We Speak Music

ASH Delivers Masterful Debut Tune ‘Infatuated’

Published

4 months ago

July 30, 2024

ASH makes a remarkable debut with her single “Infatuated,” displaying her smart composition, production, and dramatic performing abilities. This song perfectly expresses the terrible human experience of falling in love with someone who isn’t truly the right fit for you. A strong bass groove serves as the single’s main structural element, while ominous harmonies and slick synthesisers come and go. Delicate rhythms propel the composition forward, while ASH’s entrancing melodic lines float over distorted guitar tones.

Speaking on the thematic narrative of ‘Infatuated’, ASH says, “Everyone remembers when they were young and eager to experience love for the first time, and I think everyone also remembers how consuming that innocent desire could be. ‘Infatuated’ comes from that unrelenting desire, but more specifically from the heart-wrenching experience of when your first partner is your first love, but you’re not theirs. For those who can relate to this, it’s a painfully different kind of first love — a kind in which you start experiencing your first love and first heartbreak pretty much simultaneously. ‘Infatuated’ captures how paralyzing that is.”

ASH’s smooth, intoxicating vocals meander through the song, creating a texture that perfectly complements her lyrical exploration of obsession, vulnerability, and despondence. This dynamic interplay between sound and meaning highlights ASH’s distinct creative intuition and her exceptional ability to illustrate emotion with sensitivity and vividness.

With ‘Infatuated’s debut, ASH shares a beautifully illuminating first track, setting the stage for her promising artistic journey. Speaking on the creative process of ‘Infatuated’, ASH shares, “‘Infatuated’ was the first real track I ever made while I was teaching myself how to produce, so I was really learning what my creative process was for the first time. I now know that every song’s process can be quite different for me, but the most constant thing has been that I need to sonically establish a mood first. For this song, it all began with that repeating bass line. It’s so simple but it immediately evoked such a powerful sinking, heavy feeling. From there it was just about leaning into that emotion in my writing and production until it formed its own world.”

ASH’s debut single is a testament to her ability to transform personal experiences into universal themes, resonating with listeners through both sound and story. ‘Infatuated’ not only marks the beginning of her musical career but also promises an exciting future for this talented artist.

We Speak Music

Kendra & The Bunnies Challenges the “Manic Pixie Dream Girl” Stereotype with New Single, “Manic Pixie Nightmare”

Published

25 mins ago

November 21, 2024

Philomena Marie

Kendra Muecke of Kendra & the Bunnies is back in the spotlight with her latest release, “Manic Pixie Nightmare,” a single that confronts and defies the traditional “manic pixie dream girl” (MPDG) trope. Known for her genre-blending sound that fuses rock, pop, and elements of folk, Kendra has built a reputation for delivering music with powerful messages of self-love and authenticity. With “Manic Pixie Nightmare,” she takes her message a step further, encouraging fans to embrace their individuality and break free from societal constraints.

The term “manic pixie dream girl” refers to a cinematic trope that presents quirky, free-spirited female characters as a muse for male protagonists. In her new single, however, Kendra reclaims this character as a figure who refuses to be boxed into anyone else’s narrative. Instead of living for others, Kendra’s “Manic Pixie Nightmare” character lives for herself. The track tackles complex themes of self-discovery, self-worth, and rejecting external expectations, reflecting Kendra’s evolving artistry and commitment to empowering messages.

The song combines catchy guitar riffs and a punchy beat with lyrics that are both rebellious and introspective. Kendra’s bold vocal performance gives life to lines that challenge listeners to live authentically, making “Manic Pixie Nightmare” both an anthem for personal freedom and a critique of narrow, limiting labels. As Kendra puts it, “Chasing love can lead to heartbreak, but finding yourself? That’s where the magic happens.” Her message has struck a chord with listeners, as early feedback shows fans responding strongly to the song’s empowering themes.

Adding a visual layer to the single, Kendra released a music video shot on the Los Angeles subway, specifically on the line running from North Hollywood to Hollywood Blvd. The video shows Kendra journeying through the subway with friends, symbolizing the process of self-discovery amid an ever-moving world. Set against the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, the video highlights her message of forging one’s own path and finding meaning outside of societal pressures. The subway scenes create a relatable setting that complements the song’s themes of independence and authenticity.

Kendra’s new single has already received positive feedback from music critics and fans alike, who appreciate her willingness to challenge conventional stereotypes while providing an upbeat and fun musical experience. With this release, Kendra is not only solidifying her presence in the indie music scene but also expanding her audience. “Manic Pixie Nightmare” has caught the attention of fans who are eager for music that speaks to personal empowerment and breaking free from limiting narratives.

Kendra Muecke continues to push the boundaries of indie rock-pop with “Manic Pixie Nightmare.” By taking on cultural archetypes and reframing them, she’s giving listeners a fresh perspective on self-identity and personal freedom. As she continues to create and evolve, fans can expect more music that doesn’t just entertain but also inspires critical thinking and self-reflection.