·November 21, 2021·5 min read

Tear-x – Chrysalis | Mesmerizing

Based out of London, multi-genre producer and songwriter Tear-x has been putting out highly emotive music since 2019 that explores her introspective journey of constant search and creation. Her latest EP ‘Chrysalis’ is a six-track collection of diverse sounds and atmospheres that focus on the artist’s period of transformation. While she is best known for her debut EP, ‘Woods are Lilac,’ she has developed a new sound on this record that is quite different from her previous releases.

Chrysalis EP Tracklist

Beginning with the track Reborn, the EP gives listeners a glimpse of the eccentric sounds of the album. Ethereal and dark atmospheres serve as a backdrop for her delicate yet powerful vocals; very Billie Eilish-reminiscent.

Chrysalis begins with an interesting, slightly noisy melody that sets the song’s hypnotic mood. Through an array of deep synthesizer tones, the title track doesn’t have a lot of rhythmic content, though the initial intro melody serves as a percussion in some parts. Her vocal performance is flawless and truly captivating – “Freedom, freedom, freedom / Fly around, moving slow / Deep is her soul when she smiles / The ground knows all I am / Freedom…” – Tear-x sings with a lot of feel, and though the song is slow, it seems very intense and powerful.

A melancholic guitar melody supports Tear-x’s vocal melody right from the start of Tribe. In comparison to the previous tracks, Tribe has a more lively feel that’s brought about by the electronic beat progression. It’s infectious chorus melody might just get your head moving!

Just a Dream begins with rich vocal harmonies and a beautifully processed nylon guitar tune. Tear-x’s vocals stand out because there aren’t many instruments on the track, so they sound all the more appealing. In addition, an unexpected instrumental segment, accompanied by a harmonica, arises in between the verses for an altogether colourful sound.

Track five, From Another Galaxy, as the title suggests, has a sound that’s rather otherworldly. It’s peculiar yet fitting beat supports the lush atmospheres wonderfully, and suits the overall vibe of the album. Just under two-minutes-long, it seems the artist is getting the listener ready for the track’s outro, through a variety of soft and enchanting melodies.

The ‘Chrysalis’ EP ends with an absolutely spectacular track titled, Pray. If you thought the rest of the five songs had a lot to offer, wait till you hear the mesmerizing sounds of this song! Tear-x’s final vocal melody is supported extravagantly by the distinct elements used in this album over luxuriant atmospheres.

In conversation with Tear-x

Q1 – “Chrysalis” is a six-track EP that features a plethora of electronic sounds fused to create the distinct tone of the album. What inspired you to write this EP and what is it about?

Well, in 2019 I moved to London and I didn’t have time to compose, so when the pandemic hit to us, I really had time to sit down and compose my next album. I had all these different feelings that the city left to me, and it was the time to grow and be free again. I needed a transformation, and so I did. For me, the transformation has been the most important thing when talking about music and that was my biggest challenge, to confront myself and change. Chrysalis equals to constant movement.

Q2 – How has your time in Mallorca influenced your music creation style and how has it translated into this album?

Mallorca is where my family is. My brother is the producer of this EP, so a lot of influences comes from him. Also I identify the island as a peaceful place, in which I feel disconnected from everything, so a lot of peaceful and minimal influences impacted the creation of the sounds and chords.

Q3 – The title track, Chrysalis features emotive vocals and intriguing lyrics. Which singers do you look up to? What impact have they had on your vocal style?

Even though I sing in English, I have always written poetry in Spanish, since is my first language. The artist who inspired me to write more poetic and meaningful lyrics was La Chica, a French-Venezuelan artist. Along with Alice Phoebe Lou, they have been inspired me in my vocal style, with their softness and self-confidence in their voices.

Q4 – What would you like listeners to take away from your EP?

I want people to be aware about everything! their feelings, how to improve themselves though transformation, about where are we living now in 2021. I want them to feel fully, without prejudice, being unique and authentic, without shame.

Q5 – Your previous releases (like “Woods are Lilac”) have a more alternative-rock/electro-pop sound and are a very different colour as compared to your latest EP. What brought about this change?

I wrote ´´Woods Are Lilac´´ back in 2018 so the last 3 years I have drawn on so many influences that it was almost impossible not to create a new sound. Also ´´Woods are lilac´´ was recorded and produced in my bedroom studio, without having much idea of production, and the sound that I might have wanted for that EP was not the final result of it. Despite that, I don’t regret having released it, for me it was a success and the beginning of my musical career.

Q6 – You’ve released a bunch of singles since 2019 that showcase your journey and I’m sure it’s been a hell of a ride! Do you have any advice for artists who are just starting out and trying to put out their original music?

Keep in constant movement and creation! For me, moving to a big city, study at a music university and meet new people helped me a lot. The key, at the end of the day, is showing your music to the rest of the world going to gigs, open mics… Make music from the most authentic self. I believe that If you trust what you love, you can never ever go wrong.