We Speak Music

ION Shares New Single ‘Surface Tension’

Published

1 year ago

January 12, 2024

Emerging talent ION is the moniker of London-born Jon Sadiku, whose origins are in Kosovo. His music seeks to express in abstract ways the thoughts and feelings he has towards the world and himself, culminating in art that is lush in soundscape and sentimental in theme.

ION, an indie-trap artist, makes a comeback with his energetic song ‘Surface Tension’. The song is a lively offering that displays his range as a vocalist and lyricist whilst being surrounded by atmospheric synthesis, resulting in a beautifully frenetic listening experience that touches on themes of societal restriction.

Its concepts are further magnified in the music video, with his performance being inspired by the psychological profile of Joaquin Phoenix’ ‘The Joker (2019)’ to deliver an intense depiction of the mental constraint and instability created by society.

He keeps establishing himself as a rising star under the imaginative alias ION, driven as much by his innate inventiveness as by high production value and elaborate instrumentation.

On the song, ION says, “This is the first single from an EP that is immersed deeply in themes of insanity. ‘Surface Tension’ contributes to this as a frantic documentation of how one can feel ‘suffocated’ trying to live under the confines/control set by society, consequently being deemed as ‘going insane if we fail to adhere. The music video visually magnifies these concepts, using the imagery of a psychiatric ward as a raw mental representation of this ‘suffocation’ and ‘trapping’.”

ION spent a large amount of his upbringing in the Kosovan mountains, with this pure environment helping him develop his abstract way of thinking and creating material as an artist. His afflatus stems from this connection he has to the natural world, which is something that he is proud of and passionately honours not just through his music but also in his way of life. His current artists’ influences include the likes of JPEGMAFIA and HOMESHAKE.

We Speak Music

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

Published

16 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.