For Carter Benjamin, “Take Your Sweet Time” isn’t just a song title; it’s a mantra. One that’s guided every setback, pivot, and breakthrough along the way.

Benjamin grew up immersed in music, whether in church pews or on car rides with his “music head” dad, blasting everything from Christian hardcore metal to Christian hip-hop and punk. When YouTube began expanding access to artists across genres, Benjamin’s world widened with it, revealing just how limitless music could be.

He entered college intent on earning a degree in music, but after struggling through three years, he pivoted to organizational leadership. The decision felt less like a strategy and more like a surrender. Defeated, he moved back in with his grandmother, unsure of what came next. Then, a seemingly ordinary trip to the store for a loaf of bread became an inflection point, a quiet but defining reminder that there’s power in breaking the mold rather than forcing yourself to fit inside one.

After a lifetime passion for music and a revived belief in himself, taking his sweet time finally paid off. On his third application to the Salt Lick Incubator, he was selected by an esteemed panel of Grammy-winning artists, earning a spot on the roster and access to grants, mentorship, and a creative community poised to help propel him forward.

On the latest episode of The Juice Box Sessions, Benjamin opened up about being part of the Salt Lick Incubator, the creative process behind “Take Your Sweet Time,” and his advice for other independent artists.

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If your New Year’s resolution includes setting boundaries, Mae Stephens has written your new alt-pop anthem, “Done With U.”

The defiant track marks a bold reintroduction to the Gold-certified British songstress, who first captured global attention with her breakout hit “If We Ever Broke Up.” Now 22, Stephens continues to write candidly from personal experience, unafraid to tell it exactly how it is.

The single arrives alongside an equally unapologetic—and cheeky—music video directed by Willow Hazell. Set within a satirical talent-show format, the visual finds Stephens confronted by contestants pushing their luck for her attention, with little success.

On the latest episode of Juice Box Sessions, we sat down with Stephens to discuss collaborating with Billen Ted (Becky Hill, Joel Corry, Wes Nelson), her advice on protecting your peace, and what’s next in this exciting new era.

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After infiltrating our feeds with “Ever After,” MICO is back with another earworm, “Parasite.”Teaming up with Haiden Henderson, MICO delivers a track about the emotional toll of a one-sided, all-consuming relationship. The string-laden production is a perfect host for the sinisterly good lyrics.On our latest podcast, we caught up with MICO on his "internet hometown hero" tour to chat about his new music, life on the road, and the the importance of building community.

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