Within Vanda’s latest single, “Stranger,” one finds oneself in an atmospheric soundscape that is new and familiar from the very first strum of its warm, fingerpicked guitar riffs.
You know you are in for an emotional journey when Vanda begins to sing. Her voice is laid in dreamy harmonies that have an inviting texture right from the onset of the song. A syncopated rhythm immediately kicks into gear, and pretty soon, one is caught by the catchy, almost hypnotic vibe. It is the kind of song that gets you off your feet and thinking simultaneously.
Lyrically, ‘Stranger’ speaks of the emotional experience of losing a close relationship with someone who has since become “just a stranger.” Vanda’s words brilliantly show cognitive dissonance in such a loss: you know so much about someone so intimate, but at the same time, feel the gap of this distance right now.
It launches off with a brash, screaming guitar riff to pave the way for Vanda’s delivery. Her voice is heavy with power, delivering lyrics that most can find themselves identifying with—a sting in that drifting apart from someone who was once so familiar. However, as the song progresses, the energy builds until it comes to a head and finally lets off the hurt in one last full-powered chorus. This surge is where Vanda’s songwriting takes the cake, mixing into a moment of raw, relatable emotion.
Born and raised in Chicago, Vanda relocated to Los Angeles and has been a significant part of the city’s music scene since 2019. After co-writing and featuring on rapper Lucidious’ “Enough” album following her graduation from Hollywood’s Musicians Institute in 2018, she’s continued to develop her unique sound.
She has a way of shaping personal storytelling into infectious electro-pop soundscapes that feel wholly unique within the genre, packed full of saturation. ‘Stranger’ sees Vanda craft her usual brooding ode to relationships gone by but also step up to present an indie pop bop.
You can find more of Vanda at:
You can listen to ‘Stranger’ 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.