Completely self-written and produced, ‘Losing My Mind’ is the first glimpse into Tonguetied’s world – albeit via muslin translucence. 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 initial press shots and visuals – especially with regards to this first single, and its themes of perception and reality in the face of a mental health low. As Elena explains:
“2021 was a tough year for me, a year of survival, a year of confusion, my brain felt like it was my own worst enemy. Whilst part of me craved being removed from it all, this feeling of detachment equally made me feel like I was starting to lose grip on my sanity.
Looking back now it may have been one of the first times I had truly been honest with myself. I hit record and it all just blurted out. It was important for me to keep those original vocal takes, as I knew the emotion in that evening was not something that could truly be captured again.
In the moment, sadness may have been the driving factor, but reflecting on the writing process now, many other emotions are interlaced into Losing My Mind – relief, anger and perhaps most surprisingly, planted by my honesty that night, a small but very mighty feeling of hope.”
The track is built around a fizzing, spectral electronic bed within which Elena’s transcendental vocals weave. Dreamy and atmospheric tones are intersperse with imperious bass synths to lend structure to the melange.
Folk music is taken as a starting point of inspiration, before being twisted with electronic music’s limited possibilities – Tonguetied sees her music as a balance-point between Julia Jacklin and Grimes. Cues are also taken from Young Fathers’ production, and the sound is reminiscent of varied artists like Kate Bush and Daughter, or more dance focused lanes like Yunè Pinku.
It’s a compelling introduction, with more promised across the summer months.
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