Pien is a Dutch artist now based in Scotland and a friend of Sven Ross. I first fell under her spell back in September, just before launching the magazine, when she released The Cover. I was completely drawn to her simplicity and slightly offbeat personality, which makes her such a wonderful human being.

So when she submitted "Not Yet" in early February, I welcomed it with open arms. What a little masterpiece! Wow, those high notes are absolutely divine. And if you think they're fake, just watch the live version on YouTube and you'll see! But what is this song about? It is actually quite simple: trying to forget an ex and move on. Yes, I know, that theme has been explored countless times in music. But has anyone ever done it PIEN's way? Ah! Got you there.

Because PIEN’s way is far from ordinary. First, you need to know that this song is nearly four years old. It had already been recorded, but the artist wasn’t completely happy with the production. So she took her song under her arm and knocked on another producer’s door. That producer was Colin Lanze, who immediately understood the direction PIEN wanted for the song. This new version is the one she had been waiting so long to release.

There is a little production trick here that I absolutely love. Right after the bridge, the chorus comes back, but the first line is stripped down to just acoustic guitar before the full production kicks back in on the second line. I have no idea what this technique is called because I am not a producer, just a music lover. So I am going to call it the "suspended chorus intro." I love how it adds real dynamics to the song. When the chorus starts, you think it's back in full force, but then it isn't… and then it is!

The songwriting is razor-sharp but incredibly honest: "I’m through the most pain I’ve ever been / But you don’t have a clue what state I’m in". And then there’s this kind of resilience that really gets to me: "They are all asking me when I’m done with grieving over you / But I don’t know if I ever will". In most songs like this, there is usually a door left open. Here, there isn’t. That’s just how it is for now. Time will do its thing, as it often does.

If I had to sum it up, I’d say that PIEN moves me with her honest lyricism, soaring vocals that make me dream, and once again, her ability to craft a melody that is both catchy and unforgettable. I listened to the song once, and I was humming it all day. When that happens, it is always a good sign. If I were still a radio programmer, this would go straight into high rotation because the potential is undeniable. But since I am not, let’s just enjoy it on repeat wherever you listen to music!

Photo credit: Justina

PIEN's take on "Not Yet"

I wrote this song a few months before I moved to Scotland (in 2021) and I recorded it over there as an electronic folk song. In the end, I wasn't really happy with the production and decided to bring the song to a different producer (Colin Lanz) and he really understood what I was going for. Because of this collaboration I found my new sound and I couldn't be happier to finally share this with everyone!

A bit more about PIEN

This Dutch indie powerhouse has a sound that's a captivating mix of honest, confrontational lyrics and irresistible melodies. PIEN is set to become your new favorite artist if you love the likes of Maggie Rogers, Kacey Musgraves, or Suki Waterhouse. PIEN's breakout track with SYNERGY OFFICIAL, "I See Sound," earned airtime on BBC Introducing (NE & Yorkshire). Her single "WTF" has already racked up over 21,000 streams on Spotify. Collaborating with top-tier producers like Colin Lanz, Joshua Guy (Phantom Isle), Hattie Murdoch, and Floris Bosma, PIEN is crafting a unique and authentic sound that resonates deeply with listeners. Currently, she just finished her highly anticipated debut EP, set for release in May 2025. She already made her mark on the London music scene, with performances at iconic venues like The Camden Club, 93 Feet East, Two Palms and The Katzpace. The last few Summers PIEN played festivals like Summer Park Sessions (NL), Crouch End Festival, Rock at the Castle, and B-Side & Beer Festival. PIEN’s music is frequently played on Amazing Radio UK & USA (Nashville), Dutch radio stations like Alternative FM, Sound of Haarlem, and Pinguin Radio, and has its place on playlists like ‘Chill Indie Vibes 2024’ & ‘New Female Pop Artists 2024’ on Spotify.

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More songs from PIEN on Spotify

Lyrics

Just some piece in my mind that would be so nice 

To give hurt a place and love a new home

To find me some comfort and healing 

For all the things I’m feeling

I’m through the most pain I’ve ever been

But you don’t have a clue what state I’m in

You knew I’ve been hurt by the bone

I can’t do it anymore

Not yet

These times are a curse and a blessing

For an old soul like me

I wished someone could show me the way

To that happy ending 

I’m through the most pain I’ve ever been

But you don’t have a clue what state I’m in

You knew I’ve been hurt by the bone

I can’t do it anymore

Not yet

They are all asking me when I’m done with grieving over you

But I don’t know if I ever will

What if I just need more time to think it all through

Can I just be ok with not feeling good, for now

I’m through the most pain I’ve ever been

But you don’t have a clue what state I’m in

You knew I’ve been hurt by the bone

I can’t do it anymore

Not yet

(I can’t do it anymore)

Not yet

(I can’t do it anymore)

Not yet

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