Hellena – I CUT OUT NICOTINE AND I DON’T LIKE BRANDY (2025)
With an eagerness to bring together Eastern and Western influences through melodic music, singer-songwriter Hellena offers a kaleidoscopic sonic concoction, allowing audiences to experience cultures from both sides of the world. Born in the shadow of Mount Olympus, this Greek musician embraces her heritage – one of the oldest civilisations in the world; however, as much as she finds a flair for the Greek side, her infusion of English lyricism forges a path, breaking free from restrictions, norms, and the average pedestrian style. Join us on this sonic journey as we delve into her recent single, ‘I CUT OUT NICOTINE AND I DON’T LIKE BRANDY’.
Taken from her most recent full-length album, HARMONIA, ‘I CUT OUT NICOTINE AND I DON’T LIKE BRANDY’ is a saunter through the realm of pop. As with the meeting of West and East, Hellena finds the line between synthetic and organic, then fits them together like a massive sonic puzzle. Bold electronic beats pulsate throughout the track, but a lilt of acoustic guitar and percussion inserts an entirely different vibe and sound.
A delicate and intricate oscillation of these sounds and vibes, ‘I CUT OUT NICOTINE AND I DON’T LIKE BRANDY’ is a refreshing experimental sentiment, but it is Hellena’s vocals that enhance the creativity, complexity and feel of the track. Light and twinkling, but with darker haunting lingering beneath, her voice is fairy-like and wistful but with profoundness and poignancy.
Melodically, ‘I CUT OUT NICOTINE AND DON’T LIKE BRANDY’ is an enigmatic rush of electropop and dark-pop in an alternative wrapper. Yet, it is the poetic theme and bi-lingual lyricism that further showcase Hellena’s depth. She explains:
“This song explores the journey of growing up and recognising that while we often look up to our parents or caregivers, their influence isn’t always healthy. It’s about breaking free from the patterns that have held me back for too long. With its uplifting vibes, this anthem celebrates life and the thrill of forging my own path…”
In addition to the single, Hellena released an official music video for ‘I CUT OUT NICOTINE AND I DON’T LIKE BRANDY’. You can view the video below and/or on her YouTube channel.
Find out more about Hellena on her official website, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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