Music
Maddie Carpenter Follows Her Heart Into The Future On Debut Single “Cowboy”
“Cowboy” is a poetic masterpiece about letting go of the past told through Carpenter’s golden, honeyed vocals resting atop pristine keys and energetic banjo.
Indie pop artist Maddie Carpenter makes a dazzling showcase of masterful songwriting on her debut single, “Cowboy,” released alongside a cinematic music video out November 18. Reminiscent of iconic lyricists like Sara Bareilles and Lucinda Williams, Carpenter beautifully articulates her story with passion, intelligence, and clarity on this subtly Americana-kissed pop track. “Cowboy” is an undeniably raw and heartfelt story delving into the difficult-to-let-go-of nostalgia and comfort that keeps young adults from embracing new experiences. At its core, this track represents the transition from childhood to adulthood; the attachment to a first love, specifically, represents a powerful tie to our younger self. For Carpenter, “growing up and realizing that your passions are taking you in a different direction – away from the comforts of your childhood,” is a necessary part of developing into the person we were meant to be.
Carpenter sets the scene for this music video in a wistful desert. The singer-songwriter playfully explores the open landscape beneath a magnificent sunset, representative of the journey, sheer potential, and optimism for a beyond bright future. This video is simple, raw, and emotional; viewers get an authentic insight into the feelings and stories the songstress built this song from. Carpenter effortlessly conveys every ounce of passion she has for this story in her mesmerizing delivery throughout the video. She acknowledges the importance of working through such a profoundly difficult stage of uncertainty, especially for women: She says, “[women] often feel that they need to be nurturers and are told by society that they shouldn’t hurt others emotionally, even if it means sacrificing their own dreams.” For any young adults struggling to make the transition to adulthood, “Cowboy” is the anthem to give you that extra vote of confidence to take the leap of faith.
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Stream “Cowboy” on all major streaming platforms and watch the video on November 18.
More about Maddie Carpenter:
Maddie Carpenter is a singer-songwriter from California’s Bay Area. She grew up listening to pop, Americana, and singer/songwriter music and realized her love of both singing and songwriting at an early age. Having written her own songs since age 10, Maddie was confident that she would find her purpose in music as she grew up. With influence from artists like Sara Bareilles, Carpenter is passionate about finding the intersection of poetry, music and storytelling in each song she writes. The artist has been waiting for the right time – to embark on her journey as an artist on her terms – where she could take control to mold her projects into the vision. Carpenter is undoubtedly ready to take this game-changing step into the next season of her life.
Artist Spotlight
personalheartbreaker and ENCASSATOR unpack manipulation, obsession and remorse on “Sorry Eyed”
“Sorry Eyed” is a dark shoegaze and alternative rock ballad by personalheartbreaker and ENCASSATOR that explores the space between obsession, emotional dependence, manipulation, and remorse. The new single slowly reveals how reliance is a form of oppression, not just weakness. The result is a psychologically complex song that pulls you into a relationship where trust and exploitation are not mutually exclusive.
The track takes an unsettling emotional turn through its manipulator’s perspective in “Sorry Eyed.” At first, the narrator seems dependent on another person, as if they need comfort, connection, or support. But as the story progresses, that openness starts to resemble exploitation. The song’s heart is the power imbalance, where regret always clashes with self-interest.
This struggle gives the song its emotional weight, because the narrator knows the damage he’s causing but is still addicted to the perks of manipulation. The accompanying music video arrives September 30th and carries that story further with the angel’s trust, devotion, and sacrifice. What begins with faith in a fellow man ends in destruction and offers visual counterpoint to the song’s themes.
“Sorry Eyed” is a collaboration with ENCASSATOR, who produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered the song and played a major role in its development. That full creative engagement helps shape the single into one cohesive piece, where the track’s dark alternative rock, shoegaze identity doesn’t detract from the story but supports it. “Sorry Eyed” is a strong pick for fans who love exploring manipulation and complicated relationships.
Artist Spotlight
“Hell has frozen over” finds Sarina choosing peace over being understood
Sarina’s new track, “Hell has frozen over,” explores the less dramatic, more complicated moment of reaching the end of the road, being gaslit, ignored, rejected, and painfully lonely. It translates the emotional burnout into a rock-pop context that’s easy to understand.
“Hell has frozen over” focuses on the decision to step away, instead of explaining, defending, or seeking understanding from people who refuse to listen. The rock foundation gives it the right weight, the pop influence makes it accessible, and the focus stays on the emotional message.
Sarina’s art is the struggle of loss and being strong in yourself. It’s about understanding that protecting your peace is more important than being understood. And that’s the emotional balance that gives the release its character so that the subject matter has relevance beyond a particular circumstance.
“Hell has frozen over“ is a relief from the burden of carrying on a debate that will never be resolved. Sarina turns an experience of isolation into a statement about boundaries, resilience, and the choice not to get caught in the same cycle. The result is a record that’s at its best when it’s being true to what it feels like to finally be free from whatever has been holding you down.
Photo Credit: Andrea Hunter
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