Drawing us in with a dimensional and psychedelic synthscape featuring atmospheric, affirmative ad-libs, Roger K opens Alter Ego with vibrancy and 90s nostalgia. We connect with the uplifting dance-sentiment that manifests although the opening lyrics take on a more introspective approach.
Roger K shares poetic prowess with layered vocals and glitched nuances as he shares an intelligent approach to song creation. His vocal passion manifests with a high emotional quotient. In essence, the song is about the conceptual masks that we wear to fit in and protect ourselves. It taps into the idea of what happens when someone gets close enough to see who we really are.
Speaking on the inception of the song, Roger K confesses, “The concept came from a conversation with a health and safety representative at a workplace, who spoke about mental health and how some autistic people experience masking in public. It got me thinking about how we all learn from a young age to behave in ways that meet society’s expectations. Those norms help us connect with others, but they can also become a kind of armour. We become so accustomed to wearing it that we forget what it feels like to be without it.”
Musically, Alter Ego blends classic UK garage with R&B influences and more experimental production. Fans of Artful Dodger and Craig David will recognise the nostalgic foundations, whilst the warped kicks and glitchy details give the track a more modern edge. We could imagine it landing a sync placement in Skins, Heated Rivalry, or Mr. Robot.
The accompanying animated visualiser adds another layer to the conceptual track. It keeps things simple and lets the emotion speak for itself. With over 15 years of live performance experience, Roger K brings a strong sense of timing and vocal control to his solo work. He continues to move between genres while keeping the focus on catchy hooks and honest storytelling.
Needless to say, Alter Ego is an engaging listen that makes us think about the versions of ourselves we show the world, and the people who make us feel safe enough to drop the act. In a sense the track feels truly zeitgeist. We have added Alter Ego to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream the wider discography of Roger K, including Cost of Living, Please Don’t Put It On Me, and Round N Round.