Kai Mayu’s new single “Cigarettes” delivers to fans the indie pop sonics with heartfelt lyrics and infectious rhythms. Welcoming the listener is the lively strumming of a distorted guitar and Kai’s warm, inviting vocal, which makes the track immediately lively with raw emotion.
A singer-songwriter and guitarist himself, Kai Mayu draws on years of experience in music when creating “Cigarettes.” Having entered the music world at 16 years old, Kai has drawn inspiration from such greats as John Mayer, Los Mesoneros, and Tim Atlas to meld into his own unique sound with each chord strummed and lyric penned.
The track was recorded at Tollkühn Productions, Berlin, following his previous single release, part of a two-single release that saw him delve more into the complicatedness of toxic relationships. “Cigarettes” would be the perfect manifestation of Kai’s musical growth from indie rock to indie pop, which exemplifies his growth in the art of creating music.
Inspiration for “Cigarettes” came from Kai’s personal life, from a toxic love affair she once experienced. With touching lyrics and catchy melody, Kai reaches for the theme of being set free and the realisation that parting from something toxic liberates you.
One of the things that really stands out about “Cigarettes” is its time signature, with 7/8 being odd in any modern indie/pop song. But what Kai does to cope with that is he naturally superimposes guitar riffs and drum rhythms, hence creating a solid musical landscape.
Accompanying “Cigarettes” is its counterpart, “Fake Love,” bringing the listener to another context of the same story—two truly captivating and beautifully written pieces, standing alone. Together with this song, it will form a continuous story of love, loss, and ultimately, self-discovery.
“Cigarettes” is what you’d call a friend with hope and resiliency for anyone who has been through the ringer of bad relationships. Whether one still finds oneself afloat in troubled waters or on the other side, her music becomes a comforting voice and pushes them to move forward, bettering and loving themselves.
Kai Mayu’s “Cigarettes” takes on melodic strides through the twists and turns of the human spirit. In other words, the heartfelt lyrics, infectious melodies, and honest delivery are all points to endear this single to just about any audience needing their dose of moving tunes.
You can find more of Kai Mayu at:
You can listen to ‘Cigarettes’ below:
Karen Harding is a Melbourne, Australia based singer/songwriter, founder of Sounds On The Couch, and founder and operator of boutique music PR service for emerging and independent artists, Rise Indie.