Michellar creates a downtempo & acoustic beauty with “September”
With “September,” Michellar has leaned into more of a downtempo single, yet still manages to create endless beauty. The track, recorded between San Francisco and Staffordshire with producer Tobias Wilson, feels like it was carefully made to really bring out all the subtleties. The end result is a work of undeniable beauty as the song captures both fleeting moments and lingering emotions in its delicate construction.
A lush piano progression forms the center, flowing with a quiet confidence that feels timeless, while a harmonizing slide guitar simmers through the background for that much needed depth. Every note seems to breathe, leaving space for listeners to wander through its textures rather than demanding their attention. The production’s atmospheric touches turn the song into more of an environment than a straight up narrative.
Helming the vocals is Helen Walford’s voice, which is nothing short of stunning. Her delivery carries immense strength, bringing an emotional depth that feels like she’s singing directly to you. There’s a sincerity in her delivery that elevates Michellar’s composition into something deeply human. The pairing of Michellar’s careful arrangement with Walford’s evocative voice feels like a meeting of kindred spirits.
The imagery is vivid, yet restrained, just enough to spark recognition in the listener’s own memory while keeping things generally universal. It has the feel of nostalgia without the weight of sentimentality, capturing the transition between moments, seasons, or even phases of life.
Nowadays where overproduction often drowns out everything, she leans into restraint, and the result is a song that lingers in your head. It feels less like a song vying for attention and more like a piece of art hanging on a wall, but in music form. Her single art has long been reflective of the feels of the songs, and without a doubt, the simple sunflower really does the song justice as well!
“September” is more than a downtempo acoustic piece, rather it generally shows off you don’t need to do too much in order to create something exceptional. It affirms their place as a composer and storyteller unafraid to blend mediums, voices, and geographies into something profoundly personal yet universally resonant.
As always, we recommend anything Michellar puts out, so please, take a moment to click those links below to enjoy the song and follow along for more!
Like what you read? Follow our social media and playlist for the latest in independent music:
