We Speak Indie Artist
juuku Joins Forces With Ryan Nealon On Captivating New Single “save u”
Electronic music producer juuku is joining forces with singer-songwriter Ryan Nealon on “save u,” a heart-shattering single pulled from the official ‘Lost In Dreams 2022’ festival compilation.
By keeping his identity hidden behind closed doors, the anonymous artist juuku has been able to shape a public persona that has effectively become much larger than its creator. The reason being that he’s not afraid to broadcast his own battle with depression, in turn becoming a source of respite for those also trudging through the treacherous waters of mental health. His debut appearance on Lost In Dreams Records is a prime example of the type of honest conversation he’s hoping to spark through his artform, leaning on Los Angeles-based indie pop phenom Ryan Nealon to narrate the inner monologue of a person advocating the importance of practicing self-love.
Embedded in words of wisdom, “save u” finds itself caught in the crossfire of a couple torn apart by codependency. Nealon croons over a pensive piano intro, as he attempts to disarm the loaded gun of a lover who would rather shift the blame than own up to the harsh reality that they might actually be the one in need of rescuing. As the captivating vocal delivery escalates from soft spoken to a full-on belt, juuku mirrors the intensity through cascading arpeggiations and thudding drum hits. Orchestral strings come in to help hammer home the suspense, leading back to the sobering realization that loving another person isn’t possible without loving oneself first and foremost.
When asked about the meaning behind his latest creation, juuku opens up and speaks earnestly: “‘save u’ is a letter to myself, on one of my darkest days of depression—feels like I’ve been going through that a lot these days. I wanted to paint a picture of how dark it’s gotten and how much weight I’ve been feeling lately. But I also wanted to remind myself how far I’ve gotten and that I’m the only one that can bring me out of this darkness.”
juuku’s new single “save u,” featuring Ryan Nealon, is available on all platforms via Lost In Dreams Records.
A song written during months of recovery from spinal surgery might be expected to sound a little heavy. jon scott’s “YOU ARE SO REAL” takes a different route.
The single came together while scott was bedbound and working through rehabilitation. It reflects the support he received from family, friends and others who reached out, as well as the happiness of returning to creative work. Yet the finished track is not weighed down by that story. It sounds like someone who has found a reason to put the kettle on, turn up the music and enjoy the day.
The retro-inspired production gives it a relaxed, classic feel, while the vocals keep things upbeat and joyful. The chorus is direct, and the instrumental section lets the song settle into its own rhythm.
That contrast is what makes the track interesting. The circumstances behind it are serious, but the song itself is about what makes life worth celebrating. It is not trying to turn recovery into a dramatic musical statement. Instead, it takes the support that helped scott through and gives it a joyous soundtrack.
“YOU ARE SO REAL” is a song about feeling better, but it gets there through a good mood rather than a heavy explanation. That is a refreshing way to approach a subject that could easily have gone in another direction. Have a listen for yourself below, courtesy of Now Listen.
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