Explore Our Latest Music Discoveries Of Talented Independent Artists.
Welcome to Discovery 10/10, where we highlight ten standout artists in every edition. Each feature includes a short, impactful review alongside the artist’s music, making it easy to dive right into the music. Whether you’re here to find fresh talent or just explore new sounds, Discovery 10/10 has you covered. Stay tuned for the latest picks.
Finn — Last Love Song:
Finn’s “Last Love Song” is a deeply reflective and emotionally absorbing composition that explores the enduring impact of love, memory, and the quiet strength required to embrace closure. The vocal performance is the defining force of the song, delivered with remarkable sincerity, emotional restraint, and heartfelt conviction that allows every lyric to connect naturally with the listener. Instead of overwhelming the narrative with excessive vocal embellishments, Finn adopts an intimate and conversational approach that makes each line feel genuine and lived-in. The recollections of youthful friendship, shared secrets, and the gradual transformation of an important relationship into a cherished memory create an emotional arc that is both relatable and profoundly moving. The song’s theme extends beyond heartbreak, focusing on the way meaningful relationships continue to shape a person’s identity long after they have ended. It presents healing as a gradual journey that acknowledges pain without allowing it to define the future. The repeated reflections on memories and unanswered questions reinforce the emotional complexity of letting go, while the declaration of this being the “Last Love Song” serves as a powerful symbol of acceptance rather than regret. The message encourages embracing the lessons left behind by love, honoring the significance of shared experiences, and finding the courage to move forward with a heart that remains open, resilient, and true despite the emotional scars of the past.
The instrumentation strengthens this emotional narrative by creating an expansive and immersive atmosphere that perfectly mirrors the song’s reflective nature. The production blends melodic pop sensibilities with indie-inspired textures, allowing airy synthesizers, soft guitar lines, and subtle rhythmic patterns to coexist in a beautifully balanced arrangement. The recurring pulsing synth motif acts as the emotional heartbeat of the composition, maintaining a steady momentum while reinforcing the persistence of the memories explored throughout the lyrics. Every instrumental element is given room to breathe within the clean and spacious mix, ensuring that the vocals remain the emotional focal point without sacrificing the richness of the overall soundscape. The generous use of reverb enhances the feeling of distance and nostalgia, making the listener feel as though they are revisiting treasured moments alongside the artist. This thoughtful production never competes with the storytelling; instead, it elevates it by creating an environment where every lyric carries greater emotional significance. The seamless integration of expressive vocals, meaningful songwriting, and polished instrumentation transforms “Last Love Song” into a compelling and memorable listening experience that resonates long after the final note, leaving behind a lasting impression of hope, healing, emotional maturity, and the beauty of finding peace with the past.
Desu Taem — Why Not Just Get A Cat?:
Having spent time with “Why Not Just Get A Cat?”, what stands out most is how masterfully it uses an unconventional title to draw attention before revealing a much deeper emotional narrative. The title itself becomes a powerful metaphor for choosing emotional safety over the uncertainty and vulnerability that accompany meaningful human relationships. Rather than functioning as a joke, it reflects the mindset of someone who has become emotionally worn down by disappointment, conflict, and the repeated challenges of maintaining authentic connections. Throughout the song, sarcasm serves as the primary storytelling tool, but beneath that sharp wit lies a profound sense of disillusionment, loneliness, and emotional self-preservation. The writing explores how people often retreat behind humor and cynicism when trust has been eroded, presenting emotional withdrawal as a response to accumulated frustration rather than simple indifference. This layered approach gives the song remarkable depth, allowing its commentary on modern relationships, emotional avoidance, and the fear of vulnerability to resonate long after it ends. The vocal delivery reinforces these themes with a gritty, expressive performance that balances confrontation, exhaustion, and irony with striking conviction. Every phrase carries emotional weight, transforming the sarcasm into something deeply human and ensuring that the message never loses its sincerity despite the song’s playful premise.
Beyond its thought-provoking message, “Why Not Just Get A Cat?” excels through a commanding musical arrangement that perfectly complements its emotional direction. The guitar work provides the song’s driving force, combining thick, distorted riffs with memorable melodic ideas that channel the energy of classic heavy metal, punk, and nu-metal into a cohesive sound. A strong, groove-oriented bassline anchors the composition, while the drums maintain a relentless rhythmic pulse that gives the track both power and momentum without overwhelming the other instruments. Every section flows naturally, with dynamic shifts that keep the arrangement engaging while preserving its intensity from beginning to end. The production further strengthens the experience by giving each instrument ample space within the mix, allowing the heaviness to remain impactful without sacrificing clarity or balance. This polished yet raw sonic approach highlights the band’s Savage Retro Rock identity, successfully blending vintage rock influences with a modern edge. Together, the instrumentation, production, and carefully constructed arrangement elevate “Why Not Just Get A Cat?” into a compelling musical statement, where every creative element works in harmony to amplify the song’s emotional depth and lasting impact.
Luke Bayne — Ain’t Doin’ No Good:
Luke Bayne delivers a deeply affecting performance on “Ain’t Doin’ No Good,” using a weathered and emotionally transparent vocal approach that immediately establishes the song’s sincerity. Every lyric is presented with conviction, allowing the weight of disappointment, perseverance, and self-reflection to resonate naturally. His voice captures the emotional transition from a time when life felt uncomplicated to a present marked by constant setbacks despite relentless effort, making the narrative feel intensely personal and universally relatable at the same time. The song’s central message confronts the painful reality that dedication and hard work do not always produce the desired outcome, yet it refuses to surrender to bitterness. Instead, Luke Bayne embraces accountability by acknowledging that his own choices shaped his journey, expressing acceptance without regret while continuing to face life’s challenges head-on. This emotional honesty gives the track remarkable depth, transforming it into more than a story about hardship; it becomes a reflection on resilience, personal growth, and the courage to keep moving forward even when progress feels impossible.
The recurring declaration that he is doing everything he can “but it ain’t doing no good” reinforces the emotional core of the song, making its themes of frustration, endurance, and self-awareness linger long after the final note. Beyond its compelling lyrical narrative, “Ain’t Doin’ No Good” is strengthened by an arrangement that perfectly complements its emotional direction. Warm acoustic guitars, tasteful electric guitar accents with subtle blues influences, a steady rhythmic foundation, and restrained percussion create an authentic contemporary country atmosphere rooted in heartland rock traditions. The production remains polished while preserving an intimate, close-mic quality that keeps Luke Bayne’s vocals at the forefront, allowing every emotional nuance to remain the focal point of the listening experience. Rather than overwhelming the storytelling, each instrumental element works with patience and precision, creating a balanced soundscape that enhances the song’s reflective mood. The combination of classic country songwriting, modern sonic clarity, and emotionally grounded performance demonstrates Luke Bayne’s ability to transform personal struggle into a compelling musical statement, making “Ain’t Doin’ No Good” a memorable showcase of heartfelt storytelling, authentic musicianship, and enduring emotional impact.
Desu Taem — Probably Wrong:
Desu Taem’s “Probably Wrong” stands out through the sheer intensity of its vocal performance, using the voice as the primary vehicle for communicating the song’s emotional conflict. The rapid movement between melodic, introspective passages and full-throated screams gives the performance a deliberately unstable character, capturing the feeling of a mind moving between moments of reflection and overwhelming frustration. The melodic sections expose the vulnerability beneath the aggression, while the harsher screams transform anxiety, guilt, self-doubt and emotional exhaustion into something immediate and visceral. This contrast makes the vocals feel like an internal argument unfolding in real time, with each shift in delivery intensifying the sense of psychological pressure. At the centre of the song is profound uncertainty and the exhausting cycle of questioning one’s own decisions, abilities and sense of self, with the repeated declaration that the protagonist is “Probably Wrong” becoming a powerful expression of debilitating self-doubt. Desu Taem turns overthinking into the song’s central emotional force, portraying a person trapped in a constant examination of their own thoughts and actions, where insecurity feeds frustration and frustration feeds further uncertainty. The screaming delivery gives that cycle an almost physical presence, communicating the panic of a mind that cannot slow down, while the introspective vocals reveal the emotional damage beneath the chaos. The song therefore carries a strong message about the destructive weight of insecurity and self-sabotage, presenting guilt and anxiety not as distant concepts but as consuming experiences that repeatedly undermine confidence. The vocal performance succeeds because it never separates the emotional message from the sound itself: every scream, melodic passage and dramatic change in intensity reinforces the feeling of being caught inside an overactive mind that cannot escape its own doubts.
Beyond the vocals and lyrical themes, “Probably Wrong” builds its psychological intensity through an aggressive fusion of alternative metal and punk-rock energy. Desu Taem establishes the track around heavy, fast-moving electric guitar riffs that provide a frantic foundation, creating the sensation of constant forward motion while reflecting the restless nature of overthinking. The guitars carry both weight and urgency, giving the song its gritty modern-metal character while retaining the rebellious immediacy associated with punk rock. The driving, syncopated drums push relentlessly beneath the riffs, adding another layer of tension and making the instrumental arrangement feel constantly in motion, while the thick distorted bass locks into the rhythm section and supplies the low-end weight needed to make the heavier passages feel powerful and immersive. The production embraces a raw, wall-of-sound quality without losing the punch and definition of the individual elements, allowing the guitars, bass, drums and vocals to combine into a dense sonic environment that feels deliberately claustrophobic. That density is essential to the song’s identity because the instrumentation does more than provide a backdrop for the vocals; it actively embodies the emotional turmoil at the centre of the performance. The frantic guitar work reflects racing thoughts, the relentless percussion reinforces anxiety and urgency, and the distorted low end gives the entire arrangement a threatening heaviness. Together, these elements create a turbulent atmosphere in which the music and message operate as one, making “Probably Wrong” a forceful portrayal of internal conflict, emotional exhaustion and the suffocating experience of constantly questioning whether every decision, thought and feeling is wrong.
Desu Taem — Ground Zero Girl:
“Ground Zero Girl” presents a gripping vocal performance that perfectly complements the song’s emotionally charged narrative without overshadowing it. The expressive delivery carries a sharp, commanding intensity that steadily builds suspense, allowing every phrase to deepen the sense of instability and emotional pressure at the heart of the track. Rather than relying on excess, the performance uses controlled urgency and dynamic phrasing to communicate the feeling of being pulled toward something that is both irresistible and destructive. The song explores the devastating consequences of becoming entangled in a relationship defined by chaos, manipulation, and emotional imbalance, portraying the gradual realization that some connections leave permanent scars rather than temporary wounds. Its message extends beyond the story of one individual, serving as a reflection on how destructive influences can quietly consume trust, confidence, and emotional security before their true impact becomes clear. The narrative examines the illusion of control, revealing how confidence can quickly give way to vulnerability when confronted by someone whose presence transforms stability into disorder. By presenting emotional destruction through powerful metaphor rather than direct explanation, the song creates a compelling cautionary tale about obsession, misplaced certainty, and the lasting consequences of ignoring warning signs until there is no path back.
Instrumentally, “Ground Zero Girl” establishes an identity that is every bit as distinctive as its subject matter, blending gritty alternative rock with a rhythmic bounce inspired by the cinematic character of vintage country storytelling. The distorted electric guitars provide an aggressive foundation, while the driving percussion maintains a relentless pulse that continuously pushes the song forward with confidence and momentum. Beneath this intensity lies an infectious groove that introduces an unexpected sense of movement, creating a fascinating contrast between the music’s energetic character and the darkness of its narrative. The production enhances this balance through spacious reverb, crisp transitions, and a carefully layered arrangement that allows every instrumental element to contribute to the atmosphere without competing for attention. This combination results in a sound that feels simultaneously theatrical, immersive, and emotionally volatile, reinforcing the song’s central themes at every turn. By pairing compelling musical textures with a story rooted in emotional collapse and irreversible consequences, “Ground Zero Girl” achieves a memorable balance between tension and excitement, creating an experience that remains engaging from beginning to end while leaving a lasting emotional impression.
Desu Taem — Grave Digger’s Afternoon Nap:
“Grave Digger’s Afternoon Nap” presents an emotionally absorbing experience through a vocal performance that is understated, hypnotic, and deeply expressive. The slow-burning, conversational cadence immediately establishes an intimate connection with the listener, while the soft melodic delivery and raw, slightly gritty undertones communicate a profound sense of physical and emotional exhaustion. Rather than depending on dramatic vocal peaks, the restrained, breathy approach creates the feeling of someone gradually surrendering to much-needed rest, making every phrase feel natural and sincere. This subtle delivery reshapes the song’s atmosphere, replacing the expected darkness of its setting with an overwhelming sense of stillness and comfort. Thematically, the track explores the fascinating intersection between mortality, labor, and human vulnerability, transforming a place commonly associated with grief into one of quiet refuge and reflection. It presents rest not as an act of escape, but as an essential human necessity, emphasizing that even those surrounded by reminders of life’s finality continue to seek moments of peace and emotional restoration. By placing its protagonist within such an unconventional environment, the song challenges conventional perspectives on fear, solitude, and death, ultimately revealing that comfort and tranquility can exist in places society often views with unease. Its message resonates on a universal level, illustrating how the burdens of daily life create an undeniable need for stillness, while reminding listeners that genuine peace is often discovered through acceptance, reflection, and the willingness to pause amid life’s constant demands.
Beyond its compelling narrative, “Grave Digger’s Afternoon Nap” is elevated by an instrumental arrangement that perfectly reinforces its emotional direction without ever overwhelming it. The melancholic finger-picked acoustic guitar establishes a reflective foundation, while sparse electric guitar swells drift gently through the mix, creating an almost dreamlike atmosphere that mirrors the protagonist’s gradual surrender to rest. A muted, slow-tempo drum pattern provides a steady pulse that grounds the composition, and the deep, resonant bassline adds warmth beneath the otherwise somber textures. The spacious, raw production embraces subtle reverb to create the impression of sound naturally echoing across an open landscape, resulting in a haunting yet remarkably comforting sonic environment. Every production choice contributes to the feeling of isolation without loneliness, allowing silence and space to become just as expressive as the instruments themselves. The minimalist approach gives each musical element room to breathe, strengthening the emotional weight of the story while maintaining an immersive cinematic quality. The cohesion between the atmospheric instrumentation, understated production, and reflective storytelling makes “Grave Digger’s Afternoon Nap” a beautifully crafted piece that captures exhaustion, acceptance, and serenity with remarkable elegance, leaving a lasting emotional impression through both its thoughtful composition and its deeply human perspective.
Aric Coyote — Empty Lands:
“Empty Lands” by Aric Coyote is driven by a deeply expressive vocal performance that carries the song’s emotional weight while exploring hardship, isolation, resilience and hope. Coyote’s lower, raspy opening delivery creates an intimate storytelling atmosphere, giving the performance a personal and unguarded quality. His voice captures the feeling of someone confronting difficult circumstances while refusing to surrender, balancing vulnerability with determination. The theme of “empty lands” becomes a powerful metaphor for periods of life marked by uncertainty, loneliness, disappointment and emotional barrenness. Rather than presenting emptiness as an ending, Coyote turns it into a landscape where endurance and inner strength can develop. The song’s message centers on refusing to lose purpose when life becomes difficult, emphasizing that painful seasons do not have to determine a person’s future. The imagery of valleys and barren fields strengthens this idea, presenting adversity as something that must be crossed rather than something that permanently defines the individual. As Coyote’s vocals gradually rise from restrained storytelling into a soaring, anthemic delivery, the performance mirrors that movement from vulnerability toward strength. His raspy texture keeps the message authentic, while the growing vocal intensity gives the song a wider emotional reach. Most importantly, “Empty Lands” does not ignore suffering or pretend that difficult experiences are easy; it acknowledges the darkness while placing greater emphasis on perseverance, hope, purpose and the courage to keep moving forward.
Musically, “Empty Lands” reinforces these ideas through a strong progression from intimate folk songwriting into expansive rock expression. The warm acoustic guitar creates an earthy foundation that leaves space for Coyote’s vocals and reflective storytelling, while the emerging electric guitars introduce greater energy and forward momentum. The rhythm section keeps that movement steady, giving the track a sense of progression that complements its message of perseverance. The soulful horns add warmth, depth and a subtle retro character, expanding the arrangement without taking attention away from the vocals. The production maintains an organic, live-band quality, allowing the instruments to breathe and preserving the authenticity of the performance. Coyote’s influences across folk, classic rock, new wave, punk and indie rock are reflected in the way acoustic textures coexist with gritty rock energy. Every layer contributes to the emotional journey: the acoustic foundation creates reflection, the electric guitars bring determination, the rhythm drives the song forward, and the fuller arrangement gives the performance an anthemic sense of strength. The result is a compelling folk-rock recording where Coyote’s distinctive vocals, thoughtful imagery, dynamic instrumentation and organic production work together to deliver a clear message about finding direction, resilience and meaning even when life feels barren and uncertain.
Reno K.O.Q — New Maroon:
“New Maroon” stands out through the force and conviction of Reno K.O.Q.’s vocal presence, with his raw East Coast-influenced delivery giving every line a sense of urgency and authority. His voice moves between rhythmic rap, sharp spoken-word phrasing, and passionate declaration, creating a performance that feels deliberately direct rather than polished for commercial appeal. The clarity of his delivery keeps the lyrical message at the center, while the intensity in his tone gives the song the character of a personal testimony transformed into a wider cultural statement. The title carries the weight of the Maroon legacy, connecting historical resistance and survival with the modern pursuit of autonomy, self-determination, and mental freedom. Reno K.O.Q. turns that foundation into a message about overcoming adversity from within, presenting resilience as an active choice and inner strength as an essential part of liberation. The song carries a strong sense of refusing limitation, confronting oppression, reclaiming personal power, and moving beyond circumstances that once held the individual back. That message becomes especially effective because Reno does not separate personal struggle from collective experience; his delivery makes the individual fight feel connected to a broader community and history. His uncompromising vocal approach gives the song the atmosphere of a declaration, with each phrase carrying purpose and each transition reinforcing the central idea that freedom begins with the refusal to surrender mentally or spiritually.
Musically, “New Maroon” reinforces that message through a stripped-back, gritty hip-hop foundation that leaves considerable space for Reno K.O.Q.’s voice to dominate the arrangement. The hard, crisp drum pattern provides the backbone, with the snapping snare and punchy kick establishing a firm boom-bap pulse that keeps the track tense and forward-moving. Sparse keyboard or synth chords and atmospheric textures introduce a darker, reflective dimension, preventing the production from becoming purely aggressive and giving the song room for contemplation alongside its confrontational energy. The dusty, underground character of the production works particularly well because it avoids excessive studio gloss and preserves the feeling of something immediate, human, and unfiltered. The combination of rhythmic percussion, restrained melodic material, atmospheric detail, and Reno’s forceful delivery creates a soundscape that feels built around the message rather than around unnecessary production spectacle. His reggae, dancehall, Afrobeats, and hip-hop influences also form an important part of the song’s identity, giving the track a broader cultural foundation while maintaining the gritty character associated with his Queens-rooted artistry. The result is a compelling fusion of voice, rhythm, atmosphere, history, and personal conviction, with the production providing the tension and space necessary for Reno K.O.Q.’s message of resilience, liberation, and self-determination to remain the defining force of the song.
Maija — Where Is the Love:
In “Where Is the Love,” Maija gives the song an intimate emotional depth through a vocal performance built on warmth, restraint, clarity, and expressive control. Her slightly husky, velvety vocal character gives every line a sense of lived-in vulnerability, while her measured phrasing allows the emotional questions within the lyric to land without being overstated. Rather than relying on excessive vocal ornamentation, she lets subtle changes in tone, breath, vibrato, and intensity carry the feeling, moving naturally between delicate softness and fuller, more resonant moments. That restraint makes the performance especially compelling because the voice remains close to the listener, creating the sensation of a deeply personal conversation about love that has become uncertain and fragile. The central question of “Where Is the Love” becomes more than a romantic complaint: it examines emotional distance, broken communication, neglect, vulnerability, and the human need for genuine connection. Maija’s delivery captures the pain of realizing that affection and commitment can disappear even when memories of them remain, giving the lyric a reflective sadness rather than an exaggerated sense of despair. Her interpretation also preserves the song’s underlying plea for tenderness, honesty, empathy, and emotional presence, making its message resonate beyond one relationship. The performance carries both melancholy and quiet resilience, allowing the listener to hear the loneliness within the question while also recognizing the desire for reconciliation and meaningful connection. This is where Maija’s strength as a jazz vocalist becomes particularly evident: she does not simply sing the words; she inhabits their emotional circumstances, giving each phrase enough space to communicate uncertainty, longing, disappointment, and hope. The result is a vocal performance that feels sophisticated yet deeply human, turning the song into an intimate examination of what happens when people stop giving one another the care and attention that love requires.
Musically, “Where Is the Love” transforms the celebrated Ralph MacDonald and William Salter composition, famously recorded by Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway, into an elegant vocal-jazz interpretation that fits naturally within Maija’s artistic world. The arrangement replaces the original soul context with a more spacious, sophisticated jazz atmosphere, using warm acoustic textures, understated rhythmic movement, and carefully placed horn colors to keep the focus firmly on Maija’s voice and the emotional narrative. The acoustic piano provides graceful harmonic movement beneath the vocal, while the resonant bass establishes a secure foundation and the restrained drums maintain an unobtrusive pulse that gives the performance its relaxed, late-night character. The horn writing is equally important, with laid-back punctuation and muted trumpet color adding emotional shading without competing with the singer; the arrangement’s restraint gives every instrumental contribution room to breathe. This approach reflects the qualities praised in contemporary coverage of Before We Lose Tomorrow, particularly the sophisticated horn arrangements and Maija’s ability to bring familiar popular material into a convincing jazz setting. Her interpretation also fits the broader character of the album, where jazz standards, Brazilian influences, and unexpected popular-song choices coexist within a cohesive musical identity. The production maintains an intimate sense of space, allowing the piano, bass, drums, horns, and vocals to interact without overcrowding the arrangement, while the polished recording preserves the atmosphere of a small jazz-club performance. Most importantly, the instrumentation serves the song rather than overwhelming it: every harmonic movement and instrumental accent reinforces the uncertainty and tenderness contained in Maija’s delivery. By combining the emotional directness of soul with the nuance, restraint, and harmonic sophistication of jazz, Maija creates a version that feels personal rather than imitative, preserving the song’s timeless question while giving it a distinctly intimate vocal-jazz identity.
Chris Darlak — Pride and Pain:
“Pride and Pain” by Chris Darlak stands as a deeply moving indie country song driven by a raw, emotionally charged vocal performance that carries the full weight of its story. Darlak’s voice delivers every emotion with remarkable honesty, balancing vulnerability, exhaustion, reflection, and determination in a way that makes the song feel like a personal confession rather than just a performance. His gritty vocal tone captures the experience of someone who has endured difficult seasons, faced personal challenges, and emerged with a stronger understanding of who they are. The emotional intensity in his delivery allows the listener to connect with the struggles behind the words, as every phrase carries the feeling of lessons learned through experience. At the heart of the song is a powerful exploration of resilience, personal accountability, and the process of turning hardship into strength. Darlak presents pain not as something that defines or defeats a person, but as something that shapes their character and contributes to their growth. The song reflects on the difficult choices, setbacks, and moments of adversity that leave lasting marks while emphasizing the importance of accepting those experiences as part of one’s identity. The message behind “Pride and Pain” centers on the idea that true confidence is built through perseverance, self-reflection, and the courage to keep moving forward despite life’s challenges. The contrast between pride and pain represents the two sides of personal transformation: the pain that comes from struggle and the pride that comes from surviving, learning, and becoming stronger. Through this theme, Darlak delivers a message about embracing the past, taking ownership of one’s journey, and recognizing that the hardest moments often create the strongest versions of ourselves.
The powerful sentiment behind lines about learning lessons the hard way and building a name through “pride and pain” reinforces the idea that identity is forged through experience, sacrifice, and determination. Beyond its emotional storytelling, “Pride and Pain” is elevated by its authentic country instrumentation and carefully balanced production that enhances the song’s reflective atmosphere. The warm acoustic guitar establishes a grounded foundation, creating an intimate and familiar country feel that allows the emotional weight of the lyrics to remain at the forefront. The subtle electric guitar elements and expressive steel guitar textures add depth to the arrangement, bringing a sense of traditional country influence while maintaining a modern Americana edge. The production embraces a natural and organic sound, avoiding unnecessary polish and allowing the sincerity of the performance to shine through. Each instrumental layer contributes to the song’s emotional landscape, creating a sound that feels both melancholic and uplifting as it moves between memories of hardship and moments of strength. The combination of heartfelt vocals, meaningful songwriting, and roots-driven instrumentation gives the track a timeless quality, capturing the feeling of reflection during a difficult journey while also celebrating the resilience found at the end of it. Chris Darlak creates a song that connects through honesty and emotional depth, using the balance of powerful storytelling and expressive musicianship to portray the complicated reality of growth, where struggles become lessons and pain becomes a source of pride.