Tears Are Just Glitter, the joint project of Stockholm-based songwriters/producers Gustav Jonsson and Fredrik Berger capture a vintage neon-pop vibe on their debut single “80’s kind of sad.”
With emotive vocals that float upon a dreamy soundscape of glittering synths and catchy drums, the retro-tinged track is as timeless as it is laden with nostalgia. Led by a vibrance that evokes brightness even amidst sadness, the shimmering track harkens back to a time when you found solace in small things to overcome sadness.
Reflecting on how you found ways to detach yourself from whatever is getting you down – whether a lot of ice cream, a good cry or some groovy music – the track is warm as it transforms heartache into an escapist fantasy. Offering up a bright, technicolour soundscape underscored by an intricate blend of luscious superficiality and melancholy, “80’s kind of sad,” allows you to feel things while simultaneously ushering you away from it.
The track is accompanied by visuals featuring their artificial face Gary. A youthful, good-looking visual representation of their luscious sound, Gary is the duo’s answer to putting their music out into the world without having to put their own faces out there.
On how the idea of Gary came to be, the duo shared,” One day when they were hard at work in the studio a guy who called himself Gary suddenly appeared on their screen. We immediately realized that he was the man who could give wings to our pop songs.”
Speaking of Gary’s place in their artistry, they further add, “The songwriting, the vocals and the music production is human. The artist is as artificial as artists usually are.
With an impressive musical resume having written and produced for the likes of Charli XCX, Zara Larsson, Icona Pop and more, Tears Are Just Glitter channel their glossy pop artistry through their beautifully manufactured muse that is Gary to establish their true musical presence with a unique approach.
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