In the beginning of 2020, Noëlle Hampton joined a song prompt group in Austin that fed her four different prompts, all with a childlike aspect. When she received the prompt, “Tag, you’re it” her mind went to dangerous childhood games, specifically truth or dare. A vision of her own nine year old self came rushing back when she was dared to cross a pool underwater with the pool cover on. She made it halfway across and tried to push up on the cover to get air, only to realize it had water on top of it and was too heavy to lift. She began to take in water, confusion set in, up became down and she finally thrashed her way to safety, nearly drowning.
You’re a lonely one
Might be the only one
That never fit the mold
And you’re suddenly aware
All eyes on you, take the dare
Will you drown for this?
Will you go down for this?
The water fills your mouth like a warm kiss
And you’re suddenly aware
All eyes on you, take the dare
The walls push in
And you feel yourself fall
The pressure is real after all
You don’t see yourself in your reflection
You seek the connection
Now the room spins
Your mind full of toxins
And they feed you ’til you fade
And don’t hear them talking
And you’re suddenly aware
All eyes on you, take the dare
The walls push in
And you feel yourself fall
The pressure is real after all
You don’t see yourself in your reflection
You seek the connection
Walls push in
And you feel yourself fall
The pressure is real after all
You don’t see yourself in your reflection
You need the connection
All eyes on you, take the dare
All eyes on you, take the dare
All eyes on you, take the dare
credits
from Stay Alive - The 2020 Singles,
track released August 28, 2020
Written by Noëlle Hampton
Produced By Noëlle Hampton and André Moran
Recorded and mixed by André Moran at Congress House Studio in Austin, TX
Mastered by Gavin Lurssen at Lurssen Mastering in Los Angeles, CA.
Noëlle Hampton: Keys/Vocals/Synths
André Moran: Electric Guitar
Emily Shirley: Additional Vocals
Greg Hagen: Bass
Evan Hutchiings: Drums
Synth-pop quintet The Belle Sounds have been called “one of the best pop bands in Austin” (Austin American Statesman), “Best
New Band” (Austin Chronicle) Their sound is rich with effervescent harmonies & poignant lyricism, floating guitars and sparkling synths, all anchored by a reverence for good old fashioned hooks....more
Sparkling synthpop with an emphasis on high-wattage chords and the kind of melodies that burrow themselves deep in the brain. Bandcamp New & Notable Dec 1, 2023