Dream Pop from Alex McArtor

At just 21 years old, artist Alex McArtor offers a striking and authentic musical voice for the new generation. Based in Los Angeles, this singer-songwriter has been steadily carving her path, demonstrating a maturity in her songwriting that belies her age. Her previous releases, including the 2019 EP Heart Talk Vol. I and 2021’s Welcome to the Wasteland, have earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated following. With an eclectic musical palette that showcases purpose, honesty, and a lyrical depth beyond her years, McArtor has become a rising star in the LA music scene and beyond.

Now, bringing us her first new music of 2023, she shares the captivating new single “Oxygen Thief.” The genesis of “Oxygen Thief” can be traced back to a transformative period in McArtor’s life. Having recently departed from school at CU Boulder and relocated to Los Angeles to pursue her music dreams, McArtor found herself wrestling with the challenges of creativity and loneliness.

The song’s creation occurred during her stay in Laurel Canyon, a setting rich with musical history. Struggling to find her artistic voice, McArtor sought solace and inspiration in literature and films. It was during this exploration that she encountered ‘Diary of an Oxygen Thief,’ an unsettling book penned by an anonymous author. Despite the disturbing nature of the book, McArtor discovered a haunting mirror reflecting a brief but profound chapter of her own life. This moment of reflection and connection with the book’s themes ignited the creative spark that led to “Oxygen Thief.”

“Oxygen Thief” envelopes the listener in a mesmerising dream pop soundscape. Anchored by a softly propulsive beat, the intricate interplay of twanging guitar plucks and gentle synth tones amongst stretching atmospheric textures weaves a sonic tapestry flows and shimmers. Above this ethereal backdrop, Alex McArtor’s voice soars gracefully, crafting an entrancing melodic experience that captures the ear with its hypnotic charm. The song seamlessly blends hints of moody melancholy with a subtle current of empowering energy, resulting in a track that’s at once haunting and alluring.

Thematically, “Oxygen Thief” dives into the dynamics of love and its dissolution. McArtor explores the concept of energetic ties being severed between two individuals, likening the experience to a vampire seeking to regain its supply. This evocative metaphor becomes the emotional core of the song, adding depth and resonance to its already compelling sonic landscape.

Behind the scenes, the production of “Oxygen Thief” boasts a collaboration with Benny Cassette, a renowned producer with an impressive portfolio including work with Kanye West and SZA. With the skilled contributions of collaborators Aron Forbes, Derek Renfroe and Devin Hoffman, McArtor’s vision is stunningly realised, resulting in a composition that stands as a demonstration of her creative evolution and artistic exploration.

Alex McArtor’s “Oxygen Thief” serves as a vivid snapshot of her sonic journey, capturing a transformative period of introspection and creativity. With its enchanting dream pop soundscape and profound themes, the song offers a window into McArtor’s developing sonic identity. As she continues to build upon her already impressive body of work, it’s clear that Alex McArtor is an artist unafraid to explore the complexities of the human condition, one enthralling song at a time.

Listen to Oxygen Thief below