Julia Rapp unveils a poetic lyrical prowess and gripping guitar-driven escalation on her new track “Fear (If I’m Still Lucid).” Produced by Quinn Devlin, who Rapp met after moving to Brooklyn, “Fear (If I’m Still Lucid)” captivates in its observations on fear, intimacy, and self-discovery.
Rapp’s vocal style exudes a personal, conversational charm — even amidst serious lyrical references to risky procedures and deathbed locations. The twangy guitar work and rising vocal passion drives to a crunching guitar segment during the “I woke up,” remarking, culminating in a beautiful assortment of climactic vocals and momentum-filled guitars. “I’m not afraid,” the vocals swell into the anthemic second half, written during a healing process, which audibly shows in the cathartic closing moments — “I’ll be okay.”
Rapp shares the following about the track’s process:
“This song began as a dark poem about the fear of intimacy. I wrote the first half when I was in a rough place and the second half when I was healing.
Played it for the first time it at an open mic in San Francisco after coming out of a depressive episode. The end was a victory yell— something between a weep and a scream.
I moved to Brooklyn and met Quinn Devlin, who put great care into producing this song. Many other talented people contributed.
Fame isn’t the goal, getting better is. Hoping this song heals you in some way!”
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of February 2023’ Spotify playlist.
