Every song has that moment: the one when everything clicks into place. In "manslaughter," the latest single from Nashville artist JT Foley, that moment arrived for me right before the second chorus. Over acoustic guitars and atmospheric bass, Foley's voice dips into a gravelly murmur: "I've gotta kill the thought of you because the thought of you is killing me." That clever twist of phrase frames the internal anguish at the fresh single's core. Immaculately produced with modern, indie pop stylings, "manslaughter" is an auditory feast of both the acoustic and electronic. The vocal layering fills any empty space with vivid color and texture, elevating the song to a lush and atmospheric experience.
A self-described "emotional mess," Foley brings a welcome sense of chaos to the emotional journey behind "manslaughter." The traditional methods of forgetting someone are all turned over throughout the first verse's acoustic soundscape. It's not enough to cross out old pictures, drive the long way home, or "unfollow and delete." Foley remarks on "drugs and therapy" with the same reverence as she does "talking shit." In the catastrophic world of "manslaughter," no conventional coping mechanism is effective enough to help her move on. "Assassination: quick and painless. / I'll leave no traces of you," she sings in the chorus. It's not a declaration of violence, but an expression of helplessness. What can you do when someone won't leave your head?
Nashville-based singer/songwriter, Taylor "JT" Foley, may have began releasing music just last year, but her impressive collaborations have already cemented her as a rising star. Signed to Arthouse and Black Diamond Artist Group, Foley has credited collaborations with the likes of GAYLE, Maddy Hicks, Pete Nappi, and many others. Her debut as JT Foley, "Scaredy Cat," garnered tremendous praise—finding its way onto New Music Friday from Apple and Spotify. Despite being a relatively new artist, Foley has been writing music since she was eight years old. Her hope for her music is to connect with listeners' life experiences and provide a platform for vulnerability.
Written By Andy Mockbee
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