Tired Cossack – Lilac Pain (2022)
In our interview with Tired Cossack, the artist shared that music is “something that’s been a part of my life growing up…I have always enjoyed listening to music and am captivated by performances.” – I like to think many have this intimate connection with music. Hailing from Canada, Tired Cossack (also known as Stephen Halas) likes to delve into the emotion of melodies using his songs to explore joy, sorrow, care and even Ukrainian folklore. The latest addition to his critically acclaimed repertoire is ‘Lilac Pain’.
Following his album Hocus Pocus (released in 2021), ‘Lilac Pain’ is Tired Cossack’s first single to be released in 2022. Once again, he takes us through the wistful pain of young love and passing beauty, but also the joy of reciprocated love. Written on a sunny day while daydreaming, the single has a whimsical melody capturing the haziness of being lost in a daydream; however, an organised thread is woven into the arranged.
“I wanted something less organised than what I made before. Yet, also wanted it to be very thoughtful. I wanted to grab the listener and take it along a winding path full of pretty things.” – Tired Cossack on ‘Lilac Pain’
Self-recorded and produced, with mixing done by Donavan Ostapowich, ‘Lilac Pain’ is a combination of indie-rock and post-punk. The hooky guitars lead the way with their bold sound, but the synth-inspired tones create a foggy foundation for the melody. Add Tired Cossack’s rich vocals beautifully layered in the back and you have a song that is melancholic with a tinge of empowerment sprinkled on top.
With an almost Nick Cave sound, there is a nostalgic flair to ‘Lilac Pain’ taking us back to the 80s. The thing is, while we are dragged to yesteryear, a contemporary edginess exists in Tired Cossack’s unique sound.
For more from Tired Cossack check out his Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
