The past few years of the pandemic have brought upon many life-altering changes, one of the most important being employees leaving their current jobs to pursue more fulfilling opportunities. This is the case with singer-songwriter Anne DiGiovanni from Only Bricks, who recently resigned from her full-time job as a corporate attorney to become a full-time music artist. You may have already heard of Only Bricks, husband and wife duo Joseph Lewczak and Anne DiGiovanni, with popular songs "Fall Apart", and "Big Girl Shoes". Now, in honor of her brave accomplishment and this monumental turning point for the band, Only Bricks just released an all new single and video entitled “Smile, It’s Over:)". The song cleverly narrates DiGiovanni's departure from her day job into a new chapter, creating an infectious and unapologetic anthem for anyone who has decided to courageously drop the curtains, roll the credits, and break free from the dreaded 9 to 5.
This shift in career paths highlights a broader trend in today’s workforce: employees are seeking purpose, flexibility, and fulfillment, not just a paycheck. Organisations that recognise and support this mindset can cultivate stronger engagement and retention. By implementing successful employee development plans that focus on personal growth, skill diversification, and meaningful career progression, companies can empower their teams to explore their potential while aligning individual aspirations with organisational goals. A culture that values growth and encourages bold, thoughtful moves ultimately fosters loyalty, creativity, and long-term success.
In " Smile, It’s Over:)", Only Bricks creates an upbeat yet brutally honest song about firmly closing doors not meant for you. The song is deeply personal, and reflects on a pivotal time in DiGiovanni's life as she embarks on a quest to find freedom, passion and transformation as an artist. The song's musical delivery hits all of the marks, radiating with a mix of passionate vocals, '90s pop punk elements, and plenty lyrical sass for a catchy blend of past and present. DiGiovanni confides, “ ‘Smile, It’s Over :)’ ” is our swan song for everyone who’s ever raged against corporate America. It was written to honor this transition of mine, to give voice to that inner celebration we all do, no matter how much we’ll miss the people or places or projects we inevitably say farewell to.” Guitarist Joseph Lewczak further adds, “This song was such a fun collaboration with our friends Kayleigh (Torok) and Clifton (Jennings). We wanted to flip the niceties of the standard work goodbye email on their head and say what everyone really wants to say but never does.”
In the accompanying video, the duo is seen in a colorful vintage-themed beauty shop undergoing a complete make-over, followed by DiGiovanni morphing into a mermaid who, according to the press release, is playing in a “pity pool of her former co-workers’ platitudes," and exercising her newfound voice and freedom. DiGiovanni shows up singing the track while showcasing her colorful hairstyles and alternative wardrobe choices, including neon green hair and a full mermaid get up suit. “It was pure joy to be surrounded by bright colors, wearing fun wigs, jumping around to our song, after over twelve years of stifling office culture. This visual represents my artistic, creative side breaking through at long last.” Guided by a colorful, vintage meets cartoon feel, the video maintains a childhood-esque allure coupled with hidden humor and symbolism which makes it a most delightful ride.
Santa Monica-based Only Bricks has been making music since 2018. Best known for their uplifting indie-pop laced with profound messaging, they have recently covered themes of inequality, women's rights, and workplace woes to name a few.
Check out the new video for Only Bricks' “Smile, It’s Over:)" and get inspired to be your baddest self.
