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Paper Citizen Releases New Single “Into The Wild,” An Indie Rock Anthem About Finding Hope In An Overwhelming World
Los Angeles-based indie rock project Paper Citizen, led by Singaporean multi-instrumentalist and producer Claire Gohst, announces the release of their powerful new single “Into The Wild.” Blending driving indie rock energy with shimmering electronic textures, the track explores the challenges of navigating a world that feels increasingly louder, faster, and more overwhelming than ever before.
“Into The Wild” captures the emotional tension between endless scrolling, overthinking, and the deeply human need to feel recognized, understood, and connected. Rather than portraying uncertainty as something to escape, Paper Citizen embraces the unknown as a place of transformation — where identities evolve, information never stops flowing, and hope can sometimes feel fragile.
At its core, “Into The Wild” is a song about resilience and forward movement. It reflects the quiet act of choosing to continue searching for meaning even when the path ahead remains unclear.
“The wild represents the chaos and uncertainty of modern life, but also the possibility of discovering something new within it,” shares Claire Gohst. “It’s about accepting that we may not always have the answers, but we can still keep moving forward.”
Paper Citizen is the creative vision of Claire Gohst, whose journey as an artist began in Singapore. At just 17 years old, Claire committed to pursuing music professionally, immersing herself in the local live music scene while performing violin and vocals with rock and folk bands in bars, clubs, and restaurants. Her passion for exploring sound eventually brought her to Boston, where she studied recording arts and jazz violin while absorbing the rich history and diverse influences of American music.
The combination of her global perspective, technical expertise, and deeply personal songwriting led to the creation of Paper Citizen — a project that bridges organic instrumentation with modern production while exploring themes of identity, connection, and belonging.
Paper Citizen introduced their sound with the 2016 debut EP “Postcards in Transit,” a collection reflecting the excitement and uncertainty of exploring unfamiliar places and new experiences. The following singles, including “Slow Motions” and “History,” continued to expand on the project’s emotional storytelling and atmospheric indie rock foundation.
The 2018 EP “Distraction” explored Claire’s early experiences in the United States, from navigating cultural differences and discovering new musical influences to experiencing love, heartbreak, loneliness, and the process of building a new home away from home. Inspired by early 2000s pop-rock, the release combined heartfelt lyrics, organic instrumentation, and lush arrangements while examining the complicated relationship between technology, isolation, and human connection.
Paper Citizen’s growing impact was recognized when the project was named Deli Magazine’s “New England Emerging Artist of the Month” in October 2016. Claire was also nominated for New Act of the Year at the 2017 New England Music Awards and 617 Sessions Artist of the Year at the 2018 Boston Music Awards.
The project’s third EP, “Wandering Ghost,” was created across the United States between 2018 and 2021 and released during the global pandemic. The record continued Paper Citizen’s exploration of personal growth, acceptance, and finding one’s place in an ever-changing world. Combining influences from early 2000s rock through contemporary alternative music, the EP reflected Claire’s ongoing journey between cultures, coastlines, and identities.
Now, Paper Citizen enters a new chapter with their highly anticipated debut full-length album, “Embers,” arriving Spring 2026. The album represents the project’s most focused and emotionally resonant work to date, blending cinematic production with intimate songwriting to explore endurance, reflection, and quiet renewal.
With layered instrumentation, evocative lyrics, and expansive sonic landscapes, “Embers” showcases Paper Citizen’s evolution while pushing their sound into bold new territory. The album continues Claire Gohst’s mission of creating music that connects personal experiences with universal emotions — reminding listeners that even in uncertain times, there is always a reason to keep searching, growing, and moving forward.
We Speak Music
Kat Orlando Releases New Ballroom Dance Single “BlackTie”
Detroit’s own Queen of Sax, Kat Orlando, follows up her highly danceable “Mean Daughter’s Wedding” with another gem!
“Black Tie”, the title track of the EP, is expertly crafted for the urban ballroom dance community, capturing the ele gance, rhythm, and sophistication that define the culture. Its smooth, soulful groove is complemented by a subtle yet infectious drive, creating the perfect tempo for dancers to effortlessly glide across the floor. Whether moving gracefully within a crowded ballroom or sharing an intimate moment as a couple, the song’s rhythm invites every step with confidence and style.
Lyrically, Kat tells a story of attraction and anticipation. The female protagonist is captivated by a distinguished gentleman wearing a black tie, his presence commanding attention from across the room. As their eyes meet, the music becomes the soundtrack to an unspoken connection, em bodying the romance, confidence, and timeless elegance that make urban ballroom dancing such a unique and memorable experience.
While Kat possesses a distinctive style and vocal identity all her own, this groove pays tasteful homage to the smooth, infectious R&B sound that defined an era. Listeners may catch echoes of classics such as “Too Close” by Next, along with other iconic tracks that blended irresistible rhythms with soulful melodies. Rather than imitating those influences, the song embraces their spirit while allowing Kat’s artistry to shine through with authenticity and freshness.
Once again, producer Gayle Brannan demonstrates an exceptional ear for pairing the right musical landscape with Kat’s natural gifts. By crafting a production that complements rather than competes with her voice, Brannan creates the per fect setting for Kat’s rich, soulful vocal delivery to take center stage. The result is a seamless fusion of contemporary soul and nostalgic R&B influences, showcasing Kat’s emotional depth, vocal versatility, and undeniable ability to connect with listeners through every lyric and melody.
Kat Orlando’s lifelong passion for music began at just four years old, inspired by the 45s her grandmother and aunt brought from their restaurant jukeboxes. Early influences ranged from the flute mastery of Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson to the vocal powerhouses Aretha Franklin and Diana Ross. She studied with Denver Jazz Bebop saxophonist George Keith, honing her craft and developing her unmistakable tone and phrasing. As a songwriter, she draws heavily from legends like Stevie Wonder and Prince, infusing her music with a mix of social consciousness, emotion, and irresistible groove.
On stage, she’s a dynamic force—switching effortlessly from lead vocals to sax, flute, and harmonica, all while moving with the rhythm and engaging audiences with every beat.
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