We previously featured JRTA for his deeply philosophical nature on the emotive and intricate single, One More Toke, so when we heard that the talented creator was back with Down Shiftin, we couldn’t wait to listen and share our experience.
Down Shiftin opens with textured percussion and a gritty, subversive bass that immediately sets the mood for introspection. The track exudes an undercurrent of defiance and resilience, reflecting the song’s deeper narrative. With its cerebral lyrics and raw authenticity, this electro-pop anthem will likely resonate with fans of Charli xcx, while still standing apart with its unique blend of influences, including Morphine, The Doors, and Portishead.
Lyrically, Down Shiftin takes us on an emotional journey, exploring the struggle of fighting against the odds, particularly when it feels like life is telling you to give up. JRTA‘s personal experience of grappling with the idea of releasing music later in life adds an extra layer of poignancy to the song. “I felt like my dream was dying,” JRTA reflects. “I could have just let it go. I didn’t. Here I am.”
This narrative of perseverance is masterfully supported by the track’s instrumentation, all played by JRTA himself, who layers bass, guitar, and keyboard with digital elements through Ableton Live. The juxtaposition of organic and synthetic sounds mirrors the tension between surrendering to doubt and finding the drive to continue.
Recorded in his 11th-floor studio apartment, the production feels intimate yet expansive, channeling a sense of isolation that also serves as an echo of determination. The song represents the triumph over aging, and the ever-present pull to continue creating no matter what.
As JRTA succinctly puts it: “Too old to be here. Too young to die.” A rallying cry for anyone chasing their dreams, regardless of the passage of time. Naturally, we have added Down Shiftin to our New Music Spotlight playlist and our TRIPPY playlist, whilst we continue to stream JRTA‘s growing discography and anticipate future releases from the star.