Rooftop Screamers is an innovative musical project fueled by the visionary artistry of Mike Collins. Based in Portland, United States, Rooftop Screamers is less about fitting into a specific genre and more about breaking boundaries to create emotionally charged music that resonates on a deeply personal level. At its core, it’s a dynamic, genre-defying collective known for its ability to tackle complex themes through powerful lyrics, dynamic production, and captivating collaborations.

Mike Collins, the creative mind of Rooftop Screamers, is not only a songwriter, he’s a storyteller who conveys genuine feelings and personal experiences through his music. His songwriting examines the complexities of the human experience, investigating themes of self-exploration, emotional freedom, and the challenges we frequently encounter beneath the surface. With Rooftop Screamers, Collins has developed a distinctive sound that merges synth-infused rock with rich atmospheres, creating soundscapes that are intellectually stimulating and sonically enveloping.

What distinguishes Rooftop Screamers is its spirit of collaboration. Instead of being limited to a conventional band setup, it flourishes as a studio initiative, uniting a diverse array of skilled musicians and producers to enrich the emotional intensity of every track. This method enables the music to develop naturally, with every contributor infusing their distinct style while remaining faithful to Collins’ creative intent.

On January 24, 2025, Rooftop Screamers released their exhilarating new single, My Sanity, an impactful, synth-based rock anthem that explores the emotional struggles of gaslighting and the brave path of escaping a harmful relationship. Showcasing the poignant and stirring vocals of Randy McStine, celebrated for his contributions to progressive rock icons Porcupine Tree, My Sanity is a candid and reflective journey of regaining self-esteem and breaking free from the controlling forces of the past. The song’s rich atmosphere is enhanced by the expert production of Mark Plati, whose renowned career features collaborations with legends such as David Bowie, The Cure, and Robbie Williams.

From the very first note, My Sanity by Rooftop Screamers featuring Randy McStine grips you with a raw, emotive energy. The track kicks off with an immersive atmospheric blend of electronic synths and crisp, propulsive stringed percussion that sets the tone for an edgy yet introspective journey. It’s clear right from the start that the song is crafted for both emotional depth and sonic exploration, weaving together electronic textures and organic instruments in a way that keeps you engaged. The subtle buildup of sound, from light arpeggiated synths to the more full-bodied sections, builds anticipation and hints at the complexity of the track ahead. This seamless progression draws the listener in, creating an early sense of curiosity about the direction the song will take.

As My Sanity unfolds, its musicality takes center stage with a skillful combination of rock and indie electronic elements. The track’s foundation rests on a solid rhythm section that gives the song its pulse, while vibrant, shimmering synths color the edges, adding a futuristic vibe that contrasts the raw emotion embedded in the song’s lyrics. The way the song shifts between sections is particularly noteworthy—there’s a smooth transition from the minimal, haunting intro to the more expansive and powerful chorus. This movement between intimate verses and anthemic choruses creates a dynamic ebb and flow, allowing the emotional intensity to rise organically. The arrangement shows a clear intent to keep the listener on their toes, with subtle drops and layers that maintain freshness even as the track progresses.

Randy McStine’s vocal delivery is one of the standout aspects of My Sanity. His voice, with its rich texture and emotional depth, perfectly complements the song’s thematic exploration of self-doubt and emotional struggle. From the initial, almost haunting phrasing of the opening lines, McStine conveys vulnerability, pulling listeners into the story. However, as the track moves toward its powerful crescendos, his delivery evolves, becoming more forceful and commanding, reflecting the empowerment and defiance that rises within the lyrics. McStine’s ability to convey both fragility and strength through his voice enhances the song’s emotional layers, making each word feel purposeful and poignant. His interplay with the instrumentation amplifies the song’s emotional arc, with his voice often becoming the centerpiece in moments of heightened intensity.

In terms of instrumentation, My Sanity employs a thoughtfully balanced combination of organic and synthetic sounds to create a unified, textured ambiance. The drums are crisp and impactful, propelling the song ahead with a contagious rhythm that maintains high energy, while the synths offer a glimmering background that enhances texture and depth. There is also a clear interaction between the electric guitar and keyboard, which forms a vibrant sound tapestry that increases in intricacy without overpowering the song’s personal moments. The transitional instrumentals between sections are seamless yet powerful, ideally reflecting the lyrical progression from hopelessness to strength. The complete musical composition resembles a conversation among the different components, with each instrument backing McStine’s vocals while preserving its unique presence in the mix.

The general atmosphere of My Sanity is an impressive mix of emotional openness and victorious spirit. Initially, it creates a feeling of loneliness and hardship, but as the melody advances, it transforms into a liberating expression, converting hopelessness into resilience. The excellent production quality is apparent in the sharpness of every instrument and vocal track, guaranteeing that no nuance is overlooked in the mix. The textures driven by synths, along with the strong rhythmic foundation, produce a sound that is at once contemporary and enduring. The production amplifies the emotional intensity of the song, allowing every change in mood and energy the room it requires to resonate, while also boosting the track’s overall effect.

As soon as My Sanity starts, it engages the listener and maintains that engagement until the last note. The track successfully constructs a soundscape that appears both expansive and personal, reflecting the inner emotional conflicts it aims to convey. The top-notch production guarantees that every aspect, from the vocals to the instrumentation, harmonizes perfectly, forming a cohesive experience that resembles a journey. The overall mood of the song conveys emotional liberation and self-empowerment, prompting the listener to not only contemplate the individual challenges it discusses but also to feel elevated by the victorious determination it presents.

My Sanity is a skillfully composed track that demonstrates Rooftop Screamers’ talent for merging electronic and rock components into an engaging, emotionally impactful story. The track’s reflective lyrics, vibrant composition, and exceptional vocal performance create an impressive and powerful work that lingers in the mind long after it concludes. The partnership between the band and Randy McStine creates a strong synergy, as both the vocals and instrumentals unite to convey a narrative of self-exploration and empowerment. Authored by Mike Collins, My Sanity is a proclamation. With expansive synths, detailed guitar melodies, and a sound environment that reflects the intricacy of emotional recovery, the song guides listeners on an uplifting path from uncertainty to understanding, from deception to liberation.

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