Betty Reed – Shallow End (2022)
Influenced by the likes of Avril Lavigne, Demi Lovato, Tom Petty and Radiohead, singer-songwriter Betty Reed has a strong female presence in her genre-defying sound. Lying somewhere between the grunge of Radiohead, pop-rock/pop-punk of Avril Lavigne and glam-rock of David Bowie, the US-based artist is old-school with a modern-day flair. Featured on notable blogs like We Write About Music, Clout and York Calling, Reed is reaching audiences across the globe. The latest addition to her discography is the single ‘Shallow End’.
As with her previous material, ‘Shallow End’ is an eloquent exploration of the complexities of depression and anxiety. Mental health is a significant topic to examine, particularly considering the rise in depression; however, Reed takes a more intimate approach speaking about her personal experiences. In her intimate narratives, Reed takes on human fragility with vulnerability and an elegant delicacy.
While her tracks touch on this difficult topic they are not intended to be entirely melancholic but hopeful and optimistic. Betty Reed explains that her songs explore her coping with depression – “to get through a dark day, you have to believe with all your heart that there are better days ahead and lean in on those hopeful moments as your life preserver…” In ‘Shallow End’, the artist sets the scene of a person “struggling not to drown”. She shares that the song touches on “…this feeling that I’m floundering in the shallow end and there is an easy way to rescue myself. I merely have to stand up, but it’s hard to do even that when your brain is malfunctioning.”
What I love about Betty Reed is how her melody effectively expresses the tragic theme. ‘Shallow End’ adopts a strong pop sound bringing an 80s flair to the modern-day ballad. Nostalgic guitars and drums meld effortlessly with her rich vocals; however, while the melody is powerful and bold, Reed’s dulcet tones have a painful desperation that sends shivers down your spine.
Sincere, sentimental, sensitive and tender, Betty Reed breaks your heart with her captivating single ‘Shallow End’.
For more from Betty Reed check out her official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
