Denton, TX-based indie rocker and visual artist Claire Morales delivers an emotional one-two punch with her new single, "Champion," the soaring lead track from her latest album, "Lost in the Desert." Amidst fighting the battle between pushing away from conflict and facing personal demons, "Champion" highlights Morales' adept approach to a seamless mosaic of folk rock, alternative rock, and indie ingredients, with a freshly added kick of energy.
Released alongside a visually arresting one-take music video, the song is an emotional snapshot of a moment when Morales's personal and professional lives collided, and we all got a bit of a look at what's underneath Morales' public persona. "'Champion' was written during a time when my life was exploding," Morales shares. "I had spent years avoiding conflict, hello, avoidant tendencies, and unsurprisingly, that created major issues in my personal life. Everything came to a head while I was releasing my last album. I learned that putting music out into the world can be a catalyst for upheaval."
The song reflects the confusion, showing this battle between self-doubt and self-belief. Morales gives us a peak into her psyche, telling the effects of the stress accompanying her decision to keep out of the way, not rock the boat, and ignore problems until they become unignorable. In her take on how ridiculous little skirmishes feel like life-or-death struggles, "Champion" points out that it's a paradox that we so often fight the battles we're least capable of winning.
"Champion" manages to mix unbridled expressiveness with the delicacy of the instrumentation to leave you amidst an anthemic yet personal soundscape. Its alternative rock core is deft and vibrant, while splashes of folk imbue it with an invigorating depth that coincides with Morales's personal growth in this defiant period. Its irresistible beat and catchy rhythm offer a feeling of release and resilience, in the end celebrating overcoming some of life's toughest challenges even when those challenges seem overwhelming. As Claire Morales readies to release "Lost in the Desert," "Champion" is an excellent entry point to the emotional turmoil that will shape the album. With its powerful lyrics and infectious beat, "Champion" is a blast of self-love and personal growth that will resonate with listeners worldwide.
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