Self-contemplation and the fragility of our fleeting passage through life are timeless themes in human experience. However, today, they have taken on even greater relevance. The new challenges we face seem to shorten our time in this world, making difficulties increasingly overwhelming and filling us with unknown new fears and insecurities that often prevent us from fully enjoying that brief moment we call “life.”
Under this captivating premise, the talented London-based singer and songwriter Helena May returns to the music scene, presenting a true anthem of resilience and strength with her new single, “Still Here.” In this song, she not only offers us a preview of her upcoming album, “Puzzle Pieces,” but also provides an exquisite and relaxing listening experience, distinguished by its high production and composition quality.
You may have already heard her name before, as Helena May has been dazzling us with her incredible and inspiring creations for some time. Her two previous singles, "Lifetime Supply," which came to light on February 16th, and “Puzzle Pieces,” which the upcoming album is named after, was released on March 29th. Both mark the beginning of a new chapter in her career as an artist. (Click here to read the full review of “Puzzle Pieces”)
Additionally, her outstanding collaboration with Wagner The Band on “Run Away With Me,” which made its appearance on Bad Wolf Radio during June and July 2024, is another example of what this gifted artist has been bringing to all the devoted music lovers. Furthermore, this new release undoubtedly marks an important milestone in her discography, serving as the third promotional single from her debut full-length album. It also showcases her versatility and innate talent, offering us an exciting sneak peek of what we can fully experience in the near future.
Track Analysis:
For some, merely mentioning that we live in turbulent times might seem contradictory or even incorrect, especially given that, unlike past generations, we now enjoy countless conveniences once only the fruit of our imagination. However, it is undeniable that these advancements have also undermined human relationships, jeopardized our self-esteem, and, above all, given rise to new fears and insecurities, making it harder to navigate our feelings and distancing us from our dreams.
In this context, “Still Here” stands as a powerful testament to struggle and perseverance. Throughout its nearly four-minute duration, the song tackles this complex theme from a refreshing and motivational perspective, offering an emotional reflection on the persistence and strength needed to find our path in life as well as our spiritual balance.
Similar to her previous single “Puzzle Pieces,” this time we are presented with an equally exciting and stimulating auditory landscape. Nonetheless, “Still Here” reveals a much more complex work from both a technical and compositional perspective. This time, the instrumental background takes a 180-degree turn to present an aura of greater relaxation and introspection, where the influences of R&B and Soul are prominently felt.
This not only demonstrates Helena's versatility as a singer, able to move freely between various styles and musical genres, but also highlights the impeccable production work done by the team at Sheep Hill Studios and Metropolis Studios. Under the direction of Fabian Wollner in mixing and Stuart Hawkes in mastering, they have together crafted a true musical gem that emphasizes both the beauty portrayed in the song's theme and Helena's skill and prowess as an artist.
Through her relatable lyrics, Helena offers us a valuable moment of reflection, connecting closely with the audience. Her lyrical work, unlike most contemporary music, moves away from self-referentiality and provides understanding, serving as a warm melodic refuge for our most intimate emotions. “Still Here” vividly portrays the relentless struggle against the things that hinder our personal development, a difficulty we face tirelessly day after day. It boldly highlights the acceptance of reality and ourselves, inviting us to enjoy the small and beautiful moments that life has to offer.
Helena’s exceptional vocal performance is undeniable. Anyone who has experienced her music can attest to this, as her entire discography has already garnered attention from numerous dedicated press outlets and thousands of listeners worldwide. This release is no exception; it showcases her polished interpretative technique, demonstrating her broad vocal range and remarkable control over her voice. By employing various techniques with true expertise, she transitions seamlessly from verses where her delivery is soft enough to deeply move the audience to choruses that are intensely energetic to give you goosebumps. Her ability to create exquisite natural saturation with her vocal cords is a truly unique characteristic that not all singers possess. With its diverse textures and constantly evolving tones and timbres, her voice adds richness and palpable dynamism to every composition—qualities that are almost impossible to find these days.
If you’ve enjoyed “Still Here,” we invite you to follow Helena on her social media to stay updated on her latest news and, of course, to make sure you don’t miss the release date of her upcoming album, which you definitely won’t want to miss!
Helena May On-Line
Official Website: https://www.helenamaymusic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helenamaymusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helenamaymusic/
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/helenamaymusic
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/helenamaymusic