Artist: Michellar Single: Dreaming Genre: Classic Rock, Pop-Punk, Adult-Oriented Rock Release Date: March 28th, 2025
There’s something quietly nostalgic about “Dreaming,” the latest single from San Francisco’s Michellar. With a guitar riff that feels plucked from a 60s spy film and a clear nod to the psychedelic pop of that era, the song sets a familiar mood: cinematic, moody, and reflective. But at its core, “Dreaming” is more personal than stylistic. It’s a song about losing sight of what once felt possible—and what it means to still hold onto that spark, even when it’s dimmed.
Michellar is the musical project of Michelle Bond, who wrote both the lyrics and the music. The vocals were tracked in San Francisco at The Women’s Audio Mission studio, while the production—handled by UK-based Toby Wilson—adds a clean, intentional polish to the instrumental side. The process stretched across continents, a detail that speaks to Bond’s commitment to the project. It’s a song that took time, travel, and coordination to realize, even if the result is simple on the surface.
Bond describes “Dreaming” as a spiteful song, not in tone but in origin. It comes from years of feeling like her aspirations were sidelined by necessity—working to survive rather than thrive, letting go of creative ambitions out of practical need. That bitterness is present, but it’s understated. The track isn’t angry; it’s weary. The lyrics float more than they drive, delivered with a reserved vocal that plays things safe.
That might be where “Dreaming” misses some of its potential. There’s a solid foundation here—especially in the arrangement, which channels a vintage vibe without sounding dated—but the vocal melody doesn’t take many risks. For a track about reclaiming identity and creative voice, it would’ve been nice to hear that emotion pushed further, whether in phrasing, intensity, or variation. Michellar has a unique story to tell, and we’re hoping future releases feel bolder in how that story is told.
Still, “Dreaming” is a thoughtful debut—well-produced, grounded in clear influences, and meaningful to its creator. Bond may not have reached the full emotional range of her message just yet, but this track makes clear she has something to say. As she continues performing around San Francisco and carving out her sound, we’re curious to see where she lets her dreams take her next.
Because sometimes, as her mother told her: “If we never dream… we’ll never know what we could ever be.”
