In an era where misinformation often drowns out integrity, Michellar’s “Truth Over Lies” stands as a rallying cry for clarity and courage. Released on October 31st, 2025, the song channels the urgency of its moment with conviction and grace. The project — a collaboration between Michelle Bond, Michael Levine, and Matthias Schmidt — was conceived during a songwriting retreat in Idyllwild, California, where the trio set out to give voice to the collective frustration brewing across the country. Drawing from the grand, emotional landscapes of bands like U2 and Coldplay, Michellar transforms their disillusionment into an anthem of resilience. The result is a track that balances protest and poetry, crafting a sound that feels as timeless as it is timely.
From its opening bars, “Truth Over Lies” hums with cinematic tension. A shimmering guitar riff arcs across a pulsing bassline, building an atmosphere that’s hopeful and haunted. Frankie El’s vocals, recorded in South Africa, deliver the message with a stunning sense of urgency — a voice that trembles not from fear but from fierce determination. There’s a deliberate restraint in her tone, as if each word is measured and heavy with consequence. When the chorus swells — “We choose truth over lies, light over shadow” — the emotional release feels earned, the kind of moment that pulls listeners out of apathy and into awareness. Miles’ mixing and mastering in Hollywood give the song a wide, anthemic feel without losing its intimacy, where every instrument breathes and every layer feels purposeful.
Lyrically, “Truth Over Lies” cuts deep into the heart of contemporary unrest. Written by Michelle Bond and Michael Levine, the words reflect a society at odds with itself, where trust in leadership and institutions has fractured beyond recognition. Yet instead of preaching, the lyrics reach out. They urge, rather than accuse. There’s an undercurrent of empathy in the message — a belief that beneath the noise and division, people still yearn for honesty, unity, and decency. Lines like “Can we still hear each other through the static and the spin?” and “The truth is quiet, but it never dies” linger long after the music fades, echoing like a moral compass in a disoriented world. It’s a protest song, yes, but one that trades rage for reflection — a rare choice that makes it even more powerful.
The production aesthetic leans heavily into its influences — those sweeping soundscapes and emotional crescendos reminiscent of U2’s “The Joshua Tree era” or Coldplay’s “Viva la Vida“. Yet Michellar never feels derivative. Their interpretation of this style feels grounded in purpose, not imitation. Matthias Schmidt’s melodic arrangements strike a balance between grandeur and restraint; the song grows but never explodes, trusting in its emotional gravity rather than volume. The layering of guitars, soft percussion, and subtle piano flourishes builds a sonic architecture that feels vast but human. Frankie El’s performance serves as the guiding force through it all as his voice is vulnerable and unyielding, embodying the spirit of resistance the track celebrates.
What makes “Truth Over Lies” so compelling is its dual nature — it’s a protest song wrapped in beauty, a call for action that never sacrifices its artistry. The collaboration across continents, with its patchwork of California demos, South African vocals, and Hollywood finishing touches, mirrors the global reach of its message. It’s about solidarity in a time of division, about music’s ability to cross boundaries and reignite faith in shared truth. As the song closes with a swell of harmonies and an echoing refrain, it leaves behind a silence that feels charged — the kind that makes you reflect on what role you play in the noise. In the end, Michellar’s “Truth Over Lies” reminds us that truth, when spoken with conviction and compassion, still has the power to heal.
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