Emerging from the recent new music Friday, Em Beihold presented her latest release, ‘Maybe Life Is Good’. This captivating song is not only her first venture into the music scene in 2024 but also offers another glimpse into her authentic and candid songwriting style. The accompanying artwork resonates with an Alice in Wonderland-esque vibe, featuring bright colours that convey a positive feeling. However, the flames enveloping Em in the artwork maintain the subtle edge of a “slightly hell, but not depths of hell” ambience that Em intended in her sketches.
The groundwork for Em’s latest release can be linked back to a challenging period in 2023 when she wrestled with a prolonged episode of writer’s block. Faced with the throes of depression, she underwent a transformative shift in her approach to songwriting, adopting a non-forceful mindset that she describes as her “lifevest out of depression”. During this time, Em found comfort in refraining from listening to music, as she often felt the weight of comparison. However, the silver lining emerged as she discovered inspiration from artists like MARINA and Florence & The Machine. This journey through adversity and self-discovery laid the foundation for Em Beihold’s release of “Maybe Life Is Good”, a testament to her resilience and evolving artistry.
When you press play on ‘Maybe Life Is Good’, the familiar essence of an Em Beihold song immediately immerses you. Her storytelling approach to songwriting creates an atmosphere like chatting with a wise friend. The song’s upbeat melody harmonises seamlessly with its reflective lyrics, striking a perfect balance for an uplifting experience. The empowering message introduced in the first verse remains a constant throughout the song, with the pre-chorus reinforcing the idea that it’s perfectly fine to change your mind. As the song unfolds, the lyrics navigate back and forth, illustrating the ongoing cycle one might encounter while dealing with mental health struggles.
During 1824’s press conference last week, Em expressed, “If I can be a part of making the world a little bit better, then I would love to be that”. This statement encapsulates her self-described genre of quirky pop, embodying the essence of an empowering and feel-good song. As you listen to the track, you sense Em’s familiarity with various emotions and thoughts, allowing them to coexist. The bridge, featuring the lines “Being happy’s out of style, feeling sad is all the rage / The story’s kinda boring though, might be time to turn the page”, comes after a chorus that concludes with “and everything is going to be alright”, wrapping the song with an uplifting vibe.
Em is currently gearing up for a tour across the United States, and when asked which song she’s most excited to hear fans sing back to her, she mentioned ‘Maybe Life Is Good’. Hopefully, she’ll make her way to Europe soon, giving us the chance to sing ‘Maybe Life Is Good’ back to her.
Written by: Ilse Muis
Edited by: Sem Van Poucke
