Raw honesty and vulnerability are some of the many elements in music that naturally draw me to specific songs. “Fight With Me” by Dani Stocksdale eloquently displays the singer’s emotional maturity and ability to convey her thoughts and feelings. Throughout the song, she pleads with her muse to tell her what they are thinking. She has been wearing her heart on her sleeve, being a “running faucet no one tries to turn off.” She is holding nothing back. Meanwhile, her subject will not do her the decency of returning the favor. In the chorus, she reveals the hook with the gut-wrenching lyrics: “Fight with me// So I can feel close to you// Try with me// When you don’t know what else to do// I just want to feel you.” Stocksdale confesses that she will take whatever she can get from them, even if it’s an argument. A blowup. A vicious fight. Because, at least then, it will show her they care. Right now, she is at her wit's end. She is exhausted, feeling like there is nothing she can do or say that will get through to them. Her pleading words echo across the listener's mind, making them experience the pain she has. Whether the song is about a romantic relationship or a platonic bond, “Fight With Me” beautifully encapsulates this experience of a drawn-out heartbreak and fleeting love. Once again, Stocksdale has solidified her place as one of my favorite newcomers to the music scene.
I was introduced to Stocksdale a year ago when I had the pleasure of reviewing her debut single, “Swimming Pools.” Since then, it has been a pleasure seeing her grow as an artist. While her previous releases leaned more on the pop side of things, “Fight With Me” contains a more country-folk style. Her airy vocals perfectly complement this stunning production, making it one of my favorite releases of the season. The intro contains mesmerizing vocalizations that effortlessly flow into the whimsical soundscape. In the background, crickets are heard chirping, emulating the feeling of a cool summer night. This instantly sets the soothing atmosphere of the gorgeous track. The guitar is in drop D tuning and is played using fingerstyle alongside a violin that utilizes effects to fade in and out. The transition into the pre-chorus introduces an electric guitar and additional layered violins without the effects before adding the percussion and bass, all providing an additional dynamic to the song. When the chorus starts, a pedal steel guitar leads the transition and the percussion picks up a sand hammer instrument, increasing the layers of the production. The fingerstyle stops while a great emphasis is placed on the electric guitar chords. By the end of the chorus, the listener is completely immersed in the complex yet comforting soundscape, as they hang onto every note. The song is a flawless masterpiece that effortlessly lulls the listener as they resonate with the meaningful and heartbreaking lyrics. If “Fight With Me” is any indication of where Stocksdale's music is headed, then I am on the edge of my seat in anticipation of her next releases.
Dani Stocksdale is a 23-year-old independent pop artist based in New York City. She made her debut in August 2023 with her single, “Swimming Pools.” "Fight With Me" is her fourth single and the first release of her upcoming project. She aspires to create music that is authentic to who she is and tells a relatable story for listeners. With her insightful lyricism and honest vulnerability, she utilizes her personal experiences, from relationships to self-discovery, to connect with audiences. Stocksdale has performed at prominent New York City venues, such as Mercury Lounge, Baby’s Alright, Rockwood Music Hall, The Cutting Room, and Arlene’s Grocery. Listeners are sitting in anticipation awaiting upcoming releases from the new artist. Follow her on all socials to keep up with future projects!
Written By Karlee Skipper
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