Dream Pop from Vanda

Los Angeles-based alternative indie pop artist Vanda has been on an exciting musical journey over the last five years. Her musical output has struck a chord with fans across the world, exploring themes of love, loss and self-discovery while racking up millions of spins online. Since her debut in 2019, Vanda has become a powerful voice in the indie scene, celebrated not only for her meaningful songwriting but also for her unapologetic embrace of her identity as a queer artist.

Making her artistic entrance in 2019, she linked up with Lucidious on the single “Wish You Well,” which she followed up with multiple singles and remixes while collaborating with artists such as Joel Woods, AV Solo, Dawne, Playzzy and WBRG. Landing in October last year, her debut album, Sober In Another Life, was released to critical acclaim, a profoundly personal record that put her on the map as an artist on the rise.

Now, Vanda returns with her latest single, “I Don’t Swim,” opening a thrilling new chapter in her artistic story. This emotionally charged track signals a shift in tone and production, as the artist frames a more reflective context in her original sonic lens. Written in the wake of her best friend’s passing, I Don’t Swim is a poignant exploration of grief, strength and the complex facets of identity.

The song showcases a departure from the electronically driven style of her debut album, embracing organic instrumentation that perfectly underpins the track’s emotional weight. Opened by soft acoustic guitar strums and hushed vocalisations, Vanda sets an intimate scene before her airy vocal leads beautifully drift above the minimal instrumental backing.

Building with warm bass tones and hazy atmosphere, her moving vocal performance spins poignant lyricism via blissful melodies to craft a sound that’s mesmeric and memorable in equal measure. Wrapping her delicate songwriting in a charming dream pop setting, “i don’t swim” offers a truly enchanting soundscape that gradually swells with sparse percussive shots and shimmering vocal layers.

With silky melodies floating through an immersive arrangement, Vanda’s new single offers an arresting musical moment that deftly balances emotion and wide appeal to usher in the next stage of her musical vision in spectacular fashion. With plans to reveal more of her new sound throughout next year, we can’t wait to see what Vanda has in store for 2025 and beyond.

Listen to i don’t swim below

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