Jonathan Brenner’s latest opus, Instagram Success, delivers a sharp critique of the shallow, image-obsessed culture that dominates social media, wrapped in a yacht rock meets soul musical package. From the very first syncopated drum riffs, it’s clear that Brenner is bringing something special. The song kicks off with a stunning saxophone performance that not only catches our attention but holds it in a steady groove of cinematic sophistication.
The instrumental composition shines throughout the track, layering textured percussion and astral synths that make the entire production feel larger-than-life. It’s an auditory experience that feels both vintage and modern, like it was tailor-made for a golden-era Hollywood soundtrack while tapping into the ethos of today’s digital world. The choice of instrumentation – a magnificent bass solo followed by a soaring saxophone – gives the track an emotional depth that feels rare in today’s popular music. Brenner and his team of Atlanta-based musicians have crafted a sound that transcends easy genre categorization, something akin to a fusion of Cole Porter’s sophistication with the emotional heft of James Taylor, all while nodding to a new era of jazz-inflected pop.
The song’s subject matter, a reflection on the curated facades of Instagram influencers, is both biting and humorous. Brenner’s lyrics are a playful yet poignant narrative of a superficial life built on filters and flashy photoshoots. “I am an Instagram success / My life is beautiful and blessed,” he sings, weaving a story about a protagonist who embodies the performative self-importance so prevalent in social media culture. The lyric “My canvas is the tiny screen / The fashion shoots in limousines / And sparkling surf in Saint-Tropez” perfectly captures the illusionary glamour and fickleness of online fame.
What truly elevates Instagram Success beyond its satirical commentary is the music itself. The song’s layered production and expertly crafted arrangements make it feel like a high-quality soundtrack to an imaginary life of excess and fame. Each section builds on the last, culminating in a crescendo of sound that is both indulgent and introspective. The syncopated drums, astral synths, and saxophone solos transport the listener to a space that feels luxurious, yet fleeting – much like the online fame Brenner critiques.
Lyrically, Brenner is unafraid to dig into the emptiness behind the glamour. Lines like, “Yeah, I’m a phony and a fraud / That’s what it takes to be a God” expose the insecurities lurking behind the selfies, offering a scathing assessment of our influencer-driven society. But even with this biting criticism, there’s an undeniable charm to the protagonist’s journey. The track blends sarcasm with sympathy, allowing listeners to both laugh at and empathize with the character’s plight. After all, who among us hasn’t felt the pull of validation from likes and followers, only to realize the inherent emptiness behind it?
Produced and engineered by Billy Gewin at Cave Cricket Studio in Tucker, Georgia, the song doesn’t fit neatly into any particular genre – and that’s one of its strengths. It shifts seamlessly from yacht rock to soul to jazz, embodying the ethos of Duke Ellington’s belief that “there are two kinds of music: good music and the other kind.” Brenner’s Instagram Success belongs firmly in the former category, eschewing formulaic trends for a sound that is fresh, timeless, and intricately crafted.
Instagram Success is a standout track from Brenner’s 2024 LP of the same name, marking a step forward in his artistic evolution. It’s a heady mix of soft rock, jazzy pop, and subtle soul influences, all delivered with Brenner’s unique, genre-defying style. His knack for witty, biting lyrics and sublime musical arrangements places him in the same lineage as the great songwriters he admires, from Bob Dylan to Billy Joel, with an added modern twist. There’s no doubt that Brenner’s latest work will resonate with anyone who has ever felt the seductive pull of social media – and the emptiness that so often follows.
As the plastic angels cry in Brenner’s “cardboard sky,” one thing becomes clear: Instagram Success is more than just a commentary on digital culture. It’s a sublime, emotionally resonant piece of music that proves Jonathan Brenner is a name to watch in the increasingly crowded landscape of modern music. We have added track to our New Music Spotlight playlist, as well as our TRIPPY and TIMELESS playlists!