Credit: matt gaillet
myah, a new musician from South Florida, has been gaining attention in the music industry for her distinctive mix of alternative rock, pop, and pop-punk. Residing in Los Angeles, she finds inspiration from influential bands such as Arctic Monkeys, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Modest Mouse, Sylvan Esso, and Twenty-One Pilots, resulting in a diverse and refreshing sound. She is frequently compared to an “emo Taylor Swift” in her music, blending emotional depth with gentle, female pop vocals. This mix of alternative and mainstream styles offers a distinctive sound that resonates with a wide range of listeners. Aside from her musical ventures, myah enjoys skating through the city and indulging in croissants, maintaining a laid-back and authentic persona, which is reflected in her lowercase stylization of her name and songs. Her storytelling ability, rooted in personal experiences and infused with feelings of longing, is a core element of her artistic identity.
“familiar”, released on August 23rd, 2024, stands as an exemplary piece of myah’s musical artistry, offering a complex fusion of pop and alternative rock with deep emotional undertones. The track encapsulates a balance between delicate vocals and layered instrumentation, drawing on myah’s diverse musical influences. Once the song starts, it immerses the audience in a realm of yearning and self-reflection, while still being firmly grounded in appealing pop elements. The song shows myah’s skill in blending the emotional depth of pop-punk with the gentleness of indie pop, a fine balance which she handles accurately. This fusion of styles creates the foundation for a lyrical and musically diverse experience, filled with surprising twists and climaxes that showcase her unique artistic expression.
The song begins with a leisurely, nearly sorrowful tune that quickly establishes a mood of contemplative self-examination. From the first few seconds, listeners are drawn into a dreamy soundscape that feels both intimate and expansive, as if peering into a quiet personal moment of myah’s life. Her voice enters at the 11-second mark, soft but resonant, adding an emotional depth that enhances the instrumental simplicity of the beginning. The vocals, like a gentle breeze, complement the tranquil music, creating a serene and relaxed atmosphere. It’s this opening that allows “familiar” to draw in listeners effortlessly, offering them an invitation to delve into the emotional layers that unfold throughout the song. myah’s lyrical storytelling shines here, as her vocal delivery subtly hints at personal experiences, emotions, and memories.
At around the 29-second mark, a subtle but effective shift occurs. The introduction of a gentle beat underneath the melody adds a newfound energy to the song, transforming it from a delicate ballad into something more dynamic without losing the soft, reflective tone established in the opening. This is where myah demonstrates her mastery of pacing and mood, as the beat infuses the track with vitality, hinting at an impending build-up that feels both natural and exciting. The layering of this beat beneath the soft melody adds complexity to the track’s soundscape, lifting it just enough to keep the listener engaged without overwhelming the delicate balance she’s created. The subtle percussion complements her voice rather than competing with it, allowing the song to breathe while maintaining a steady undercurrent of anticipation.
The true turning point of “familiar” arrives at the 1:05 mark, where the energy and intensity of the track take a dramatic leap. myah’s voice, which had been tender and restrained up to this point, breaks free, soaring with newfound power and emotion. This change in singing is paired with a sudden increase in musical accompaniment, as the gentle melody and subtle rhythm are replaced by a stronger and more immediate sound. It’s an exciting moment of juxtaposition that highlights myah’s diversity, not only in terms of her vocals but also her songwriting abilities. The arrangement of the song, that progresses and relieves tension, creates opportunities for authentic and deserved emotional release. This shift in the song is a standout moment, surprising listeners and bringing a burst of exciting energy.
The heightened vocals and powerful music in this part of the song evokes a strong feeling of liberation, as if emotions that were bottled up are now able to burst out. myah’s voice, filled with newfound strength and clarity, expresses a strong longing and intense emotion. This moment in “familiar” is when the emotional heart of the song is most evident, pulling listeners into a deeper, more physical connection with the music. myah’s skill in creating songs is a demonstration of her ability to make music that is both engaging to listen to and deeply emotional. This change in dynamics makes the track feel unpredictable, with varying levels of intensity that keep listeners engaged and on edge.
The composition’s ups and downs reflect the fluctuating emotions delved into by the song’s lyrics. Deciding to arrange the song in this manner introduces an element of surprise that captivates the audience, as they cannot anticipate when the next burst of energy will come. When “familiar” finishes, it creates a strong impact that remains even after the music ends. The combination of myah’s singing and the musical accompaniment results in a complex and rich auditory experience that encourages multiple listens. Each time you listen, you may find something fresh, like a small change in the music or a different emotional tone in her singing. The song’s combination of mainstream appeal and a rebellious touch makes it appealing to a broad range of listeners. Its emotional complexity guarantees that it will have a lasting effect on individuals who relate to its themes of yearning and memories.
In the end, “familiar” is more than just a song; it is an experience that guides listeners through various emotions, complex music, and sincere lyrics. It’s a song that encapsulates the core of change, whether in terms of its seasonal focus or its emotional journey. myah’s skill in blending these components into a unified and captivating musical composition showcases her expertise in songwriting and performing. With her latest song “familiar,” she not only displays her distinctive style but also pushes the limits of what can be achieved in pop and alternative music. Transitioning from summer to fall, listeners find solace in the song “familiar,” which evokes feelings of comfort, nostalgia, and encourages contemplation and emotional catharsis.
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