W. Y. Huang - “Life Just Lately” (ft. Granata)
The Singapore-born, New York-based singer-songwriter W. Y. Huang has just released the lush, indie pop/ rock track, “Life Just Lately,” featuring New York rapper Granata.
“Life Just Lately” is built around the delicate rhythm of the acoustic guitar, with electric guitar licks gently imparting a chill and warm mood into the composition. The bass pulses with a rich, thick tone as a steady drumbeat pushes the song forward at a relaxed pace, resulting in a track that is wonderfully endearing.
The song is filled with some really pleasing contrasts where layers are removed, helping to expose the underlying melancholy in this breezy track. Some sections reveal a weaving piano melody or the brittle tones of the acoustic guitar.
The vocal performance of W. Y. Huang is beautifully immersive and sincere– in places, it is coated in a sense of vulnerability. The delivery is hushed and intimate in a way that is reminiscent of Elliott Smith. The rapping section of Granata also provides a lush contrast in the composition, allowing the lyrical narrative to be explored at a deeper level. The performance truly brings the track to life in an inspired way. This is all before we get to the well-executed backing vocals that enrich the track and enhance the music’s sense of melody.
“Life Just Lately” is taken from W. Y. Huang’s forthcoming EP, Knots, slated for release May 7th 2024. Reflecting on the project, W. Y. Huang shares, “This EP was a deeply personal endeavour, both in how the songs came together and the writing process. It all blossomed from a very vulnerable place.”