A gorgeous debut single from Maxwell Macey, “Need to Leave” melds haunting vocal introspection with a dreamy folk-forward build. Originally from Southern California and now based in Seattle, Macey crafts a sound with heartrending sincerity — conveying a simultaneous yearning and “need to leave.” An embrace for change, both in the context of a toxic relationship’s demise and a geographical move, lingers throughout the artful lyricism and ghostly vocal layers. Gentle, trickling acoustics and soft touches of piano enthrall alongside.
“Sometimes healing isn’t just about time passing, but finding where you need to be,” Macey explains. “Writing this song helped me understand that feeling restless isn’t just uncertainty, it’s your inner compass pointing you toward necessary change.”
Lush acoustics and a reference to “all this commotion in my head,” captures a sense of personal tumult, and an ensuing need to breathe. Reflective vocal layers propel with ethereal impact as feelings of loneliness and reflecting on “times when you were here with me,” continue. “I think I need to leave,” Macey sings as piano pulses arrive. The perceptions of need for change, both physical and emotional, captivate within a quaintly effective production that emphasizes beautiful vocal layering and stirring folk aesthetic. Following this standout debut, we’re excited to hear what’s next from Maxwell Macey.
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
