Highet is a unique father-son songwriting and production duo based in Vancouver, Canada, consisting of Nikolas and Thomas Erl. Their collaboration is deeply rooted in a shared musical vision and a familial bond, bringing a rare authenticity to their compositions. The duo’s name, derived from “Highet Creek” in the northern Yukon, carries the weight of ancestral history, referencing decades of placer mining in the region. This connection to the past seems to permeate their music, grounding their contemporary sound in stories, reflection, and craftsmanship. Highet’s work is 100% original, with no AI involvement, and it draws inspiration from guitar-driven classics like Dire Straits, The Church, and Crowded House, combining melodic sensibility with thoughtful arrangements. The duo’s commitment to producing emotionally resonant music, recorded with professional session musicians in Vancouver, positions them as a notable presence in today’s indie and soft-rock landscapes.
“Time Is What I’m Wasting,” released on 13th November 2025, immediately establishes itself as a contemplative and immersive musical experience, setting a tone that is calm, reflective, and emotionally resonant. From the opening guitar notes, the song envelops the listener in a trance-like rhythm that feels simultaneously intimate and expansive, inviting a deep sense of patience and introspection. Unlike Highet’s previous high-energy work, this track embraces a slow, deliberate pacing, allowing every chord, harmonic shift, and instrumental nuance to breathe fully and contribute to the song’s meditative atmosphere. The composition draws the listener into the central theme of patiently awaiting meaningful connection, capturing the tension and subtle emotional complexity inherent in such experiences. The title itself immediately conveys the nuanced idea of emotional investment intertwined with the passage of time, framing the listening experience as both reflective and subtly poignant. The layering of sounds, particularly the interplay between the guitar lines and soft ambient elements, ensures that the song maintains a delicate balance between sonic clarity and emotional depth throughout its duration.
The instrumentation in “Time Is What I’m Wasting” is meticulously layered and thoughtfully arranged to create a textured, immersive environment that feels rich and multidimensional. Clean guitar picking intertwines with warm chord strumming to form a harmonic backbone that carries the song’s reflective mood. Subtle keyboard textures add an ambient glow that supports the emotional narrative without ever overshadowing the organic guitar elements. The mandolin, delicately woven into the arrangement, introduces a folk-like shimmer that heightens the song’s emotional resonance, especially in moments where the lyrical message of quiet longing is most pronounced. The restrained drumming and percussion provide a gentle momentum that guides the song forward while maintaining the meditative, chill vibe. Each instrumental element interacts seamlessly with the others, producing a cohesive soundscape that is both introspective and sonically satisfying. The track’s meticulous attention to instrumental detail ensures that listeners can continually discover new layers and subtleties with repeated listens, making it an enduring and engaging piece.
Vocally, the song is characterized by understated expressiveness that captures the emotional nuance of waiting and introspection without tipping into melodrama. The lead vocals are soothing yet deeply emotional, projecting a sense of sincerity and quiet longing that perfectly aligns with the lyrical theme. The harmonizing background vocals add additional depth and dimension, providing an ethereal quality that enhances the song’s reflective mood. The emotional restraint in the vocal delivery allows the listener to engage personally with the song, inviting contemplation and self-reflection rather than dictating sentiment. Each phrase and vocal inflection is carefully considered, with subtle variations in tone and dynamics conveying layers of emotion. The vocal performance serves as the song’s emotional anchor, guiding the listener through the nuanced balance between hope, patience, and the quiet tension of waiting for meaningful connection.
Lyrically, “Time Is What I’m Wasting” presents a narrative that is both simple in phrasing and profound in emotional resonance. The song explores the complexity of anticipating connection and the vulnerability inherent in investing emotionally without immediate reciprocity. Its words reflect patience, hope, and quiet reflection, framed in a way that allows listeners to relate their own experiences to the music naturally. The lyrics avoid overt sentimentality or clichés, instead offering subtle observations and personal truths that feel authentic and grounded. This restraint in lyricism complements the track’s chill and meditative atmosphere, ensuring that each listener can engage with the narrative on a personal level. The balance between lyrical clarity and poetic subtlety makes the song an emotionally intelligent reflection on human longing, positioning it as a piece that resonates deeply without ever feeling forced or formulaic.
Production on “Time Is What I’m Wasting” demonstrates careful attention to sonic clarity, spatial awareness, and emotional impact. Each instrument occupies a distinct place in the mix, resulting in a sound that feels open, balanced, and meticulously crafted. The use of reverb and delay is subtle yet effective, enhancing the atmospheric quality of the track while preserving the intimacy of the guitar and vocal layers. The warm, polished production accentuates the song’s organic feel, emphasizing musical authenticity and clarity over synthetic embellishment. Vocals remain prominent without overpowering the instrumentation, and the overall sonic environment supports the reflective mood of the song, allowing the listener to fully inhabit its emotional and musical textures. The production choices reflect a careful understanding of how to balance technical precision with emotional resonance, resulting in a track that is both polished and deeply human.
The song’s instrumental layers also serve to highlight dynamic contrasts that keep the listener engaged throughout. Moments of minimalism, where the guitar is allowed to breathe and the vocals take center stage, are contrasted with richer harmonic sections. These dynamic shifts create a sense of ebb and flow, mimicking the emotional undulations of waiting, longing, and reflection. The careful modulation of intensity, texture, and sonic space ensures that the song maintains a compelling narrative momentum without relying on traditional rock climaxes or dramatic bursts. Instead, the emotional weight is conveyed through subtle shifts in instrumentation, tone, and layering, providing a sophisticated and nuanced listening experience that rewards careful attention.
Genre-wise, “Time Is What I’m Wasting” has broad appeal, effortlessly bridging indie pop, downtempo, chillwave, and acoustic-electronic crossover sensibilities. Its chill, contemplative mood makes it ideal for reflective playlists and relaxed listening environments, while its melodic sophistication, layered instrumentation, and harmonic depth make it a compelling listen for audiences who appreciate contemporary soft-rock and intricately produced acoustic music. The song’s versatility and crossover appeal reflect Highet’s ability to craft music that is simultaneously accessible, emotionally resonant, and musically intelligent. It can function as both a personal, introspective track and a broader playlist highlight, demonstrating the duo’s skill in creating music that resonates across multiple contexts.
Time Is What I’m Wasting Is A Chill, Reflective Ballad Where Layered Guitars, Soothing Vocals, And Subtle Instrumentation Capture The Quiet Patience And Emotional Depth Of Awaiting Meaningful Connection
Ultimately, “Time Is What I’m Wasting” stands as a masterful example of contemplative, guitar-driven songwriting that merges musical sophistication with emotional honesty. Its carefully crafted guitar layers, harmonizing instrumentation, subtle vocal expressions, and reflective lyrics create a richly textured and immersive listening experience. The track invites repeated exploration, revealing new details in its instrumentation and emotional narrative with each listen. It succeeds not only as a chill and relaxing ballad but as a deeply human musical statement about patience, longing, and the quiet complexity of waiting for connection. Released on 13th November 2025, the song cements Highet’s place as a duo capable of producing reflective, emotionally intelligent music that resonates profoundly with listeners while maintaining a refined and authentic sonic identity.
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