We Speak Music

Enjoy The Ride On ‘Training Wheels’ by Callie Young

Published

2 months ago

January 20, 2025

With her new single “Training Wheels,” Callie Young delivers a sonic experience that feels as much like a cinematic journey as it does a heartfelt song. The Southwest Colorado native, now thriving in Nashville, masterfully blends her folk roots with indie pop’s ethereal textures, creating a sound that’s both timeless and contemporary.

The song’s lyrical concept—using a bike ride as a metaphor for the unpredictable ride of life—is elegantly simple yet profoundly effective. Callie’s imagery invites listeners to reflect on their own moments of instability and growth.

Instrumentally, “Training Wheels” feels like a wide-open landscape. Layers of acoustic guitar, subtle strings, and ambient synths ebb and flow like a film score, building an emotional resonance that matches the song’s introspective tone. The bridge, in particular, soars with its cascading melodies and dynamic rhythms, evoking the feeling of racing downhill with the wind in your hair.

Callie’s vocal delivery is equally cinematic. Her voice is tender yet commanding, drawing you into the heart of the song. She’s not just singing; she’s painting a vivid picture with every word, making it easy to lose yourself in the world she’s created.

“Training Wheels” is a beautifully crafted piece that showcases Callie Young’s ability to create music that’s both deeply personal and universally resonant. It’s a track that invites listeners to buckle up, let go, and enjoy the ride.

We Speak Music

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

Published

11 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.