For Catlea, a singer-songwriter from Cincinnati, music transcends mere passion; it serves as a vital lifeline. It is the motivation that gets them out of bed each morning and the anchor that gives purpose amidst the chaos of life. As a rising star in the pop genre with a diverse sonic range, Catlea creates songs that navigate the delicate balance between feelings of isolation and connection, seamlessly fusing indie-pop, rock, and EDM into rich, personal soundscapes. With 14 singles to their name, over 10 million streams, and more than a million video views on YouTube, Catlea has carved out a distinct voice within modern indie-pop. Their work encompasses not just sound, but storytelling, infused with genuine emotion and intricate production techniques.
On March 6th, 2025, Catlea introduced their newest single, “Why Them?”, a powerful anthem rooted in self-reliance, emotional strength, and personal empowerment. As the fifth installment from their praised concept album ‘Language Barrier’, this track further emphasizes Catlea’s talent for merging thoughtful lyricism with infectious, high-octane production. Centered around love, heartbreak, and self-exploration, the song delves into the frustration of committing to others while grappling with one’s own identity. A genre-crossing blend of indie-pop, rock, and R&B, “Why Them?” exemplifies Catlea’s unique style, integrating haunting melodies with energetic beats and meaningful lyrics. With its driving guitars, mesmerizing basslines, and sharp percussion, the track delivers an emotionally charged experience that resonates with listeners, whether they are navigating the fallout of a broken relationship or seeking clarity amid the complexities of love.
From the very first note, “Why Them?” establishes a captivating rhythmic foundation. The initial guitar riff and beat create a robust base, drawing listeners into the song’s vibrant core. Catlea’s vocal performance in the introductory verses is notably subdued, allowing the music to breathe while building a sense of anticipation. This gradual escalation is a brilliant production decision, echoing the emotional confusion and frustration found within the song. As it continues, the intensity ramps up, with more layers of synths, vocal harmonies, and percussion subtly enhancing the mix, culminating in a chorus that is both emotionally powerful and sonically addictive.
Lyrically, “Why Them?” takes listeners on a reflective exploration of self-doubt and awareness. The song’s main question; why invest love and energy into another person before fully comprehending oneself?, is one that resonates widely. The lyric “I don’t make good choices, I avoid them like the plague” capture the inner chaos of someone torn between the yearning for love and a sense of self awareness. The lyrics are presented in a conversational tone, giving the impression that Catlea is sharing their inner thoughts and struggles directly with the audience. This candidness is among the song’s standout features, transforming a profoundly personal journey into an experience that feels universally relatable.
The production on “Why Them?” strikes a remarkable balance between organic and electronic aspects, resulting in a raw yet refined sound. The bassline is particularly captivating, propelling the song forward, while the guitar elements contribute grit and depth. The percussive components are sharp and lively, generating a underlying groove that renders the track both danceable and emotionally engaging. At various points, glitchy electronic accents surface, introducing an unforeseen yet cohesive layer of intricacy to the arrangement. This careful layering of sound illustrates Catlea’s attentive approach to music production, ensuring every detail enhances the song’s overarching emotional narrative.
Vocally, Catlea delivers an enchanting performance that effortlessly transitions between moments of vulnerability and feelings of defiance. In the verses, her voice carries a sense of cool detachment, almost as if they are narrating their own emotional conflict from a distance. However, as the song builds toward its climax, their delivery becomes more urgent, more impassioned, more raw. This gradual intensification mirrors the song’s theme; the struggle of trying to maintain control while emotions inevitably take over. The way Catlea navigates these vocal dynamics is what makes “Why Them?” so compelling; it feels deeply personal yet undeniably anthemic.
Another standout aspect of “Why Them?” is its fluidity between genres, making it difficult to confine to a single musical category. While the song leans heavily into indie-pop, it also incorporates elements of rock and R&B, creating a genre-defying sound that is uniquely Catlea’s. The guitar-driven sections bring a gritty, alternative edge, while the smooth vocal delivery and rhythmic groove pull from contemporary R&B influences. This ability to blend multiple musical styles seamlessly is a testament to Catlea’s artistic versatility and their commitment to pushing sonic boundaries. The song’s themes of self-discovery and emotional autonomy make it a powerful addition to the ‘Language Barrier’ album, which as a whole explores the complexities of relationships, communication, and personal growth.
“Why Them?” would not be the masterpiece that it is without the talented team behind it. Catlea not only wrote the music and lyrics but also delivered a stunning vocal performance. On guitars and bass, Oscar Garcia-Bragado adds layers of depth and texture. The programming and synth work by Jason Boshoff provide the electronic elements that blend seamlessly with the organic instrumentation. Boshoff also handled the mix and mastering, ensuring that every sonic element was crisp, balanced, and impactful. Meanwhile, Drew Marcum (aka Dreweybear) served as the vocal sound engineer, capturing the nuances of Catlea’s voice with precision and clarity. Beyond the music itself, Catlea designed the cover art for the ‘Language Barrier’ album, while Infinity Focus Media provided the animation that visually complements the song’s themes.
With “Why Them?”, Catlea continues to prove why they are one of the most exciting voices in modern indie-pop. The song’s stirring lyrics, infectious production, and emotionally charged vocal delivery make it an essential listen for anyone who has ever questioned their own worth in the face of love and loss. Whether heard on a late-night drive, through headphones in solitude, or blasting from speakers in a crowded room, “Why Them?” is a song that lingers, that resonates, that demands to be felt. Catlea has crafted yet another masterpiece, and with each new release, they solidify their place as an artist with something deeply meaningful to say.
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Listen to “Why Them?” by Catlea, and many more in our Pop / Commercial playlist.
