In October last year, we featured Claudia Balla‘s philosophical anthem for dreamers and misfits, Normal People, so when we heard that the star was back with Imaginary Boyfriend, we were curious to say the least, and couldn’t wait to experience the conceptual track and share our sentiments.
Drawing us in with a cerebral riser and the words, “Be my Imaginary Boyfriend, I kissed you if you let me hold your hand when I please, in my dreams, you don’t have to leave your girlfriend, I’ll just think of you and pretend she’s just for show…” Claudia sets the tone with a universe that aligns with the title of the track.
The opus expands with a dimensional pop beat as Claudia shares a captivating concept with us. The message of the song is actually highly relatable considering the state of relationships in the current world. People are struggling to find authentic love and it was even predicted that women would be making love to robots by 2025 – we are yet to fully comprehend whether this came to pass!
Claudia showcases herself as a high concept artist here. The track itself would be perfect for a synch deal with a Hollywood romantic comedy or futuristic film about an AI love connection. Speaking on the release, Claudia tells us, “Imaginary Boyfriend is about dating. It can be challenging, especially if you suffer from an anxious attachment style.”
We learn that Claudia grew up listening to Bach, Mozart, Beethoven and Tchaikovsky while learning to play the piano and studying music theory. She confesses how operas and ballets featured heavily in her upbringing until Avril Lavigne came along and introduced her to mainstream pop which in turn invited her to connect with icons like Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Billy Joel, Aretha Franklin, and Nina Simone.
We can certainly feel this come through in her song writing and wider artistry. When not making music, she is a practising psychiatrist, which also transmutes in her creative universe, especially with the construct of Imaginary Boyfriend and the song’s lyrics!
Naturally, Imaginary Boyfriend has been added to our New Music Spotlight playlist, as well as our TRIPPY and TIMELESS playlists, whilst we continue to stream Claudia Balla‘s growing discography, including 88, The Worst Thing, and Together!