Review: "We Are Not Machines" - Jupiter Winter

A hard-hitting piece of indie pop paradise has graced the music scene with Jupiter Winter’s “We Are Not Machines”. This casual but inviting, drum-laced song describes the joys and woes of being human at a time when the world felt both standstill and on fire. The story behind “We Are Not Machines” comes from Jupiter Winter’s brainchild, Lelia Broussard. Although the song draws you in with its pop complexion, its timing and purpose goes far beyond the sole discussion of human emotion and how it impacts us all. Broussard wrote “We Are Not Machines” in 2020 after the global outbreak of COVID-19, detailing all-around struggles felt at this time and discussion of a foundation for hope. While Broussard’s lyrics have deep relatability, they’re inspiring as well. With phrases such as, “ease the pressure,” and, “maybe it’s okay to feel what you feel”, strong feelings of warmth & support, as well as a motivational push, are laid out for embracement. Personally, these lyrics brought a specific image to mind. I pictured a dear, trusted friend appearing before me, with their arms outstretched, waiting to give me a hug that we’ve both needed. That’s what this song embodies as a whole.  

While listening to “We Are Not the Machines”, I (pleasantly) could not put my finger on what the track reminds me of. Many elements, such as Broussard’s mixed vocal range and the level of relatability the lyrics offer, draw me to artists like Phoebe Bridgers and The Japanese House. Although on the other hand, aspects like the mix of supporting electronic instruments brings my mind to artists like Bleachers and Clairo. With the level of complexity put into this song, along with the quality in its sound, Jupiter Winter’s sophisticated pop transcends barriers put up against some areas of the pop scene today. While some areas of differing music genres are stuck in a rut, where the audience is left with no real connection to the music, this bite of indie-pop not only connects you to the piece but gives you something of substance and quality to listen to. I’ve noticed that I sometimes catch myself waiting for the “good parts” / more interesting pieces of songs to start playing, instead of just embracing what detail I’m given in the moment. With “We Are Not Machines”, it’s obvious that there is an attention to detail given here that translates throughout the song, rather than care being shown in varying, specific areas in the track.

Jupiter Winter is the LA-based artist led by Lelia Broussard and Royce Whittaker, her creative partner and husband. Broussard is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and seasoned artist. In 2015, after Whittaker decided to relocate from Canada and join Broussard in California, they transformed their home studio into the space that would propel Jupiter Winter forward. In addition to Jupiter Winter, both Broussard and Whittaker are members of the synth-wave band The Midnight. They not only were performers for The Midnight’s latest album titled “Monsters”, but were writers & producers as well. While their creative abilities are brilliantly showcased in The Midnight, Broussard and Whittaker’s personal and bonded journeys are shown in their music created as Jupiter Winter. Their music goes beyond the surface of pop music and provides a level of reliability that other areas of music are lacking in at times – making them a beacon to watch for in the realm of pop music.

Written By Madison Spies

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