concept cover art, “growing pains” (2024) shot by kuzu
growing pains
growing up hurts you, but evidently GROWS you. the duality is the “teenage experience” in a nutshell. it’s like wanting to become something bigger but still clinging to the safety of what you know.
transformation
pain isn’t the point, but change is. discomfort is purposeful. you are being reshaped into something more expansive. the chaos of adolescence is a process !
hope
there is an optimism in this project. it tells you that pain is temporary. experience is temporary, and its what follows that makes it worth it. the project balances nostalgia, queerness and resilience. it discusses different themes and perspectives with soft melodies, a blend of genres and inspirations with a feminine sparkle.
the vibe
it’s soft, warm, a little sad and bittersweet. it feels like that feeling you have when you realise that you aren’t the same person anymore.
i want to see how it resonates with other people. if it’s the “growing”, the “pains” or the tension between them both.
growing pains
u, him & me
say you won’t
lock it down
you
redefine
growing pains: “i miss the way things used to be, before responsibility, 21 but i’m stuck at 16”
reflective, contradictory, resentful, melancholy.
u, him & me: “trust me you don’t wanna do this, i got what i want and i won’t lose it, i don’t fuck around and i can prove it”
moody, possessive.
say you won’t: “i need you to promise that you won’t lie, i’m overprotective, i don’t know why”
insecure, anxious, overthinking.
lock it down: “i don’t wanna keep no distance, show you what i been missing, we ain’t gon’ need no convincing […] you can go ahead and lock it down”
flirty, playful, rebellious, explorative.
you: “i can’t even save me, but i’m so used to needing saving… you got me feeling so safe”
infatuation, “honeymoon phase”
redefine: “why can’t i make sense of what i’m feeling, or make my own decisions? every conversation is so boring…”
jaded, reflective, accountable.
BONUS TRACKS:
make me feel
i know that it kills you inside
make me feel: “i love it when you touch me there, hands all in my hair, oh i love to stare at you, wouldn’t think about nobody else, no, the cards are dealt”
sensual, appreciative, playful
i know that it kills you inside: “haven’t thought about you in a month, i know that it’s hard for you to grasp so i’ll be blunt”
healing, retrospective, fun