Louisiana-based rising pop artist Mae Graf drops her debut single, “Single,” a song exploring her personal experiences with love, loss, and self-discovery.
Talking about the song, Graf says, “’Barbie’ was my first song, born from a tangled situation: I liked a guy who was also talking to my friend. It sparked emotions that I ended up pouring into the music. Although this song is upbeat and fun, it’s also very vulnerable and relatable in a way.”
She goes on, “This is a song for listeners to scream-sing in the shower, in the car, or wherever they are. It embodies female rage.”
Graf grew up surrounded by music. Her nanny sang and wrote songs with her. Later, she began voice lessons and participated in school performances, resulting in an increasing passion for music and songwriting. She is now 15 years old and cites influences such as Gracie Abrams and Taylor Swift. Her indie-pop sound sets her apart because of her contagious melodies and insightful lyrics.
“Barbie” opens with Graf’s potent voice, vaguely reminiscent of Avril Lavigne, only tinted with a delicious rasping edge that immediately grabs hold of listeners’ ears. It’s one of those voices brimming with vibrant nuances and yummy tonal shadings.
A pushing rhythm topped by captivating guitars releasing almost-pop-punk energy drives the melody along with delightful momentum. Gleaming bridges shift the harmonic progression, adding tasty transitions. On the chorus, Graf’s vocals lift the tune to undeniable heights, surging with dynamic surfaces.
Mae Graf has it going on! With “Barbie,” she delivers a tour de force debut, a debut highlighted by her engaging voice.
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