Maya Hawke has released her new eclectic song “Dark”, showcasing her unique vocal and instrumental arrangements detailing times when anxiety threatened to consume her fully.
At just 25 years old, Hawke has received global acclaim for her witty lyricism and down-to-earth vocals. Known also for her portrayal of Robin Buckley on the critically acclaimed Netflix show Stranger Things, Hawke’s dedication to showcasing her craft in a variety of media landscapes is admirable.
“Dark” is the new single from her third album Chaos Angel – out May 31. The record is deeply beautiful, speaking of falling in love, messing it up, and getting back up again. It contains the most honest writing from Hawke yet and invites the listener into her grandiose sonic landscape of twists and turns, cataloging upheavals, revelations, foibles, and broken promises.
Chaos Angel is also a document of Hawke coming more fully into her own as a musician, anchored by acoustic guitar and her graceful yet conversational vocals, but with more intricate and lush surroundings than ever before.
Speaking about the new track, Hawke says “Dark’ is a cut-and-dry love song about a relationship struggling to find its footing. It’s about trying to sort out the mixed bag of history and pain two people bring into a new love to find the path forward. The chorus was written a few years ago when I was going through a particularly debilitating bout of bedtime anxiety.”
She detailed that when she would go to sleep, she was afraid she would die. Doctors told her to become more comfortable with death and she would be able to sleep and would likely not die. “He was right, I didn’t die. And I wrote this song to celebrate it,” Hawke said.
“Dark” begins as an acoustic and slow ballad, entrancing the listener with her deeply personal lyrics and quiet yet powerful voice. Maya Hawke’s lyricism is praiseworthy, with lyrics like “I’m your guitar, mute me gently with the palm of your hand,” and “So self-conscious awareness just a catalyst,” making you pause and reflect. About halfway, the track takes on a new vibe with increased harmonies, the addition of percussion elements, and a perfectly crafted electric guitar.
The track is energetic yet subtle with vivid storytelling and signature Maya Hawke touches. It encapsulates the feelings of anxiety that come with rocky relationships in a whirlwind of instruments and complicated lyricism.
Her new record Chaos Angel comes out May 31. For more information about Maya Hawke and to keep up with her, follow her social media @maya_hawke.
You can listen to “Dark” here:
