props – What Are You Waiting For? (2021)
Approximately two years ago we interviewed an eclectic UK-based artist called props to discuss his debut single ‘Wired’ (read the interview here). Now we have the honour of revisiting the musician with his latest single ‘What Are You Waiting For?’. I always knew his eclectic sound would take him places…and so it has. Featured on Amazing Radio, BBC Introducing, Little Dose of Indie, Unheard Gems, and several Spotify playlists, props is reaching audiences on an international level.
Described as a “Glass Animals’ glitchy synth meets Biffy Clyro anthemic angst”, props (also known as Mark Gilyead) melds post-punk, indie-pop and lo-fi sounds in his tunes. Following his pop-rock-influenced single ‘Easy’, ‘What Are You Waiting For?’ adopts steadier and more laidback sound. The combination of synths, drums and guitar has a hazy ambience flowing into a bubblegum pink sonic whirlpool. Yet, it is the fusion of monochromatic melodies in the bubblegum pink whirlpool that showcases props innovativeness and eclecticism.
The melody shows a degree of depth in its beguiling style, but there is the juxtaposition between the simplistic tune and provocative lyricism that indicates a true profoundness. A controversial tongue-in-cheek exposition of privilege and entitlement, ‘What Are You Waiting For?’ holds a poignant message in the jovial tune. When speaking about the new single, props explains that he finds it “…so depressing that those in power choose to play games with people’s lives over the satisfaction of making people happy. When writing ‘What Are You Waiting For?’ the lyrics were optimistic at the start, but as the song goes on I gradually admit that people don’t change that easily…”
In addition to the single, props released an official music video for ‘What Are You Waiting For?’. I find the video intriguing because of its analogue aesthetic gesturing back to old-school 90s computers. Merely a pink background with several tabs and images of hourglasses, it is highly simplistic but effective adding a visual element to the provocative song. Please note that the video contains repeating patterns that can cause migraines or seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy.
VIEW AT OWN DISCRETION
For more from props check out his official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
