fiancé Collin Vogt. Along with her sister Niki, Gabi DeMartino has spent her entire adult life in the public eye. She's one of YouTube's most successful content creators with over 12 million combined subscribers. But the success has led...

​On July 14, Lauren Spencer Smith will release her debut album, Mirror. It's the culmination of three years of hard work and growing as a songwriter and performer.Appearing on American Idol in 2020, the 19-year-old used the momentum from the show to create a career that's earned her hit songs, a huge social media following, and an appearance on The Tonight Show. Many know the Vancouver native for "Fingers Crossed," but she's built a surprisingly deep catalog with tracks like "Flowers" and...

Earlier this month, Emily Kinney released "Walkin' Round Your Dreams," a warm, retro pop song that recalls '60s girl groups and Rilo Kiley. The track is off of her upcoming album Swim Team, due out in September. Fans of Kinney may know her from roles like Beth Greene on the The Walking Dead and Anna in the Broadway musical Spring Awakening. For more than a decade, she's been writing and performing original music. In fact, she was working on an EP when she landed the role on The Walking...

The last time we talked to GAYLE, her megahit "abcdefu" was just entering the top 10. Since then, she's carved out a place as one of pop music's most distinctive and versatile young stars. In addition to a GRAMMY nomination for "abcdefu," she's continued to pump out catchy singles like "ur just horny" and "everybody hates me." And yes, Taylor Swift is a fan. After meeting at an awards show, Swift asked GAYLE to open for her on several dates of the Eras Tour. Jordan Edwards talk to GAYLE about...