We Speak Music
Zëta Ræ Unleashes New Single ‘Obvious’
Zëta Ræ’s latest single “Obvious” finds Hannah Schmeling stepping into her pop power suit with unapologetic flair. Recorded for the first time in a professional studio at Berklee, the track marks a pivotal moment for Schmeling, bringing her alt-pop vision into sharp, shimmering focus.
From the opening beat, “Obvious” is infectious: Schmeling’s vocals carry both playfulness and self-assurance, riding atop glimmering synths, crisp production, and a tight rhythm section from co-writer Ryan Adams and bassist Max Troppe. The song’s energy is immediate, its mood flirtatious yet assertive, capturing the exhilaration of being confident in your own skin.
What’s compelling about Zëta Ræ is her ability to balance ambition with authenticity. While “Obvious” nods toward contemporary pop heavyweights like Ariana Grande and Dua Lipa, Schmeling’s idiosyncratic charm ensures it never feels derivative. This is a statement track — fun, fearless, and very much the sound of a rising artist staking her claim.
What happens when a guitarist decides to write the most brazen rock song he can think of? In Pembroke Tenneson’s case, the answer is “Sex Appeal”.
The title says plenty, but the song goes considerably further. Tenneson throws himself into a world of self-praise and outrageous confidence, with one boast following another. It is cheeky stuff, but there is a real affection for the music behind the joke.
Tenneson has talked about his love of the early-1970s rock sound that inspired the track, and that comes across in the attitude of the performance. He is not trying to make the song subtle. He wants the guitars, vocals and lyrics to have some swagger.
The best thing about “Sex Appeal” is that the humour never takes over completely. There is a brilliant rock song underneath all the showing off, and Tenneson clearly cares about making it sound authentic as well as making people smile.
That makes this an appealing introduction to his forthcoming material. “Sex Appeal” is the first of 14 original songs he has been developing, so there is plenty more on the way to look forward to.
For now, though, Tenneson has picked an entertaining way to reintroduce himself as an artist. “Sex Appeal” has attitude, a catchy refrain and enough cheek to make it stand out. Stream below (via Now Listen):
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