Matt Hansen continues his rapid rise with “COMPASS,” an up-tempo pop track built for wide appeal. With over a billion streams and millions of monthly listeners already behind him, this release sounds like the work of an artist fully stepping into a global lane.
“COMPASS” leans into strong pop sensibilities while keeping emotion front and center. Matt’s vocal delivery is powerful and direct, carrying the song with confidence and clarity. There’s a clear resemblance to the style of Lewis Capaldi, especially in the way the melody lifts and the chorus hits with feeling, but Matt keeps the sound current and his own. The production is clean, energetic, and polished in a way that feels ready for mass streaming.
From a Spotify standpoint, “COMPASS” fits naturally alongside playlists like New Music Friday Pop, Pop Rising, Sad Songs, Teen Beats, Heartbreak Pop, and Fresh Finds Pop, where emotional pop records with strong vocals tend to perform well. The song has the pacing, hook, and vocal presence that translate easily across platforms and international audiences.
“COMPASS” feels like a momentum record, reinforcing Matt Hansen’s place as an artist who can balance emotion with accessibility while continuing to grow at a global scale.
To discover more emerging and rising artists, visit Kings of A&R at
https://kingsofar.com/about-kings-of-ar/
Alexa Kate keeps things honest and direct on her single “Forever.” The song leans into a classic folk feel while still sounding current. It moves at a comfortable pace and gives the listener room to sit with the song.
Her vocal is the clear centerpiece. It carries both strength and softness without feeling forced. The acoustic guitar stays simple and steady, letting the vocal lead. As the song continues, light background textures are added in a subtle way that builds the mood without taking attention away from the core of the track.
“Forever” focuses on change and reflection in a way that feels natural and easy to relate to. The song is memorable without trying too hard, and the final vocal moment leaves a calm, lasting impression that makes it easy to return to.
On Spotify, “Forever” fits naturally alongside playlists like New Music Friday Acoustic, Folk Pop, Indie Folk Central, Coffeehouse Folk, Fresh Finds Folk, and Roots Rising, where stripped-back songwriting and mood-based listening are front and center.
For live opportunities, Alexa Kate would pair well touring with artists such as Phoebe Bridgers, Lizzy McAlpine, Maggie Rogers, Aimee Mann, or Laura Marling.
“Forever” shows Alexa Kate as an artist who understands restraint and emotion, delivering a song that feels genuine and lasting.
Check out more artists at
https://kingsofar.com/about-kings-of-ar/
For submissions, features, or inquiries, contact Kings of A&R.
Major streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music reported continued subscriber growth in Q4 2025. Spotify’s user growth slowed slightly, while TikTok’s influence on streaming engagement declined as competitors expanded short-form discovery tools.
• Artists are shifting focus toward playlist placement and personalized formats
• Labels are reallocating marketing spend to Spotify and YouTube Shorts
As holiday gifting peaked, vinyl LP sales climbed 12% year-over-year.
• Independent record stores reported strong December foot traffic
• Vinyl now represents ~25% of physical music revenue
Lauren Presley returns to her breakout moment with People Leave Acoustic, a piano driven reimagining released on the one year anniversary of the original. Where the first version explored childhood abandonment and the long shadow it leaves behind, the acoustic take slows everything down and leans fully into vulnerability. With only piano and vocal, the song centers on the quiet fear of losing even the people who stay, a feeling shaped by past trauma and delivered with striking emotional clarity.
The original People Leave has surpassed 5 million streams across DSPs, charted on iTunes, and earned support from outlets including TMRW, Earmilk, CLASH, and Kings of A&R. The acoustic version strips away production and puts Lauren’s raw delivery front and center, reinforcing her reputation as a fearless and emotionally honest voice in alt pop.
Beyond the acoustic release, Lauren Presley has continued to expand her artistic vision through visual storytelling. She unveiled her first official music video with Straitjacket, a dark and cinematic visual that confronts the gaslighting trope head on. Reclaiming the “crazy” label often used against women, the track is anchored by the chilling hook “Put me in a straitjacket” and brought to life through haunting imagery and a commanding vocal performance. Directed by Working Holiday and produced on an $8,000 budget, the video sharpens Lauren’s alt pop edge and draws comparisons to artists like Halsey, Nessa Barrett, and Kenzie. The release received press support from outlets including Earmilk, DMY, and No Transmission.
Across her catalog, Lauren has amassed over 24.8 million YouTube views with more than 848 thousand hours of total watch time. She has performed People Leave on Today in Nashville Morning TV on WSMV and appeared on podcasts such as Good Noise Podcast and Hook and Bridge Podcast, further solidifying her growing presence as an emerging alt pop artist.
With its intimate tone and emotional weight, People Leave Acoustic is a strong fit for playlists such as Sad Pop, piano ballads, Alt Pop Chill, emotional acoustic, Indie Pop Sad Songs, Tearjerkers, Feelings, Late Night Pop, Acoustic Chill, and singer songwriter piano focused playlists across Spotify and Apple Music.
Check out more artists on Kings of A&R
“Neon Moonlight” introduces the next chapter for ARSADI, the Uppsala indie rock group known for mixing emotional songwriting with bright, energetic production. The track leans into the band’s strengths: warm vocals, colorful synths, and a steady indie pop pulse that feels both inviting and instantly memorable. It is a smooth, feel-good release that shows the band moving toward a bigger, more confident sound.
ARSADI has been steadily shaping their identity since frontman Anthony Bachtiar returned from music studies in London. What began as personal demos has grown into a full band built on curiosity, craft, and the joy of experimenting. With members Anthony, Nils Öberg, Feria Hikmet, and Malkolm Bonander, the group blends indie rock, pop, and emotionally honest lyricism into something fresh yet familiar. Fans of kent, Deportees, Shout Out Louds, and Coldplay will find a natural connection here.
Following the success of their 2023 EP Introspections and standout tracks like “Overcome the Night” and “Fade In Fade Out,” ARSADI continues to expand their reach. They have earned local recognition through festival appearances and competition wins, and now move forward with new releases through Rexius Records.
“Neon Moonlight” fits easily into the playlists that celebrate upbeat, heartfelt indie music. It would sit comfortably alongside songs on Indie Pop, All New Indie, Fresh Finds Pop, Night Rider, and other playlists built around smooth grooves and warm, emotional energy. It is another strong step in ARSADI’s evolution and a clear hint of what is still to come.
Check out more emerging artists at Kings of A&R
Newsletter