Tonguetied releases new single ‘Lessons’today – following the flitting electronica tinged debut ‘Losing My Mind’. Completely self-written and produced, ‘Lessons’ is the second glimpse into Tonguetied’s translucent world. AKA Elena Garcia, her songwriting is that of a diarist, treading a line between a direct and indirect gaze. This is emphasised by the vagueness in the press shots and visuals.

The track is built around a fizzing, spectral electronic bed within which Elena’stranscendental vocals weave. Dreamy and atmospheric tones are intersperse with imperious bass synths to lend structure to the melange. Exploring the well-known sentiment of “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”, ‘Lessons’ takes a look at this mindset through a slightly melancholy lens, as Garcia explains:

“Having gone through a tough and intense period of growth, I felt that this never would have occurred if I hadn’t experienced everything life had thrown my way. For the first time, in a very long time, I was feeling a real sense of calmness. ‘Lessons’ embodies that calmness -the melody and instrumentation leaning into an almost loop of burgeoning positivity. The lyrics question this positivity. I wouldn’t want anyone else to feel this way -so was it ok for me to feel glad that all of this had happened to me? I reflected on what “stronger” means to me. It doesn’t mean unscathed, it definitely doesn’t mean I want to go through it all again. I think strength just means the ability to practise acceptance in any way you want. In almost scarily perfect timing, my wonderful friend sent me a line from a book she’s reading at the moment -“You become strong by doing the things you need to be strong for.” (Audre Lorde -Your Silence Will Not Protect You) So I guess what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, but my god it can hurt.”