Review: "figure it out" - dee holt

As much as we may wish otherwise, life is truly unpredictable. There is no map or set guidelines left out for us to follow, so we have no choice but to pave our own paths. That can be a terrifying and unavoidable adventure for everyone. In dee holt's latest single "figure it out," she focuses on finding the beauty in that experience. There is a lot of uncertainty when uncovering new paths and arcs of your life, but dee holt uses "figure it out" to dive deeper into her own desires and do some soul searching. The lyrics are both confessional and deeply relatable, and will definitely hit everyone in their vulnerable spots. However, even with the song's lyrics openly discussing uncertainty and some hidden anxiety, it feels empowering and comforting in its relatability.

Lyrics such as, "Cause baby I'm a mess now / And I keep on stressing / Someone help me / Try to figure it out / How to turn it around around around," could serve as a mantra for so many people's lives, regardless of their background. Oftentimes, we are shown images of perfection and ease, when reality is a lot more messy as we search for our purpose, next steps, and how to figure everything out.

"figure it out" is a song that is short but sweet. Throughout its entirety, it maintains a gentle sound that is capable of calming your system while listening. dee holt's soft vocal tone only further adds to that vibe. It creates a listening experience that feels almost as if your are floating on the clouds, far away from any stressors. With summer in full swing, "figure it out" would be the perfect song to listen to while relaxing on the beach enjoying the sound of the waves and dee holt's sweet voice. The song also feels somewhat nostalgic while listening. "figure it out" is a nice blend between indie pop and bedroom pop, and reminds me of the invigorating, distinct music heard during the pandemic era of pop music. It also would belong perfectly on a soundtrack or playlist for a TV series, possessing this unique and natural sound that would be fitting for a main character in a coming-of-age series.

From singing along to her dad’s guitar in VHS home videos and performing at family gatherings, to studying music and art, dee holt’s life has been saturated with creativity from the very beginning. But despite all the external affirmation of her musical talent, she never thought about making a career out of it. After forming a creative bond with Montreal producer Benjamin Nadeau, dee released her first two independent singles at just 18. After landing on Spotify’s beloved Lorem playlist, she caught the attention of Nettwerk Music Group. Her 2022 debut, "When I Close My Eyes," garnered millions of streams, rave reviews, and a massive Spotify billboard in downtown Toronto.

As she moved through subsequent releases like 2023’s "i’ll be there," dee steadily refined her instinct-driven approach to songwriting while establishing her presence on major stages, including standout performances at Montreal Jazz Festival and Sommo Fest, among others. With her 2024 EP, "loving in the dark," she stepped into a bolder, art-pop identity. Yet, through it all, dee’s maintained a personal and creative authenticity, with each expression a true extension of herself.

Written By Kyler Griggs

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