At just sixteen years old, Sloan Treacy is emerging as a voice well beyond her years. Based in Franklin, Tennessee after a move that brought her closer to Nashville’s rich music scene, Sloan is already proving herself to be an artist to watch closely. Inspired by greats like Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and Stevie Nicks, her songwriting draws from both the emotional landscapes of adolescence and the raw storytelling power of her influences. With a guitar foundation taught by her father and a heart shaped equally by her love for books, baking, concerts, and competitive running, Sloan Treacy brings a multidimensional perspective into her music. Her dedication and natural inclination toward lyricism and performance have now culminated in her second EP, “was any of it real?”, a deeply introspective and musically graceful collection of songs that cement her place in the next wave of singer-songwriters.
Released on July 18th, 2025, Sloan Treacy’s sophomore EP “was any of it real?” presents a nuanced and compelling portrait of adolescence wrapped in a soundscape that skillfully blends indie pop aesthetics with subtle folk influences. Across its six tracks, the project explores themes of emotional vulnerability, existential uncertainty, love, and identity. What makes the EP remarkable is the sheer authenticity that pulses through each line and melody. Despite her age, Sloan does not shy away from difficult emotions or abstract introspections. Instead, she embraces them with an open heart and sharp poetic awareness, creating a collection that resonates as much for its lyrical depth as it does for its melodic elegance.
Vocally, Sloan Treacy delivers with an emotive urgency that never feels forced. Her tone is warm, melodic, and laced with a sincerity that gives weight to every lyric. She handles both tender quiet moments and emotionally charged peaks with ease, making the listening experience deeply immersive. There is a clear understanding of emotional dynamics in her performances, where softness is used just as effectively as power. The melodies themselves are memorable yet subtle, often carrying a wistful quality that matches the introspective mood of the lyrics. It is this balance of emotional transparency and controlled vocal delivery that allows Sloan to create a strong and affecting presence on every track.
was any of it real? EP Track List:
The Good Part:
The opening track of the EP “The Good Part” opens with a tender arrangement of acoustic guitar and minimal keys, setting a mood that is instantly intimate and emotionally charged. The instrumental backdrop grows slowly, building warmth and subtle layers that reflect the emotional arc of the song without ever overwhelming it. This gentle sonic landscape gives room for Sloan Treacy’s lyrics to breathe, allowing each word and phrase to linger with meaning. The pacing is careful and intentional, capturing the tension between hope and heartache that drives the song’s narrative. It is a track that feels handcrafted in both sound and sentiment, drawing listeners into a moment of quiet vulnerability.
Lyrically, the song explores the emotional territory of denial, longing, and the aching sense that something promised may never arrive. Sloan paints a portrait of someone holding onto the idea of a happier chapter, even as they sense its collapse. Lines like “And we were just getting to the good part; Honey, can’t you wait a little longer?” convey the internal tug-of-war between wanting to believe in someone and slowly realizing the illusion. This emotional struggle is heightened by the conversational tone of her writing, which makes the lyrics feel deeply personal yet universally relatable. That the song was written just before heading into the studio and chosen spontaneously to record adds to its raw and immediate quality.
Sloan’s vocal performance is what ultimately brings “The Good Part” to life. Her delivery is understated yet powerful, marked by a softness that carries weight. There is an honesty in the way she sings that makes each word feel lived-in, as though she is confiding in the listener. The chorus provides a quiet release, emotional yet controlled, allowing the sorrow beneath the lyrics to surface without melodrama. This balance between restraint and feeling gives the track its lasting impact. As a standout on “was any of it real?”, “The Good Part” serves as both a doorway into the emotional landscape of the EP and a shining example of Sloan Treacy’s ability to capture the complexities of young heartbreak with remarkable clarity.
Pavement:
“Pavement,” the second and focus track from Sloan Treacy’s EP “was any of it real?”, is a masterclass in emotional subtlety. Opening with a delicate acoustic guitar progression, the song immediately sets a hushed, introspective tone that draws the listener into a private world of quiet self-examination. Treacy’s voice moves with calm precision, each phrase shaped by a melodic clarity that perfectly mirrors the song’s internal dialogue. The atmosphere is one of serene melancholy, capturing the feeling of solitary reflection. As the song progresses, subtle instrumental textures like ambient harmonics and soft percussive elements begin to surface, creating a dreamy, layered soundscape that remains grounded in its acoustic core. This blend of minimalism and careful detail allows the song’s emotional undercurrents to rise gradually and meaningfully.
Lyrically, “Pavement” is an honest exploration of the cost of people-pleasing and the emotional toll of constantly seeking external validation. Inspired initially by a fascination with the word “pavement,” Sloan’s songwriting takes an organic and instinctive path, eventually unfolding into a narrative about self-erasure and the quiet desperation of wanting to be accepted. Lines such as “So I’ll step on the lines and the cracks in the pavement” and “I’ll vandalize my honest statements, Apologize without hesitation” reveal a deep internal conflict between authenticity and approval. The metaphor of pavement becomes a powerful image of both a path taken and a surface worn down by repeated self-compromise. Sloan’s writing is sharp and poetic, but never overly adorned, and her ability to capture such a complex emotional theme with simplicity and grace speaks volumes about her intuitive talent as a songwriter.
Treacy’s vocal delivery throughout “Pavement” is understated but deeply affecting. She sings with a conversational ease that enhances the intimacy of the lyrics, allowing each word to resonate with quiet power. There is no dramatic outburst or vocal climax, but rather a steady emotional current that builds gently beneath the surface. This restraint is what gives the track its strength. The vulnerability is not shouted, but calmly confessed, making it all the more resonant. “Pavement” stands out as a centerpiece of the EP, not because it demands attention, but because it earns it through its honesty and composure. It encapsulates the overarching themes of “was any of it real?”, while reaffirming Sloan Treacy’s ability to say so much with so little.
The Edge:
“The Edge”, the closing track of the EP begins with a soothing, gliding melody that immediately invites the listener into a warm and emotionally layered soundscape. From the opening lines, Sloan Treacy’s voice commands attention with a soulful and vulnerable presence that feels deeply personal. Her tone is tender and reflective, laying the emotional groundwork before the arrangement slowly unfolds around her. As the track develops, subtle ambient textures and carefully layered instrumentation begin to rise, enhancing the song’s emotional tension without disturbing its initial softness. This gradual ascent mirrors the inner emotional arc of the song, moving from hesitant introspection to a quiet swell of courage and clarity.
Lyrically, the track explores the hesitation and emotional complexity of entering something new while still haunted by past disappointments. Sloan captures the inner conflict of wanting to move forward but being restrained by fear, delivering lines like “Now we’re on the edge of something real, Can you listen? I don’t know” with poignant honesty. The metaphor of standing on the edge becomes a powerful image of vulnerability and anticipation, reflecting a moment suspended between hope and hesitation. What makes the lyrics especially effective is their conversational tone, as if Sloan is thinking aloud, processing her emotions in real time. Originally written as part of a school assignment, the song reveals itself as one of the most emotionally mature on the EP, striking a perfect balance between personal storytelling and universal resonance.
As the closing track of “was any of it real?”, “The Edge” serves as a graceful and emotionally fulfilling conclusion. Sloan’s vocal performance gradually gains strength, moving from a soft tremble to a fuller, more impassioned expression, echoing the emotional shift in the narrative. The arrangement follows suit, gently swelling with warmth and resolution, creating a sound that feels like both a release and a new beginning. Rather than offering a neat resolution, the song ends on a note of readiness and cautious optimism. It leaves listeners with a lingering sense of hope and honesty, encapsulating the central themes of the EP while pointing toward the continued growth of an artist finding her voice.
The production, led by Don Miggs and refined through the mixing expertise of Grammy nominee Mark Needham, supports Sloan’s artistry without overpowering it. The arrangements are minimal where they need to be, giving room for her voice and storytelling to take center stage. Yet when the songs swell, they do so with a graceful momentum that lifts the emotion without losing clarity. There is a sense of deliberate pacing across the EP. Each track unfolds thoughtfully, allowing the listener to sit with the questions and feelings presented. The transitions between tracks feel organic, and despite their individual uniqueness, they form a cohesive sonic narrative that mirrors the inner turbulence and growth that the EP thematically conveys.
was any of it real? is a Beautifully Introspective EP That Captures The Quiet Chaos Of Life Through Poetic Lyrics, Tender Melodies, And Raw Emotional Clarity
In conclusion, “was any of it real?” is not just a step forward in Sloan Treacy’s musical journey but a striking declaration of who she is as a young artist. With an impressive sense of honesty and clarity, she crafts an emotional world that feels both intensely personal and widely relatable. The EP is a graceful and emotionally rich collection that captures the complexity of being young, questioning everything, and still having the courage to express it through music. It proves that Sloan is not just experimenting with sound and songwriting but actively shaping her voice into something distinctive and lasting.
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