I wish being kinder to myself were something I could set an alarm for, something I could check off like a simple to-do list task. But it isn’t. It’s hard. It’s a process, something you work at slowly, tracking the progress the way you would work toward a personal best. Montréal-based artist Magi Merlin bottles that much-needed grace we deserve in our lowest moments on her brilliant new single "So Smart."
"So Smart" is the third single, following "SpiceKick" and "POPSTAR," from her forthcoming debut album POWER HOUSE. Due out in July, it was co-written and co-produced with long-time collaborator Funkywhat. All three songs demonstrate her shape-shifting sound—trip-hop beats, soulful vocals, and grungy electronica framworks. "So Smart" is the most serene and flowy of the songs she's released.
The new single "is an ode to finding sympathy for your own self," Merlin said. "We made it in Mexico City and I ended up having a full meltdown, broke ten years of vegetarianism over a taco and felt like a complete fraud. Funky told me I had to be nicer to myself, and then Sam played the song back and that line was just there: 'I'll push to be kinder to myself... I guess.' It's essentially about getting over myself in the most empathetic way possible."
Watch the video for "So Smart" below.
POWER HOUSE is out 7/10. Pre-order it here.
