With growth comes change, and with change comes the shedding of old to give light to what’s new. CELESTIA’s latest single, “outsidetheglass” (prod. epileptic kid), simulates a walk down memory lane, igniting the desire to see a world outside the “glass bubble” in which one may find themselves confined. The Pacific Northwest native, now California-bound, pushes her boundaries figuratively, sonically, and thematically to express her inner conflicts through composition.
CELESTIA’s recent releases since her last project, DIGITAL ARCHANGEL, are linked by increasingly digital influences in production and interwoven, thickly layered vocals. A stark evolution, rather than contrast, is audibly marked by changes from her debut EP, THIS IS REVIVAL, to her work now. CELESTIA stays true to her airy, laden voice but adds some synthesized compression.
“outsidetheglass” is colorful. It plays like a neon light show, or a patterned arrangements of Lite Brites. epileptic kid’s ambient touch brims lightly throughout, backed by classic trap drum and bass rhythms. A stark hi-hat taps away while an electronic instrumental bounces from tone to tone. Its effect remains lingering, without resolution but with curiosity.
The song’s thematic ambiguity lends plenty of room for the listener’s imagination. CELESTIA describes her, “soul tapping through the glass, thinking [she’ll] never see past it… maybe there’s a light behind it.” It is easy to stay trapped in old patterns, no matter how detrimental, because familiarity supersedes the discomfort of change. Her energy shifts: “Don’t wanna hide anymore, ‘cause I’m feeling alive” is an assured declaration of upward momentum.
“outsidetheglass” is a hopeful reverie of the analog mind. CELESTIA’s luring musicality and epileptic kid’s undulating flow pair up swimmingly for what’s hopefully not the last time. Stay updated on more of CELESTIA here.