‘I Can’t Compete’ is the confessional new single from Cambridge-based artist Samantha Avalon. This lush, dreamy, and dramatic slice of indie-pop balladry is the perfect vector for Avalon‘s unique vocals, which are peppered with compelling quirks reminiscent of Dolores O’Riordan or Sinéad O’Connor. This expressive tone is really put centre stage from the very start as the initially sparse soundscape is enlivened by a haunting chant.
As the song opens up, elements of soft percussion, theatrical piano, and subtle guitar flourishes begin to build that sense of self-belief and empowerment. By the time we reach the cathartic chorus Avalon finds freedom is admitting “I can’t compete,” and therefore she shouldn’t have to. Through this powerful single, the artist shakes off the shackles of outside control and reclaims her agency.
Beyond the song’s immediate theme, ‘I Can’t Compete’ also represents a significant chapter in Samantha Avalon‘s life. As she explains, “I have been creating a lot of new music recently and it has transported me back to the time when I recorded my first songs. I always felt that I can’t compete was the first song I wrote where I found my voice and it never got released due to my band falling apart at the time. It feels meaningful to share it now, before I ventured further into new music.”
Now, the British musician is ready to reclaims and propel her voice, while encouraging listeners to dot he same.
You can listen to ‘I Can’t Compete’ in our Shades of Pop playlist.
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