Picture this: you’re cruising down a neon-lit street, windows down, and a catchy dance-pop anthem blares through your speakers, making you feel like the main character in a coming-of-age movie. That’s the vibe Idarose delivers with her latest single, “Cool Around You.” This track is a sparkling blend of dance-pop, synthpop, and indie-pop goodness, and it’s no surprise it’s the second single from her upcoming mixtape. If you’re into songs that make you want to dance, cry, and text your crush all at once, this one’s for you. Let’s dive into why Idarose, aka Alexis Kesselman, is the artist you need on your radar.
A Sound That’s Bratty and Theatrical
“Cool Around You” is a sonic cocktail of shimmering synths, pulsing beats, and Idarose’s signature emotive vocals. The track feels like a love letter to the dancefloor, with a nod to the drama of a theater kid’s heart. Idarose describes her music as the “cross section between brat summer and a theater kid,” and you can hear it in every lyric and melody. The song’s infectious energy pulls you in, with production that’s polished yet raw, balancing pop accessibility with indie edge. It’s the kind of track that could soundtrack a rom-com montage or a late-night drive with your besties.
Lyrically, “Cool Around You” captures the fluttery, nervous energy of a crush—those moments where you’re trying to play it cool but your heart’s doing backflips. The melody is catchy enough to stick in your head after one listen, but it’s Idarose’s vocal delivery that seals the deal. There’s a vulnerability in her voice that makes the song feel personal, like she’s letting you in on a secret. The production, crisp and layered with synthpop flourishes, elevates the track into something you’d hear on a Charli XCX or The 1975 playlist. It’s no wonder her 2021 single “When I Don’t Have You” racked up over a million TikTok views—this woman knows how to craft a pop banger.
Who Is Idarose?
Hailing from South Florida, Alexis Kesselman—better known as Idarose—is a multi-hyphenate talent making waves in the music industry. A graduate of the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami and Berklee College of Music’s master’s program in New York, she’s got the chops to back up her ambition. Her journey started early, with a stint at the Johnny Mercer Songwriters Project at Northwestern University in 2016, and she’s been hustling ever since. Now splitting her time between New York and Los Angeles, Idarose is a singer, songwriter, and producer who’s as comfortable behind the scenes as she is in the spotlight.
Her resume is stacked. She co-wrote Joji’s multi-platinum hit “Glimpse of Us,” which hit number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and joined Spotify’s Billions Club with over a billion streams. She’s also penned and produced tracks for heavyweights like Brett Eldredge, Kelly Clarkson, Suki Waterhouse, and Grace VanderWaal. Most recently, she wrote and produced five of the six tracks on Smile 2: The Skye Riley EP, performed by Naomi Scott for the 2024 horror flick Smile 2. From pop anthems to cinematic soundtracks, Idarose’s versatility is her superpower. Her own discography, including singles like “Talk About Myself” (2018) and “Psychic” (2019), showcases her ability to blend genres while keeping things undeniably catchy.
Why “Cool Around You” Matters
In a music industry buzzing with pop releases, “Cool Around You” stands out for its authenticity. Idarose isn’t chasing trends—she’s setting them. The song taps into the current wave of synthpop revival, echoing artists like Dua Lipa and Carly Rae Jepsen, but with a theatrical flair that’s uniquely her own. It’s the perfect addition to playlists for summer nights or introspective moments, and it’s a tease of what’s to come from her mixtape. With her knack for storytelling and production prowess, Idarose is carving out a lane that’s both commercially appealing and artistically bold.
The timing couldn’t be better. Pop music in 2025 is all about blending nostalgia with forward-thinking production, and Idarose is riding that wave. Her work on Smile 2 shows she can craft songs that resonate in mainstream media, while “Cool Around You” proves she’s just as compelling as a solo artist. This single is a reminder that independent artists are pushing boundaries, and Idarose is leading the charge.
Get Your Music Out There
If you’re an artist inspired by Idarose’s hustle, it’s time to get your own music heard. Platforms like DistroKid make it easy to distribute your tracks to Spotify, Apple Music, and more, letting you focus on creating. Plus, you can save 7% on your membership with this link: DistroKid. It’s a small step that could lead to big opportunities, just like Idarose’s journey from South Florida to global streaming charts.
Final Thoughts
“Cool Around You” is more than a song—it’s a vibe, a mood, and a testament to Idarose’s talent as a songwriter and performer. Whether you’re a fan of dance-pop, synthpop, or just good music, this track deserves a spot on your playlist. What do you think of Idarose’s sound? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s chat about this rising star! And if you’re an artist, take a page from Idarose’s book—keep creating, keep pushing, and get your music out there with tools like DistroKid.
