Indie Pop from colby!

Coming out of Fort Worth in Texas, colby! is an exciting new artist whose creative journey is as inspiring as it is unique. Growing up in a household where live music was a constant presence, she was naturally drawn to the arts, immersing herself in singing, writing, painting and performing from an early age. However, her path wasn’t without challenges.

Diagnosed with severe dyslexia at the age of eight, she spent three years in intensive therapy to manage her condition. It was through creative expression that she found comfort and a means to cope, particularly through singing and songwriting.

By the time she was 14, colby! was already co-writing with her brother, RJ Johnson, a Berklee College of Music graduate and her producer. The sibling duo began crafting songs that connect emotionally with those who listen, aiming to create music that provides an escape from the pressures of life. Now based in Dallas, in May she unveiled her original sound and released her debut single “Don’t Know What To Say,” a track that quickly gained traction, landing her on Spotify’s Local Pulse playlist in Dallas and Apple Music’s New In Alternative playlist, while racking up tens of thousands of streams online.

Building on the momentum of her debut, colby! now returns with her sophomore single, “Gone To Bed,” a song that explores the ideas of unspoken emotions in a relationship. “Gone To Bed” revolves around two individuals who despite their deep feelings for each other, are too afraid to express them. This fear of vulnerability leads them to hold back, creating a barrier of silence that only deepens their confusion and regret.

Ushered in by the bright strums of acoustic guitar, colby!’s hushed vocals spin poignant lyrics via a delivery aching with emotion as the snap of the beat enters to add a rhythmic anchor. Flowing with deep bass tones and the grooving shuffle of the drums, the track takes on a slick alternative pop sound full of profound songwriting brought to life by exquisite production and compelling vocal performance.

Developing with a dreamy breakdown of airy vocalisations before the strike of the beat is met with floating vocal leads and kaleidoscopic instrumental flutters, the finale chorus serves up one final dose of colby!’s instantly memorable and highly original sound. With subtle similarities to Billie Eilish and her producer sibling Finneas, both colby! and her brother have struck a winning formula that’s sure to see 2024 being a breakout year for this thrilling new artist on the rise.

Listen to Gone To Bed below