Katie Belle – Cigarette (2025)
Wandering through various realms of pop, singer-songwriter Katie Belle slicks her songs with daubs of electronic pop, dream-pop, indie-pop, and the clinging pink bubblegum sweetness of pure pop production. Known for emotional, energetic and engaging performances, the US-based musician effortlessly holds audiences in the palm of her hand; however, just as she turns heads during live shows, her studio releases are as intriguing, earning Belle international critical acclaim, awards such as the Josie Music Awards “2023 Pop Vocalist of the Year”, and a growing fanbase far beyond her North American borders. The latest addition to her discography is the single ‘Cigarette’.
Following her well-received single ‘Movin On’, ‘Cigarette’ is a concoction of shimmering synths, glittering keys, and bold beats bound in a smooth, soothing whisper of music – the type that seems to slide across your skin with charming elegance. Yet, as much as the track has a calming aura, there is a vulnerable underbelly, making the slide across your arm both haunting and healing.
Produced with Fabio Campedelli, with mixing by Lukas Cuman and mastering by Sangeeve Easwar, the track is that smoke-filled exhale after a long drag on a cigarette. Add Belle’s hushed, obscure vocals, and there’s a sense of minimalism in the soundscape while still having a kaleidoscopic tone. I find it intriguing how the charm of this smoke so perfectly aligns with the vulnerable fragility of its tale. Belle explains:
“The concept of the lyrical story is an accumulation of past romances. They ended a long time ago but still resurface in memories from time to time. The reflections reignite some of the sparks long after they went out… ‘Cigarette’ encapsulates the bittersweet essence of memories long gone but not forgotten.”
In addition to the single, Katie Belle released an official lyric video for ‘Cigarettes’. You can view the video below and/or on her YouTube channel.
Find out more about Katie Belle on her official website, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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