From Los Angeles, the most populous city in the U.S. state of California, Mike and Mandy, the love birds, release their latest single "Cocoon" on October 11, 2024. In the bustling landscape of the Los Angeles music scene, where every note competes for attention, Mike and Mandy shine as a beacon of artistry and authenticity, and their journey thus far has been one of exploration and expression, inviting listeners into their world with each verse and beat. Both the indie duo performing artists, Mandy can be seen in the St Vincent movie, “The Nowhere Inn,” as a member of St. Vincent’s extended family band, and Mike may be best known as a businessman who was caught air-drumming to Rush in a Volkswagen Jetta commercial.
"Cocoon,” the new single from married couple Mike and Mandy, is about a relationship at a crossroads. The song's theme “relationship at a crossroads” refers to a point in a relationship where significant decisions need to be made, as the current path could lead in very different directions. At this stage, both partners may feel they need to assess their goals, feelings, and priorities to determine the relationship’s future. It’s a moment where they might consider whether to continue building their bond or part ways.
This metaphor comes from the idea of a literal crossroads, where one must choose which road to take, each leading to a distinct outcome. In a relationship, reaching this point often involves reflecting on mutual compatibility, shared values, and personal growth. As a married couple, Mike and Mandy may just be airing their dirty laundry with this single, but the universality of the narrative will be familiar to anyone who has been in a relationship long-term. The melancholy narrative of the lyrics contrasts with the happy major chords of the chorus, sonically depicting the tension often felt between partners.
Just like the journey long relationships take, the song travels effortlessly between major and minor keys. There are moments of lush guitars, soft synths, and a funky nu-disco rhythm, followed by a sense of space and sub-bass. Hinting at several genres, the layered voices evoke the ethereal ambience of dream pop, the funky bass line evokes synth-pop, and the psychedelic risers and sprinkled ear candy reference trip-hop. Some have taken to calling it “trip pop.”
Mandy wrote the melody and lyrics at a time when she felt especially distant from Mike. She brought the song to Mike and, much like their earlier release, “Wormhole,” which is a love song, she said, “I wrote this for you.” The songs are two sides of a coin, alternate pictures of the highs and lows of long-term love. Working on the arrangement allowed Mike to travel from Mandy’s perspective. Producing the final mix together deepened the creative bond that keeps this couple going. The song was mainly produced, like all their songs, in their spare bedroom. Their dedication to finishing the track spilt over into their dedication to each other.
For more, follow Mike and Mandy on Spotify
Comentarios