Gianna Lauren is about to release a new EP, the curiously titled Vanity Metrics, and, like all albums created this year, in part it bears the weight of having been influenced by the events of 2020. For better or worse it’s a lot to unpack and Gianna Lauren’s first new single from the album, “Spark,” reflects that. The song centers around lyrics on social justice and the feelings of futility and frustration that will often arise when trying to champion causes much larger than ourselves.
“‘Spark’ is possibly my angstiest song ever,” says Lauren, in a year that’s barely kept itself at a low boil.
Conceived in a late-night studio writing session during the recording of the EP, the song slowly builds on percussive tiptoes with the sort of whispered intimacy you’d expect from Montreal’s Stars and the casual assuredness of powerhouse soulstress Erin Costelo. “Spark” offers a starting place that recognizes the difficult situation we’re all in, and difficult as it may be, it’s not without hope. It seems to acknowledge that in this prolonged battle some naps might be necessary.
“Before I die I wanna tell you,
I love you,
But while I’m alive I’m gonna hide”
“‘Spark’ was written and recorded in the depths of night in rural Nova Scotia with a tired but electric band of friends,” says Lauren. “The song may resonate with anyone experiencing feelings of unrest about what is happening versus what needs to be happening.”
While the now widely evident injustices that seem to touch on most aspects of our lives seem like they’re not changing quickly enough, and other aspects seem out of control, Lauren seems to caution that the best thing is for us to step back and let everything run its course. Maybe take a backseat in this conversation and put our listening ears on for a bit.
“I would do it all again if I could do it all again,
even though I feel like something is missing,
You talk a lot about what you’re thinking,
Maybe you could do more listening.”
Gianna Lauren also recommends that “Spark” might be enjoyed best via headphones, particularly during a walk outside, while stretching your legs on a beautiful autumn day. Her new album, Vanity Metrics, is being released on November 6, 2020.