This magnetic follow-up to her debut track, “Everybody Out,” is a delightful continuation of the themes that resonate with so many of us.
Have you ever felt out of place or grappling with social anxiety? If so, you will certainly relate to Martel’s journey, which she candidly shares in “Not Cool.” Reflecting on her experience through various life stages—elementary and high school, customer service jobs, and academia—Martel confesses her ongoing struggle to overcome feelings of insecurity. “After surviving elementary and high school, working in customer service and an office job, going to college and university I realized I still have not overcome social anxiety,” she shares. It’s this shared experience of navigating social landscapes that makes her music resonate so deeply.
Curiously, during the isolation of lockdown, you might find echoes of your own thoughts in her songwriting process. Martel spent time in her childhood bedroom, wrestling with the realization that even when no one is around, the concern of what others think can linger. “I wrote this song about it so I could finally try to stop caring so much,” she explains. That relatable sentiment transforms into infectious melodies in “Not Cool,” celebrating the struggle and humor that comes with being, well, not cool.
The style of “Not Cool” leans heavily into the fun and upbeat, promising to captivate your ears instantly. Imagine yourself in a joyful, theatrical setting where the vocals soar and the rhythm encourages you to dance. Martel describes her inspiration: “I was listening to a lot of synth/pop and pop/rock music that had these nice gritty sounds and were more riff based and had always wanted to write more upbeat songs with fun sounds and riffs.” Her desire to energize the listener shines through, giving you a reason to want to hit repeat on this toe-tapping track.
With each note and lyric, Leah Martel is revealing not just her artistry but a piece of her soul. As she continues to evolve as a musician, you are invited along on this enlightening journey of self-discovery and authenticity. “Not Cool” isn’t just a song; it’s a celebration of imperfection and carefree living that many of you will undoubtedly find refreshing.
So, whether you’re browsing through your playlist or looking for the next empowering anthem, make sure to give Leah Martel’s “Not Cool” a listen. It’s a whimsical take on the complexities of life, and who knows? It may just inspire you to embrace your own quirks and live a little more freely.
