The indie-acoustic energy of the opening and consistently playing guitar part for this song fuses enjoyably with the R&B vibes embedded within the melody and the leading artist’s vocal performance. Regardless of genre, the song presents an undeniable level of genuine emotion and passion, and this is something that comes through quite powerfully with every instrumental moment – even the much bigger, EDM inspired sections. Again, the sense of influence here is hugely varied, but thankfully the essence of the song is repeatedly highlighted, and the leading performance seems genuine and so it drives the heart of the writing effectively over each and every musical segment.

Structurally the song is incredibly complex and interesting. Whenever you think you’ve got the hang of the build up, or you think you can predict where things will go next, the mix is switched up a notch or two and the whole things evolves in some other way. Whichever direction the music heads in though, it works, and the rising intensity highlighted by the music, the full on dance-like energy of the hook, is particularly well executed.

Listen to ‘Don’t Forget Me’ on Spotify

Production wise the whole thing is interesting and well put together. There’s a lot going on in a fairly short space of time, but all the while that underlying sentiment remains as the most prominent element. The soundscape is built upon in a clever and considerate way, unique yet professional, unpredictable yet making perfect sense once the scene settles in. The hook is fairly memorable as well but it’s this huge instrumental, synth-heavy section that is likely to be the thing listeners take away with them or return for at a later time. It’s pop music, or a summer dance anthem, with a characterful, emotional twist.

By Rebecca Cullen

Rebecca is a Musician and writer from Manchester, UK, with an MA in Song Writing

Interview: 

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

I grew up in a small village in Germany (Bavaria). I was in Austria a few years ago where I visited a concert by an EDM superstar. I was so overwhelmed by the show and the music that a trigger inside my brain said all of a sudden: „I want to do the same one day!“. That’s where it all began for me as an artist.

Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?

I can only give one tip: Work harder than anyone else! Don’t listen to naysayers, because it’s your life as an artist and not theirs. Use social media to connect with people and make your music unique. Influencers and radios will hear your music.

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?  

Sure. I mean, we’re all just humans and make mistakes. But that’s the beauty. That’s what makes a performance natural and proofs it’s not pre-recorded. Handle it cool, smile and fix the mistake. Take it as a lesson and learn it for the future.

Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?

Not at the moment. Many funny things happen on tour. 😉

Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?

No, I’m happy with what I’ve got right now. My setup consists of Ableton Live 9 (Studio), NI Komplete Kontrol S49, a pair of  Adam A5X and some analog synths.

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

Everything happens on social media nowadays. There is no such shortcut like uploading your song to a particular site and you have a hit record. (laughs) I rather put the time into connecting with people on social media. Having a keen artist-fan connection matters most to me and works best for me at the same time.

Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?

With The Weeknd at Madison Square Garden. I love his voice and his sense for melodic vocal top-lines! Madison Square Garden because it’s a legendary place and it’ll be a big honor to perform there.

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

I’m working on my second EP at the moment. It’ll be out next year (2018).

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

I would be a media designer. I love being creative, and it’s basically the same. The only difference is that you’re working with graphics instead of sounds.

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in the next year or so?

My next EP.

Exposed Vocals: Any Shout-outs?

Shout-out to my family and all my fans who always support me!