In the quiet yet creatively charged town of Strathmore, Canada, an artist was born, not in the conventional sense of fame or commercial ambition, but through a relentless pursuit of self-expression. Artificial Incline is more than just a musician; they are a storyteller, a sculptor of emotions, and an architect of sound. Their journey into music was never about external validation but an internal necessity, a way to process life’s complexities when words alone were not enough. The foundation of Artificial Incline’s artistry is built on raw experience. Their music is not manufactured for trends; it is the result of years spent navigating the unpredictable tides of human relationships.
2017 marked a defining chapter in their life, a time of emotional upheaval, love lost, trust broken, and lessons learned. Through the chaos of cheating, emotional and verbal abuse, music became a sanctuary, a place where pain could be reshaped into something meaningful. But even the most passionate flames can dim with time. The artist stepped away from music, tucking away the remnants of those emotional battles, old lyrics, videos, fragments of melodies until a fateful rediscovery in late 2024 reignited their creative fire. What began as nostalgia quickly evolved into something greater: a resurgence, a newfound purpose, and ultimately, the creation of Used to Be.
For Artificial Incline, music is not just a career or a pastime; it is a form of survival. They remind us that good things take time, a philosophy reflected in their journey. Each note, each lyric, is a testament to resilience, proving that even in the darkest moments, art can emerge as both a refuge and a revelation. Released on January 30, 2025, Used to Be is an excavation of the past, a deeply personal yet universally relatable chronicle of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. This project stands as a sonic time capsule, containing echoes of 2017’s emotional trials and tribulations, reframed through the lens of wisdom gained over time.
Recorded in late 2024, the album is a fusion of nostalgia and innovation. Artificial Incline unearths old lyrics and memories, breathing new life into them with modern production techniques. The result? A seamless marriage of raw human emotion and technological craftsmanship, where haunting piano melodies meet soaring synths, and where vulnerability is woven into every note. This album is about seeing the past from multiple perspectives, reliving it, analyzing it, and ultimately, making peace with it. Used to Be is not just an expression of what once was, but a reflection of how far we’ve come.
Used To Be Album Track List:
King Without A Crown:
King Without A Crown is a mesmerizing opening to Used To Be, a track that instantly establishes Artificial Incline’s ability to weave raw emotion with intricate musical craftsmanship. From the very first cascading piano melodies, the song exudes grace and purity, drawing the listener into a world of vulnerability and passion. Artificial Incline’s vocals arrive like a revelation, smooth yet intense, delicate yet commanding, perfectly intertwined with the gentle piano, creating an entrancing serenade. The track doesn’t merely unfold; it evolves. At the 0:33 mark, an electrifying shift begins, an explosion of sound where emotive synths collide with thunderous drums, cascading piano runs, and a subtle yet striking presence of strings. This moment of climax is both breathtaking and cathartic, lifting the song into an almost cinematic grandeur.
What makes King Without A Crown truly exceptional is its seamless alternation between calm intensity and sonic power. It’s a high-energy composition that doesn’t rely on groove or catchy hooks but instead flourishes through its sheer emotional depth and vibrant musical storytelling. The transitions feel organic, never jarring, as if the song breathes and flows like shimmering lights flickering in the dark. Artificial Incline masterfully balances the emotional weight of the song with its dynamic structure, crafting a piece that is not just heard but deeply felt. The track’s consistency in tone, despite its rhythmic and melodic shifts, showcases an artistic brilliance that is both transcendent and deeply personal, a testament to the album’s promise of musical and emotional depth.
Far Away:
Far Away is a celestial experience, a song that transcends mere sound and transforms into an emotional odyssey. From the very first moment, the track introduces a soothing vocal sample that feels almost divine, an ethereal symphony that floats with serenity and tranquility. This opening sets the stage for something profoundly intimate, as its interplay with a heartfelt piano melody immediately tugs at the soul. The way the sampled vocals weave into the fabric of the song is nothing short of breathtaking, lending it a timeless, almost sacred quality. Artificial Incline’s entrance is a moment of pure vulnerability; his voice, delicate yet brimming with emotion, carries the weight of solemnity and longing. There’s no pretense here, just raw, unfiltered passion that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant.
The song’s progression is a masterclass in delicate restraint and release. The vocal sample isn’t just a background element, it becomes part of the very rhythm, infusing the song with depth and richness. As the track reaches its climax, layers of emotive drumming, gentle percussive touches, and cascading synth melodies intertwine with the ever-present piano, creating a breathtaking tapestry of sound. It’s not about groove or danceable rhythms; rather, it’s about emotion in its purest form. The downtempo flow is exceptional, carrying a seamless balance of subtle melodic shifts and powerful climaxes that make Far Away a true work of art. Artificial Incline has crafted something rare here, a song that doesn’t just sound beautiful but feels beautiful, leaving an imprint on the heart long after the last note fades.
Used to Be reflects experiences that numerous listeners can connect with. Whether it’s the agony of betrayal, the ache of remorse, or the poignant journey of letting go, Artificial Incline has developed a work that appears profoundly personal yet resonates with everyone. The album resonates with individuals who have experienced love and loss, those who have worked to reconstruct their lives, and those who seek comfort in music as a source of recovery. It serves as a reminder that although the past is unchangeable, it can still be comprehended, and often, the most effective way to confront it is through artistic expression.
Used to Be is a beautifully made album that excels in its emotional sincerity and musical depth. Artificial Incline’s talent for merging storytelling with elaborate production renders this a must-hear for those who value music that transcends mere surface-level enjoyment. This album is ideal for those who enjoy profoundly reflective music; admirers of artists such as Bon Iver, James Blake, or Frank Ocean will discover something unique here. This project is ideally enjoyed alone, with headphones in place, letting the music completely surround the listener.
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Listen to Used To Be by Artificial Incline and many more on our Pop/Commercial Playlist.