Samuel Lao

Los Angeles

Entertainment Journalist at Freelance

Editorial Assistant at Shondaland

storyteller

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shondaland.com

Articles

The 10 Best Albums of 2023

Dec 22, 2023 | shondaland.com | Samuel Lao

2023 has seemed to be the year of experimentation, heartbreak, vulnerability, and growth for many of our beloved musical artists. As the concept of the single-genre performer becomes more dated with each passing year, many artists stepped out of their comfort zones in 2023, offering a new sound to their audiences.
Plain White T’s Singer Tom Higgenson Says Group’s New Self-Titled Album “Was More About Claiming Our Identity”

Nov 17, 2023 | shondaland.com | Samuel Lao

Arguably one of the best-known pop-rock bands of the late 2000s, Plain White T’s have not let off the gas in their nearly three decades as a group. The band have released nine albums over the past 26 years, earned two Grammy nominations, and have a platinum single, “Hey There Delilah,” that hit No. 1 on the charts. Now, with the release of their ninth studio album, Plain White T’s, the group’s chemistry is unwavering, according to singer Tom Higgenson.
Spice Up Your Music Library With These 6 Artists

Oct 24, 2023 | shondaland.com | Samuel Lao

Whether we’d like to admit it or not, discovering new music is sometimes a challenge. Streaming services may suggest related artists and “Discover Weekly” playlists, but with the demand of our everyday lives and the lack of hours in a day, it’s only natural that we miss some potential new favorites throughout the year.
Icona Pop Want You to Feel Every Emotion With Their Third Studio Album, ‘Club Romantech’

Sep 8, 2023 | shondaland.com | Samuel Lao

When fans hear duo Icona Pop’s new album, Club Romantech, their first release since 2013’s This Is … Icona Pop, they’ll be filled with mixed emotions. The 15-track project, which features upbeat tempos, wistful lyrics, and joyous harmonies, will make some want to hit the club, while others may feel compelled to call an ex. That “crying in the club” energy is where the duo seem to thrive, and once again, the queens have proved why they own the pop genre.
Cementing Herself as a Dance Music Legend, Aluna Returns With Her Second Studio Album, ‘MYCELiUM’

Jul 5, 2023 | msn.com | Samuel Lao

What’s left when you’ve done it all? The answer for music industry veteran Aluna has been simple: continue pushing the culture forward. Having released tracks like “You Know You Like It” and “I’m In Control,” as part of the EDM duo AlunaGeorge, Aluna has continually pushed the boundaries of the dance music space, and her upcoming solo album release, MYCELiUM, is no different.