With PSY'AVIAH you never know what to expect and with whom he (aka Yves Schelpe) will work together with! The lyrics are always very smart and showing off a good hart and a good view on the world. It’s not always sunshine, there can be darkness and sadness, just like in real life!
This time it’s a sharp look on what social media does to most of us or does with most of us … This is what the press kit told me: “With “Pretender”, Belgian artist PSY’AVIAH fakes to bring us a nice and happy new summer dance pop song, but instead brings us the exact opposite once we pay some attention to the lyrics evoking a much more serious message behind this shiny and joyful façade.”
Confronting us with the impact of loneliness and senselessness in our postmodern society, Yves Schelpe pushes us to drop the mask and question the virtual artificial life we pretend to have on social medias… He invites us to put our smartphones at the right place, at the service of human connection, nothing more, nothing less. The video clip made for this song nicely depicts this: shot during the Corona lockdown period, PSY’AVIAH invited his fans to share “connection” moments that were integrated in the video concept…
“Pretender” is a carrying upbeat electronic pop song led by the stunning vocals of female singer Maysa who adds a little melancholic dimension to this vibrating hi-energy dance pop tune. Indeed: if you don’t mind the lyrics you would be dancing and singing along as if it’s another stupid love song, but that’s not it. It’s the cynical thing that Silke Bisschoff (with Hold Me for example) used to do a lot and trick you. Only real masters can achieve this effect, so: bravo! On top Maysa can really sing like the best! There is also a Device Noize club remix - radio edit: even more uplifted/higher tempo and a more techno minded feel (perfect for clubland)! Next is the Studio-X club0 remix (gives it a Silver/Reggi touch). The Humans Can't Reboot remix gives it a mix of old school New Wave, with some trip hop and a piano minded vibe. Both things are a bit colliding with each other, but the more you listen to it: the better it gets. The Fundisc remix goes for a funky version with dito Prince minded guitar, some sax and some disco in between. The extended edit makes it a bit sweeter and lesser melancholic. Last version is the Device Noize club remix - dj edit: it’s fitting for clubland (or your own private living room).
Well, once again: mission accomplished! So: will you put aside your mobile devices?
