Track of the Day: YME – I Can Be Your Demon
Dealing with a developmental disorder is always difficult, particularly when people have preconceived about the condition. Singer-songwriter YME lives with autism, but that does not hold her back. The daughter of Esther de Bijl, YME (also known as Ymkje de Bijl) embraces life, reflects on it and shares her experiences with the masses through music. Featured on blogs like Roadie Music and online radio stations like iHeart Radio, this Dutch artist is building a following beyond Dutch borders. One of the more recent additions to her discography is ‘I Can Be Your Demon’.
Described by Roadie Music as “engaging, soft and melodic”, YME effortlessly ensnares your senses with her haunting vocals. Unlike her track ‘Did It Again’, ‘I Can Be Your Demon’ adopts a heavier contemporary pop sound with quirky art-pop vibes. Filled with synth-pop beats, the arrangement incorporates beats that hit you in the chest while YME soothes the sonic blast with her obscure vocals. Yet, while there is a soothing quality to YME’s dulcet tones, ‘I Can Be Your Demon’ showcases her darker, more eclectic sound. It is this depth in vocal execution that really pushes the agenda of the track.
Known for her personal narratives, ‘I Can Be Your Demon’ has a kaleidoscopic charm to it. An almost monotone execution belies a melodic arrangement in a harmonic way, both working with the instrumentation and standing on its own. Written about a toxic relationship, there is an unusual intimacy to the song. She sings about being your demon personifying the toxicity of the affair creating an almost palpable feeling of torment but acting as the toxic person, not the anxious partner. This is an interesting approach highlighting her versatility, insightfulness and introspection.
Exploring the complexity of human fragility, YME uses an eclectic sound to take on toxic relationships. What I find particularly amusing is the end, an empowering spoken lyric saying she has blocked your number. Dark and complex with a brutal rawness, ‘I Can Be Your Demon’ is a song that will stick in your head for days to come.
For more from YME check out her official website, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
