Artist: Alice Phoebe Lou Single: Better Genre: Indie Folk, Indie Pop, Singer Songwriter Release Date: November 8th, 2024
Alice Phoebe Lou’s latest single, “Better,” released on November 8, 2024, is a testament to her evolving artistry and ability to craft intimate, reflective music. With its rich, analog-inspired production and thoughtful lyrics, “Better” feels like a modern-day ode to the smooth textures of 1970s vinyl, yet it remains entirely in step with the current indie music landscape.
Recorded at Cedar Creek Studio in Austin, Texas, during her tour with Clairo, the song is a collaborative effort featuring contributions from David Parry on guitar, Dekel Adin on bass and percussion, and Ziv Yamin on drums and piano. The result is a lush, layered arrangement that cradles Lou’s warm, honeyed vocals.
The Story Behind “Better”
Alice Phoebe Lou has always been an artist who wears her heart on her sleeve. From busking on the streets of Berlin to releasing critically acclaimed albums like “Orbit” (2016) and “Shelter” (2023), she’s built a reputation for creating deeply personal, emotionally resonant music. “Better” is no exception—it draws on the fleeting bliss and idealization that come with new love.
The lyrics reflect the universal experience of projecting hopes onto a partner, only to confront reality as the glow fades. Lou’s introspective take on this dynamic captures the essence of her artistry: raw, authentic, and entirely relatable.
A Sonic Connection to the Past and Present
What sets “Better” apart is its production. The song opens with a nostalgic piano motif, evoking the warmth of a well-worn record spinning on a turntable. This texture aligns it with Clairo’s recent work, highlighting a shared appreciation for smooth, analog-inspired soundscapes. Yet, Lou’s signature charm and ethereal vocal delivery make it unmistakably her own.
Her ability to weave light, airy melodies over grounded, contemplative lyrics creates a sonic tension that feels timeless. It’s music that “sounds like flowers,” as some might say—a perfect blend of beauty, fragility, and natural ease.
Alice Phoebe Lou’s Artistic Evolution
“Better” fits seamlessly into Lou’s growing body of work. From the dreamy folk of her earlier albums to the experimental edge of her more recent projects, Lou’s journey is one of constant reinvention. With each release, she continues to push her boundaries while staying true to the emotional core that has earned her a dedicated following.
For fans of indie-folk, alternative pop, and introspective songwriting, “Better” is a must-listen. Its blend of lush instrumentals and heartfelt storytelling makes it one of Alice Phoebe Lou’s most compelling tracks to date.
Worth watching again and again: Alice Phoebe Lou’s set at Seattle’s own KEXP.
