Establishing the mood with a rising dimensional beat, expanding into a high-octane new-wave frequency, Memoryy opens Generational Trauma with vocalizations of the title of the track resonating like a mantra of self-realization, “Generational trauma, triggering me, always leads to drama…”
We immediately connect with the vibrant energy that comes to life with the track on a sonic level and the introspective, relatable overarching message that transmutes with the unfolding narrative. In essence, the track uses astrological analogies and cerebral, psychological analyses to shed light on something that many of us go through.
There is a fascinating duality with the concept of the song, because beneath the infectious energy and shimmering production, Memoryy is confronting emotional patterns that we inherit, and how they can continue to shape our lives. We appreciate the way the composition transforms what can be a rather heavy subject into something uplifting and accessible.
Generational Trauma feels like an act of recognition. It is a call-to-consciousness, about identifying the cycles, understanding where they come from and finding the courage to break them. It feels super cathartic, the tempo shift with slurred vibes is absolutely genius, and we love the sax-laden finale with a fade out.
Fans of The Cure, Future Islands, Blur, Pulp and Pinback will be able to connect with the sonic world that Memoryy is creating, although there is a distinctly contemporary polish that prevents the track from feeling like pure nostalgia. We could easily imagine Generational Trauma landing a sync placement in a series like Sex Education, Euphoria, or something more psychedelic like Nine Perfect Strangers, as one of the plant medicine participants seeks to address their inner turmoil. It could also work beautifully in a coming-of-age film like The Perks of Being a Wallflower or Lady Bird.
What makes the track even more compelling is the context surrounding Memoryy and his upcoming album EXIT INTERVIEW. We learn that the record documents the aftermath of divorce and the process of rebuilding a life from the ground up. This makes Generational Trauma feel like part of a bigger story.
For some background, Memoryy is the indie-pop project of award-winning composer Shaun Hettinger, whose impressive body of work has extended into Netflix, film, television, global brand campaigns and winning Best Pop Album at the 2026 New Mexico Music Awards.
Needless to say, we love the infectious energy and cerebral message that runs through Generational Trauma, and we have added the track to our New Music Spotlight playlist and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to explore the wider universe of Memoryy and await EXIT INTERVIEW.