We Speak Music

Elizma ‘Secrets’: A Battle Cry Against Normalization

Published

4 months ago

December 9, 2024

Elizma’s latest single, Secrets, is nothing short of a revelation—a gripping, fast-paced anthem with an emotionally profound core. The track’s intricate musicality draws listeners in, while its raw lyrics demand reflection. A testament to Elizma’s personal journey through addiction and recovery, Secrets unearths the hidden struggles of substance abuse and the cultural forces that perpetuate it. From the first beat to the final chorus, the song is both a deeply personal confession and a universal plea for change.

The artist’s honesty sets the tone, as she reveals the song was conceived during a pivotal moment in her life. Inspired by the Alcoholics Anonymous mantra, “Secrets keep me sick,” Elizma channels the shame and isolation that often plague those battling addiction. Her vocal delivery, layered with urgency and vulnerability, transforms the track into a vessel for catharsis. Paired with its intricate instrumentation, the song feels like an emotional storm—unpredictable yet perfectly cohesive.

Perhaps most impactful is how Secrets confronts cultural complacency around substance abuse. Elizma critiques the music industry’s normalization of drug use, a theme she navigates with unflinching conviction. She doesn’t just tell her story; she challenges others to rethink the narratives they amplify. Her background growing up in an environment where substance use was normalized adds depth to her critique, grounding her perspective in lived experience.

Musically, Secrets stands apart with its layered arrangement. The rapid percussion mirrors the frenetic chaos of addiction, while melodic breaks offer moments of clarity—mirroring the artist’s own journey from despair to self-discovery. It’s a track that demands your full attention, both for its sonic intricacy and its harrowing subject matter.

Elizma’s Secrets isn’t just a song—it’s a rallying cry. By blending gripping storytelling with compelling music, she’s created an anthem that transcends personal reflection, urging listeners to question their own complicity in harmful cultural norms. This is more than a track; it’s a call to action.

We Speak Music

Etherdene’s “Forsaker” Captures the Power of Letting Go

Published

8 hours ago

April 1, 2025

Philomena Marie

Etherdene’s ‘Forsaker’ is a revelation in both sound and sentiment. The track marks a new chapter in her career, blending the vulnerability of heartbreak with the resilience of moving on, all wrapped in an electrifying package of synth-pop and indie-pop. The result is a song that is both deeply personal and universally relatable, a cathartic journey that encourages listeners to let go and rise above their challenges.

At the heart of ‘Forsaker’ is Etherdene’s exploration of emotional struggle and the painful yet liberating act of letting go. Drawing from her own experiences with the end of a professional partnership, Etherdene’s lyrics are a raw and powerful expression of inner conflict. The line, “Brand new member in the club of quitters, the uniform compliments my eyes,” encapsulates the complex emotions of giving up, flipping the narrative on its head to reveal the strength in choosing to walk away.

‘Forsaker’ is a triumph. Etherdene’s decision to incorporate synth bass arps brings an air of 80s nostalgia while keeping the track fresh and forward-thinking. The electric guitar work from Cory Clark adds a layer of dynamism to the song, complementing its mood perfectly. However, it’s the drums – played by Warren van Wyk – that truly elevate the track, infusing it with energy and warmth that feels almost magical.

What sets ‘Forsaker’ apart is its empowering message. Etherdene isn’t merely recounting a painful experience; she’s showing us the strength that comes from letting go of something that no longer serves you. It’s a message of courage and self-love, encouraging listeners to prioritize their emotional well-being over the fear of walking away from something that seems promising but ultimately isn’t right.

‘Forsaker’ is yet another example of Etherdene’s impressive versatility as an artist. From her early days in the Afrikaans band Kaktus to her current solo career, she has continually pushed the boundaries of what indie-pop can be. With ‘Forsaker’, she’s taken an emotional experience and turned it into a musical triumph that’s as empowering as it is catchy. This track is bound to resonate with anyone who’s ever had to make the difficult decision to walk away – and Etherdene’s ability to capture that moment in song is nothing short of remarkable.