Mia Stegner’s More Slowly is a reflective opus that intricately blends jazz and folk-adjacent dream pop with delicately layered vocals and poetic lyricism. From the first note, the soundscape feels ethereal yet grounded, pulling us into a world where time seems to bend and flow unpredictably. This nuanced interplay with time is not just thematic but becomes the essence of the song’s narrative, exploring the delicate line between restlessness and healthy motivation – a universal human struggle magnified by Stegner’s personal reflections on ADHD and its often misunderstood relationship with time.
The textured drums and graceful piano riffs provide a grounding contrast to Stegner’s airy, almost whisper-like vocals. This pairing of soft yet purposeful instrumentation with her sublime, layered harmonies evokes a meditative atmosphere, allowing her words to float in and out of focus like passing thoughts. Stegner’s voice, while delicate, carries a weight of emotion that is at once theatrical and intimate, as though she’s sharing a secret directly with us. The vocals are also laced with improvisational nuances, adding a jazz-like spontaneity to the performance, making each moment feel alive and intentional.
Lyrically, More Slowly is a testament to Stegner’s prowess as a storyteller. Her prose is both self-aware and universally resonant, capturing the inner workings of a neurodivergent mind with visual metaphors that bring the complexities of ADHD into the light. She grapples with time blindness, hyperfixation, and boredom – each element treated with a gentle introspection. But beyond this personal narrative, Stegner taps into a broader human question: when is it time to slow down, and when should we push forward? Her ability to weave these big philosophical questions with the minutiae of everyday life gives the song a balance that feels both expansive and personal.
The storytelling doesn’t just rely on words, though. Stegner’s flow, shifting from drawn-out phrases to quicker, rhythmic patterns, mirrors the theme of navigating time – sometimes feeling drawn into hyperfixation, other times falling behind in a sea of restlessness. This rhythmic play enhances the song’s emotional arc, building toward moments of tension before releasing into smoother, more tranquil sections. It’s this subtle choreography between lyrics, melody, and tempo that elevates More Slowly from a simple ballad to a sophisticated narrative on human nature and self-discovery.
Stegner’s sonic influences – ranging from Regina Spektor’s quirky storytelling to Fiona Apple’s raw emotion – are evident, yet she manages to carve out her own unique space in the indie music landscape. Her penchant for heartfelt introspection is complemented by a clear desire to experiment with musical structure, resulting in a song that feels exploratory but never aimless. There’s a balance of curiosity and control, much like her own personal journey toward understanding when to rest and when to push herself creatively.
In More Slowly, Stegner reaches a positive, albeit contemplative, resolution: however we navigate life’s oddities, the journey is ours to shape. This comforting thought, delivered with such grace and humility, leaves listeners not just reflecting on time but embracing the unpredictability of it. Ultimately, the song is a delicate exploration of self-compassion, patience, and the perpetual tension between action and inaction—a theme made even more poignant by Stegner’s lived experience with ADHD, making More Slowly not only relatable but deeply personal. We have added the track to our New Music Spotlight playlist, as well as our TRIPPY and TIMELESS playlists!