Maisie May - “Small Talk”

Photo by Parker Parker Studios

Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Maisie May returns to the blog with her raw-as-all-hell single, “Small Talk,” providing listeners with a glimpse into her upcoming EP, All In.

We last heard from Maisie back in June, but we are pleased to inform you that her craft has maintained its integrity, as you will see once you press play on this charming and dreamy number. If you do not recall, Maisie has a gift for producing splendidly lo-fi recordings in her home studio, and “Small Talk” is no exception, delivering a substantial sense of authenticity to your earholes as soon as it begins.

Initially, the arrangement consists of the reverberating chords from a piano, provided by Aaron Sayre, with Maisie’s delicately sincere vocal letting the lyrics unfold. Carefully positioned moments of ear candy slice through the arrangement, injecting the production with a sudden surge of emotional intensity and providing a rich ambience. Notes from Kaleb Fulmer’s cello rise and swell, creating a lift to underscore the harmonizing layers of Maisie’s voice that enter this tune in a fantastic flood.

By its midpoint, “Small Talk” is greeted with some soft bass and acoustic guitar, ensuring that every listener returns to the play button, again and again. Numerous digital artifacts line the back half of the track, which leave us to marvel at its sonic evolution. This song smoothly combines the acoustic realm with an electronic soundscape, resulting in one of the best productions we’ve heard in quite some time.

“Small Talk” is the perfect soundtrack for your quiet moments of introspection or simply driving around aimlessly in the middle of the night. We plan to utilize it on both occasions and, once you’ve heard it, you will likely do the same.

-HD