We previously featured DJ Momotaro as he manifested a time-bending synthwave masterpiece fusing 1983 glamour with futuristic precision on Neon Heat, so naturally, we were curious to hear his latest release, Better Days featuring Aria Wren, and share our experience!
The track opens with sublime and atmospheric astral vocal riffs and a panning synthscape as Aria shares philosophical prose with poetic prowess and a captivating timbre. We appreciate the sonic switch ups and the dimensionality that manifests with the track.
There is a cinematic allure, making Better Days perfect for a range of sync deals – perhaps a coming of age movie or even a reality TV show like Love Island or Too Hot To Handle. The tropical vibe is warm and welcoming, perfect for a Christmas in the sun.
We appreciate the optimistic message of the track, and speaking on the release, DJ Momotaro confesses, “The story behind Better Days grew from a simple idea: creating a song that reflects quiet resilience rather than dramatic struggle. Instead of focusing on personal heartbreak or global crises, the release is rooted in the more subtle moments of life where change begins internally – in mindset, perspective, and the belief that the future can shift in small but meaningful ways.”
He continues, “Better Days isn’t about escaping reality but about recognizing that progress often starts with small internal shifts. The song’s uplifting tone and calm confidence were shaped by this philosophy, aiming to offer a sense of encouragement without being overly sentimental or idealistic.”
We learn that the track is designed to blend contemporary pop influences from artists like RAYE, Tate McRae, and Becky Hill with a clean, modern sound design and a message of quiet optimism. The creators tell us how Better Days was created through a collaborative workflow, with DJ Momotaro shaping the concept, structure and production, and Aria Wren defining the emotional tone through her expressive and nuanced vocals.
Thematically, Better Days definitely celebrates the idea of a brighter future. We connect with the high emotional quotient, which is particularly prevalent in the middle eight, and have added Better Days to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream the wider discography of DJ Momotaro and anticipate future releases from the visionary artist.