Paper Citizen is the latest indie-rock project of LA-based Singaporean producer and instrumentalist, Claire Gohst. The project has been making waves since the release of the artist's debut EP, Postcards in Transit, in 2016, and her subsequent releases. Gohst has been active on the music scene throughout her life. She began playing the violin and singing locally in Singapore before moving to Boston to study jazz violin and the recording arts. Her unique international background brings together two distinct musical influences and cultures in her poignant and riveting sounds that are, as she says, “for a lost soul in a new world.”
“American Song” is Paper Citizen’s most recent release: an upbeat, pop-infused track paying homage to Gohst’s love for American music. In her interview with Buffa Blog's Chris Miller, she underscores this sentiment when speaking about the single: “‘American Song’ is my tribute to how much I love and cherish American music and my nostalgia for how much live music has changed over the last decade. Despite all the things we disagree on in this country, I think we can agree that America has some of the best music in the world.”
“Despite all the things we disagree on in this country, I think we can agree that America has some of the best music in the world.”
The track opens with a distorted guitar riff, layered with Gohst’s clear, enunciated vocals building towards the chorus as she sings, “breathe in breathe out / head full of doubt / caution’s for the best / it’s not time to rest.” The piece ramps up in both the instrumentals and lyrics as she describes a vital moment of fear and new beginnings. The chorus shifts to reminisce upon fond memories where she would “stay the night just to sing a little louder / with these American songs.”
“heart beating fast / when I’m up next / I feel the energetic balance still intact / it couldn’t last”
Nostalgia meets modernity in this love song to the energy of American live music, as Gohst encapsulates the experience as both an audience member and a performer. She divulges the anticipatory moments before a set: “heart beating fast / when I’m up next / I feel the energetic balance still intact / it couldn’t last.” Her lyrics beautifully capture the tangible, fleeting vitality of a crowd in her description of the adrenaline and excitement of a performance.
Following the second chorus, the song breaks into sounds of a cheering audience and brief excerpts of live performances complemented by light guitar and rock percussion. The music effortlessly fades back into the chorus, preceding a familiar pop-rock guitar solo that carries the vibrancy of the track to the finish.
Overall, this passionate and resilient single is an anthem for anyone who has fallen in love with live music and its Influential abilities. Just as Gohst stated, music is a force that wields the power to bring us back together, despite the glaring divisions of modern America. Paper Citizen is surely a project to watch, and this single is only the beginning.
What do you want to see on Enharmonic Magazine next? Let us know.
Commentaires