TBT: Kiiara – Gracie Abrams – Floyd – Jake Miller
TBT: Kiiara – Gracie Abrams – Floyd – Jake Miller
Words in part by: Natalina Zieman [Gracie Abrams | Jake Miller]
It’s Thursday yet again which means it’s time for another installment of Throwback Thursday. We’ve been sitting on some incredible releases that need to be highlighted. From fiery pop bangers to soft ballads overflowing with emotions – we’ve picked four artists that we definitely need to talk about. This week’s feature includes a pop songstress who releases a single with a lingering question we’ve all asked at one point, a rising star who’s debut single has accumulated over 5 million streams since its 2019 fall release, an electric artist who radiates nostalgic pop vibes and a singer who delivers an important message. With no time to waste, let’s get to it.
It’s no secret that this quarantine has left many of us feeling lost or overwhelmed – but with every dark cloud comes a silver lining. Quarantine has allowed many of us to slow down and take a breath – start a show we’ve been meaning to binge, pick up a new hobby or finally get the chance to tune into MTV’s Friday Livestream. Every Friday MTV goes live on their YouTube channel to chat with artists and take as many fan requests as humanly possible. Kiiara’s “I Still Do” embodies a very vital step in getting over a former partner – what the hell was I thinking and why do I still kind of miss you? Kiiara’s vocals glide over the synth-pop track as she begs the questions, “How did I ever love you? Nah, nah/Had me down on my knees, beggin’ you to stay/How did I ever trust you? Nah, nah…How did I ever love you? Tell me how come, how come I still do?” Since the track’s debut on July 17, Kiiara has released a stripped-down rendition that cuts deeper than the original. The original pop release plays as a power track meant to hype you up, while its stripped-down counterpart reads like the morning after – somber and raw.
Back in May, rising star, Gracie Abrams released her single “Long Sleeves” of her debut full-length record minor on June 16th. Written by both herself and producer Blake Slatkin, the song shines with her quietly powerful vocals and string accompaniment from instrumentalist Rob Moose. When speaking on the single, Abrams shares, “’Long Sleeves’ is the song I’ve been trying to write since I was 14. Finishing this one felt like I could actually breathe differently. I’d never really felt closure like that before.” In an interview with Pigeons & Planes, she noted that “If you have to force anything when you’re making a song, then it’s not worth it. I’ve thrown songs away because I felt like they didn’t happen naturally.” It became clear early on that Gracie would be a ‘one to watch’ when her debut single “Mean It” [that was only released just last fall] has already amassed over 5 million streams.
At the end of July, San Francisco-based alternative artist Floyd, released the official music video for her uplifting bop, “Shine”. This electric artist is something straight out of an ’80s feel-good rom/com. With an obvious influence of Cyndi Lauper and even U2, Floyd breaks down modern-day gloom with a beat that’s a welcomed blast from the past. “Shine” embodies all things bright and offers praise to the individuals in your life that make you feel better and encourage you to be a better person. Throughout the video, Floyd is seen dancing through a desolate city – full of abandoned businesses and empty storefronts – in a way, reminding us that even if times are tough, there are still things to be grateful for.
Back in May, critically acclaimed singer/songwriter/producer, Jake Miller released his passionate single “SAVED ME”. Inspired by Miller’s girlfriend who he says came into his life at a perfect time – the intimate, upbeat confession is paired with a lively dance groove, heightened with dreamy back-up vocals and production that feels like sunshine on your face after a dip in the pool. Miller’s vocals deftly project the emotional rage, singing, “I was down, I was down / now I’m all the way up / almost drowned pulled me out / right before I gave up / you saved me.” On the inspiration behind his new single, Miller shares, “’SAVED ME’ speaks volumes to where I’m at mentally in my life right now. The past few years weren’t easy for me, but this song is about that person who came along and pulled me out of a dark place. I feel like the old me again.” His approach adds a tactile touch and heartfelt honesty to soulful pop melodies augmented by trap drum beats and 808s.
