August 23, 2024
Today, we're offering you a slightly unconventional journey. A journey through the stars. And why not? What if everything became possible? What if we stopped putting limits on what we can achieve? What if we trusted ourselves a little more?
This theme is explored in this new collaboration between Luna Keller and Clouds and Thorns, who have already delighted us twice in the past with "The Best Days" and "Live It All" last year. And as the saying goes, "third time's a charm," they're back at it again, this time with a slower format that feels more like a ballad than the festive and joyful folk anthems they usually create. Does this mean they missed the mark and it's a complete failure? Far from it. Otherwise, the track wouldn't have landed on Indie Music Center.
On the contrary, we find them very comfortable in this exercise that is not familiar to them. Even though both of them have already accustomed us to a sense of daydreaming, whether it’s Luna in "Never In My Dreams" with Dominic Romano, or Rich in "Gold" with The Satellite Station. No, you’re not dreaming—all the IMC artists collaborate with each other, and that’s why the notion of "family" is so dear to us. Together, they managed to produce masterpieces that would have never seen the light of day and would probably have remained hidden in the corner of a hard drive, like "By The Coast" that Luna recorded with Thomas LaVine almost 4 years ago (dang, time flies!).
"Stars" is the song you absolutely need to add to your favorites if you’re lacking self-confidence. If you’re still hesitant to embark on new projects. If you think that the future can only be worse than the present and never better. And Rich explains it perfectly with the metaphor of the stars:
"I think, to me, the song is about everyday existence and how a person's perspective on their life is very much like being able to see the stars. During the day they can't be seen... But they are still there. Then, at night, the darker the sky... and farther away from city lights and the distractions of the 'real world'... the brighter the stars all seem. I think that's the perspective we can look to."
We couldn't dream of a better explanation. This is a song that speaks to me personally, as I have a girlfriend who severely lacked self-confidence until she finally managed to convince herself that she was capable of accomplishing great things. It’s not that I hadn’t told her for years that she’s an amazing person, but the realization has to come from within the person themselves. And this song could help, as Luna explains:
"For me "Stars" is the song I'd like to play to my friends when they are having a tough day or doubting themselves, it's the words I need to hear once in a while too: "you already have what it takes". It's a reminder that both our shadows and out light make us who we are, and that we should be kind to ourselves even on our darkest days. I hope the song can be a good friend who holds your hand on the heavy nights and brings a smile to your face when the sun rises again."
Oh yes, this song is perfectly capable of putting a smile on your face when nothing seems to be going right. With its warm vocal harmonies and a melody that wraps around you like a big hug, "Stars" will quickly become your new favorite and your new source of motivation. Of course, with these two perfectionists, it goes without saying that the production is meticulously crafted, and there are no flaws to find in the song, so don’t even look.
And when I say the song speaks to me, it’s also because I’m a big fan of stars. I can spend hours lying on a lounge chair outside at night, watching the stars, constellations, and planets... which sometimes align and end up making us dream, even with my eyes still open. And sometimes, I admit, my eyes do close, and I find myself waking up at 5 AM in the freezing cold, rushing back home. But I think during those star-gazing evenings on my lounge chair, "Stars" will be the perfect soundtrack. Oh, of course, that’s just my own way of relating to the song. The beauty is that everyone can find their own interpretation. And you? How does this song belong to you?
Added to our "Indie Folk Center", "IMC Family" and "New Music Friday" playlists on Spotify.
Reach out to Luna Keller
Reach out to Clouds And Thorns
