Much like we can lose ourselves in the moment, we can also lose ourselves in other people. Primarily in our romantic partners. But unlike the positive connotation losing yourself in the moment typically entails, losing yourself in another person has quite the opposite sentiment. When we lose ourselves in our partners, we begin to lose our individuality and the undeniably unique aspects of ourselves that simply make us us. When the relationship does meet its end, on top of grieving the connection, we’re also grieving the lost of our own self-image. DESTÍNA’s “Who Am I” dives into rediscovering yourself after the conclusion of a less than desirable relationship alongside the need to self-monitor to prevent us from wrapping ourselves up in someone else.
“Who Am I” is a Pop-Dance track layered with dreamy synths to put listeners into a reflective state – almost beckoning us to recall our actions when in relationships. The song opens with a cool melody and the first verse that details how the former partner’s damaging words made them feel subhuman. Even having to remind them that they can “feel” the impact of the language being utilized. Then in the second verse listeners hear the lines: “Feel the weight of perfection / Pressure coming from every direction”, and this is capsizing on the idea of living up to a partner’s impossible expectations of oneself – an essential caveat of losing yourself in someone else. In the chorus, we hear DESTÍNA start to question their identity when separate from this partner; and they have no idea who they are since so much of their self-image was deeply rooted in upholding the perceptions the partner had of them. Through the course of the song’s run-time, listeners witness the artist’s transformation from cluelessness to self-awareness. And eventually understanding that the tools needed to separate ourselves from a bad relationship and to improve our own self-image lies within us. I’d like to conclude by pointing out the distinctive snaps in the singles background. These snaps remind me of a hypnotist awakening someone from a trance; it’s similar to the awakening we undergo when we’re no longer basing our identity on a partner’s expectations and perception.
The Coral Springs native turned Nashville resident, DESTÍNA, better known as Destiny Rayne, has always had her sights set on becoming a pop icon. The artist began singing at three and would eventually have her vocal talents honed after a third-grade talent show. Years later, Rayne would become one of fans’ favorites on season 17 of NBC’s The Voice; her blind audition of Adele’s “Make You Feel My Love” captured the hearts of Gwen Stefani, John Legend, and audiences alike. After her appearance on the show, the artist decided to venture on her own project, DESTÍNA. DESTÍNA serves as an expansion of Rayne where she can freely explore her roots and transform her findings into dance anthems for listeners to enjoy. Rayne’s debut single as DESTÍNA was “BOOM”, with “Who Am I” being the artist’s junior single. While DESTÍNA does not have any live performances scheduled currently, she does intend on releasing a new single every month. And the best way to keep up with those new releases from DESTÍNA is to show her some virtual love in the form of streams, likes, and follows.
Written By Giavanna Gradaille
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