Maddy's MixTapes

In a musical landscape saturated with overproduced pop and genre-stagnant rock, The Pucks offer a refreshing counterpoint—a trio from Northern British Columbia that blends pop, rock, and folk with an authenticity that's as rare as it is compelling. From the moment they strike their first chord, it’s clear this isn’t just another bar band. Their sound is polished yet raw, familiar yet entirely their own. As a journalism student with a deep appreciation for both sonic innovation and lyrical substance, I was immediately struck by their ability to be both crowd-pleasing and thought-provoking—an elusive balance few artists truly master.

Their music—performed with an infectious energy that seems to ripple from the stage into the crowd—is layered with meaning. Songs range from sultry and seductive to heartfelt and introspective, rooted in real-world experiences that resonate across generations. Tracks like “River Road” and “Still North” (standouts from their setlist) showcase The Pucks' lyrical depth, weaving stories of longing, identity, and place into foot-tapping rhythms and tight three-part harmonies. The band’s ability to shift seamlessly from ballad to barn-burner speaks to both their technical prowess and emotional range—a testament to their cohesion as artists.

What ultimately sets The Pucks apart, however, is not just their sound, but the space they create for listeners. Their performances are communal experiences—equal parts concert and connection. Whether playing a small-town festival or a local theater, Murray, Lloyd, and Cindy radiate a presence that is at once intimate and electrifying. For any serious music journalist—or anyone paying attention—The Pucks aren’t just another Canadian folk-rock act. They are a phenomenon in the making, and if there’s any justice in the industry, they won’t remain a regional secret for long.

Dominic Fike is an alternative and indie singer, songwriter, rapper, and actor. He started releasing music years ago and has now grown into a very successful artist. Dominic has not only created successful hits for his own albums and EPs but has also been included in soundtracks and other albums. He has been featured on a Paul McCartney album and created music for multiple movie and tv show soundtracks including Euphoria, Spiderman: Across the Spiderverse, and the Barbie Movie. He also has done collaborations with artists such as Justin Bieber and Jennie of Blackpink.

Dominic Fike had a lot of dedicated fans, but his career really took off when he starred in the hit TV show Euphoria playing the character Elliot. He has become greatly successful since this role and the music he has created for the show. Dominic has played many big venues and festivals including Coachella.

Dominic Fike most recently released an album on August 22, 2025 titled Rocket. This album has already become very successful. It includes Dominic’s classic indie sound with incredible lyrics. It has 12 tracks with unique sounds from track to track. Dominic Fike continues to grow more successful and is becoming a mainstream alternative artist with strong indie roots.

Louis Tomlinson is an artist best known for his role in the worldwide boy band sensation One Direction from 2010-2016. However, his talent and dedication did not go dormant with the disbandment of One Direction. Louis kicked off his solo career in 2016, following the band's hiatus at the time. With hit singles such as Just Hold On with Steve Aoki and Miss You, Louis made a name for himself as more than just a member of One Direction, but also a successful solo artist. He went on to release his first solo album Walls in 2020, which debuted at number 9 on the U.S. Billboard 200, and peaked at number 4 on the UK Official Albums Chart and number 1 on the Official Scottish Albums Chart. This album skyrocketed his career and led to his first solo tour in 2020.

In 2022, Louis released his second solo album Faith in the Future. This album also was also a great success and charted at Number 1 on the UK Official Albums Chart and Number 5 on the U.S. Billboard 200. Following the release of this album, Louis continued to tour and achieve success.

Louis Tomlinson has exciting plans coming soon. He recently announced his new single Lemonade out September 30th. He also is hosting a music festival called The Away From Home Festival in New York October 4th and 5th. With all of the exciting things in the works, Louis shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. With his unique sound, incredible songwriting, and performance skills Louis Tomlinson has become a successful pop-rock star.