NYC-based songwriter and producer christian medice has written for the likes of Lovelytheband, Halsey, The Aces, and others, and now he’s ready to share his solo music with us. He released his new single “Neighbor” last week, and it’s a dreamy one.
The lo-fi dream pop song starts off with slow electronic elements that almost sound like muffled wind chimes. Slow but steady drums join in as Medice starts to sing, his voice soft as he remembers details about his old house and how the “sounds next door” kept him up. His voice goes up an octave for the short pre-chorus as he sings “you say we can make it better”.
The chorus sees a sudden change of instrumentation, as the drums and guitar that had been carrying the song until now completely drop out. A dreamy, fast-paced synth replaces them as Medice sings “do you remember our old neighbor?”. This allows his vocals to take center stage, as this reminiscent section of the song almost puts the image of a faded home movie in the listener’s head. Subtle drums and background vocals join him for the second half of the chorus.
The music calms down as we transition into the second verse. A subtle guitar joins in under his vocals, and the delivery of the pre-chorus is more urgent. We head back into the chorus with a little more energy this time. The background vocals work to underscore the message, and we’re shown to the end of the track with the repetition of the lyric “and I hope you’re doing well” in dreamy layers before the music fades out. This feel-good ending gives the listener a sense of nostalgia and well wishing.
The subtle distortion of his voice throughout the track makes the entirety of “Neighbor” feel like a fond memory, which is fitting. Medice elaborates that the song is indeed about his old neighbor “who used to sing at the top of his lungs right outside our window. We came to love the serenade and he was the nicest guy ever.” Throughout the track, the lyrics reveal layers of emotion from slight annoyance through good-natured amusement to fond acceptance.
This single will be a hit particularly with fans of artists like The Japanese House. Even though it’s based on Medice’s personal experience, “Neighbor” will hit home with anyone who has fond memories from lives past that they like to reminisce on from time to time.
KEEP UP WITH CHRISTIAN MEDICE: Instagram // Spotify
