Steven Ara is the musical project of the San Francisco/Santa Barbara duo Steven Bishop and Max Harlynking. They embarked on this musical journey by releasing two singles, one of which was “Speed of Light.” The song explores themes of letting go of expectations and allowing the twists and turns of life to take you on a ride. At its core, it whispers to the listener, telling them to find their own pace in life.
Musically, the song starts with a subtle guitar melody followed by a mid-tempo drum melody. The piano melody, however, specifically stands out in the composition. It’s higher in pitch than the other instruments, which adds an element of contrast but gives a more welcoming feel to the track as whole. The guitar melody also starts faster and immediately slows down to put the vocals front and center, only to pick up again after the first verse. This lets the listener really take in the first lyrics.
The lyrics of “Speed of Light” capture a sense of yearning for time while also balancing this level of tension. It echoes the feeling of trying to keep up with life as it moves faster than we can truly manage. As the song builds, the music mirrors this urgency, intensifying the theme of racing against time. It’s a relatable experience—many people can connect with the pressure of time slipping away and the anxiety that comes with it. The track taps into that universal fear, making it both personal and powerful.
Overall, the duo’s passion for alternative pop music shines through in their debut singles. For these to be some of their earliest projects leaves space for listeners to be excited for what’s to come in their musical journey. Lyrically, the song is engaging, and this authentic approach to indie/alternative pop is an impressive introduction for what’s to come in future projects.
