Setting the tone with an immersive synthscape and intricate melodic detailing, Micki XO opens Fake Gold with intrigue, dimensionality and atmospheric vocals as she sings the title of the track.
The opus expands into an expansive and ethereal pop energy, with a luscious textured riser as Micki XO delivers the introspective and metaphorical lyrics, “How did I end up in this place? Feeling cheaper than Fake Gold…”
We appreciate the depth and vulnerability that the Portland-based artist shares with her artistry, and can imagine that fans of Lana Del Rey and Taylor Swift would be able to connect with Micki XO, although it is clear that the rising artist is creating a universe of her own.
Speaking on the message of the song, Micki XO asks, “Have you ever felt like no matter what you do to try and escape the things you don’t want to feel or think about, you always end up back at square one? Maybe it’s trying to escape the effects of a mental illness, a bad memory, feelings you don’t want to feel, or trying to reach a goal you just can’t seem to reach.”
We learn that she wrote Fake Gold to “chronicle the struggles she had with feeling like she couldn’t escape the effects of her mental illness, and how she constantly wrestled with feeling like even when she was starting to make progress towards a more normal and healthy life, that something would happen to cause her to be back at square one. The title comes from her desperation to appear normal on the outside, while battling her demons on the inside.”
She was fake gold – shiny on the outside, but on the inside, she’s a cheaper kind of metal. The intention of the “synth-y dream pop sound” is to make us feel seen and heard. Like we’re not alone. Like we’re in a warm hug of understanding.
Micki XO is a pop singer-songwriter from Portland, OR, who dreams of connecting with others through her lyrics and sound. Her music covers many topics, including mental health, self-love, and relationships. Her bliss and sanity were saved by music, and she hopes her own music will help someone else battle their own demons.
We love the intention of the composition and Micki XO‘s wider artistry, and have added Fake Gold to our New Music Spotlight playlist, whilst we continue to stream her discography including Light Me Up and Why Did I Stay?