PREMIERE: Maria Lane – “what were our vows for?”

Maria Lane is an indie folk singer-songwriter originally from Orlando in Florida who’s earned a stellar reputation for her emotive lyricism and soulful compositions. Now based in Brooklyn, Maria has spent the last few years making her mark in the indie music scene, blending elements of folk, pop and graceful storytelling that’s won over listeners across the world.

Her music, often inspired by her personal experiences and challenges, draws influence from artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Lizzy McAlpine and Avril Lavigne, combining the appeal of pop with the storytelling stylings of folk. She first started out in her hometown, where her love for folk and pop music took root early on. Learning to play the piano became a defining moment in her artistic development, allowing her to start composing original songs that reflected her deep connection to the world around her.

This passion for songwriting led to her first major breakthrough in 2021 with the release of her debut single, “strangers again,” offering the first showcase of her ability to channel heartfelt emotion through music. A year later, she staked her claim as a rising star with the release of her debut album, maybe i’ll feel better, which brought her even more acclaim within the indie folk community. Steadily expanding her discography over the past year, with several singles and the EP 35 days, this year she’s been releasing a string of singles in the build up to her upcoming new album.

Now, she brings us her latest release ahead of the record with the premiere of her brand new single titled “what were our vows for?,” a hauntingly beautiful exploration of betrayal and estrangement. The track once again sees Maria Lane blending her emotionally charged songwriting with a more expansive, layered production style. Recorded in collaboration with producer Justin Meyer in his home studio, Maria co-produced the track herself, further showcasing her creative range and dedication to shaping her own sound.

Based on her own experiences of fractured relationships, the song was written in collaboration with her close friend Addison Reynolds, capturing the pain and confusion of feeling betrayed by someone once close. Setting a delicate folk soundscape with soft acoustic guitar plucks and sweeping vocalisations, Maria’s emotive vocals float through an airy atmosphere, spinning moving melodies as intricate string touches add to the arrangement.

Gently building with the quiet pulse of kick and bright guitar tones, lush vocal layers overlap beneath Maria’s stunning lead voice to form a spellbinding listening experience full of profoundly honest songwriting and compelling performance. Rising with lively energy, the song crescendos before floating back down to the intimate and stripped back sound of the intro. It’s a truly enchanting sound that filters blissful melodies, heartfelt lyrics and restrained instrumentation through the musical lens of a talented artist with a sound that’s at once enduring and innovative.

Listen to the premiere of what were our vows for? below

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