Toronto-based artist Chloe Mayse takes us into their past with “HIGH SCHOOL,” while also providing a cathartic vision of present self; Mayse describes the release as “my ‘coming out’ song – the one I wish I could have released at fifteen.” The central chorus — “I felt so alone,” — resonates alongside glimpses of strings and emotive piano, set against Mayse’s enthralling, soaring vocal presence. The moment speaks to a sense of challenging communication and unrequited love. “I was closeted when it came to my sexuality, and wasn’t confident enough to tell my friend that I was in love with her,” Mayse says.
“I thought I was different,” the vocals open, then striving to “fit in,” and referring to a yearning for escape. “How could I come out, feeling so much doubt?” they question, aspiring for a chance for “me and you,” and enamoring into the piano-forward central hook. “HIGH SCHOOL” balances pop-friendly immediacy in the central hook with movingly personal themes, demonstrated in the heartfelt lyrical prowess and vocal emotion.
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We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
