We last featured CATLEA’s Why Them?, which served as a captivating anthem of self-discovery, passion, and resilience, so when we heard that the rising artist, with some of the most captivating artwork in the music industry, was back with Someone’s Got To, we were curious to say the least and couldn’t wait to listen and share our experience.

Drawing us in with a strummed acoustic guitar soundscape with subversive sound design elements, CATLEA opens Someone’s Got To with the lyrics, “This has gone on far too long what have I done to myself, I want to be loving and strong, somebody who can ask for help….”

We immediately connect with the raw authenticity and self-realized notions that manifest. We appreciate the candid approach to songwriting and the emotional intelligence that is conveyed with the rather cathartic song.

Lines like, “I’ll do my best to turn the page now that I’m finally awake… maybe it’s time for a shift, a fundamental morphing in how I want to live…” really resonate with us and the lived experience and wisdom that CATLEA shares feels important as the hook about self-love cements the overarching message of the song.

There is an undeniable cinematic allure that comes to life, and we could imagine the song being featured in a TV show like Gen V, Euphoria on HBO, or My Life with the Walter Boys on Netflix. The strings that emerge are sublime and really tap into our heart’s centre.

Fans of Sara Bareilles and Rachel Platten will be able to connect with what CATLEA is releasing, but there is no doubt that they are in a league of their own. CATLEA confesses, “When I originally wrote the song, it wasn’t written with the intention of getting better, it was more of a hopeful thing; an acknowledgment that I needed to love myself more and take better care of myself, because I wasn’t doing that at the time.”

We learn that the song remained unfinished after an emotional breakdown during a Barcelona studio session. “We tried to record it, and it just wasn’t working,” CATLEA elaborates. “I messed up the session because I was drunk when I should have been working. I remember collapsing on the floor and crying.” This became a turning point where the artist quit alcohol, sobered up and aligned with her purpose and a clearer, more healed mindset. It’s powerful, really.

For some background, Someone’s Got To was recorded in Barcelona at Room To Studio with long-term CATLEA producer Jason Boshoff (Ed Sheeran, Josh Groban, David Gray) and guitarist Oscar Garcia-Bragado. It serves as the first release from their forthcoming 5-song EP, Aftermath.

Needless to say, we are in awe, and have added Someone’s Got To to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream the wider discography of CATLEA, including the entirety of her album, Language Barrier.

The post CATLEA transforms vulnerability and recovery into an inspiring anthem with new single, Someone’s Got To appeared first on KIMU.

Catlea’s latest single, Why Them?, is a masterful display of intelligent songwriting and sonic depth, a testament to her evolution as an artist who blends introspection with high-energy performances. Opening with a cerebral electric guitar riff that immediately sets a contemplative yet urgent tone, the track unfolds into a mesmerizing journey of self-exploration. Her whisper-pop delivery initially draws the listener into a confessional space before expanding into an atmospheric and dynamic chorus that feels both anthemic and deeply personal. Following in the footsteps of her previous works, including the thought-provoking Lying and the cinematic Crumbling, Catlea once again proves her ability to craft music that is both emotionally intelligent and musically compelling.

Lyrically, Why Them? explores themes of self-worth, misguided affection, and the struggle for self-reliance amidst external pressures. The opening lines, “I don’t make good choices; I avoid them like the plague. Telling myself everything’s okay, but I can’t feel my legs,” set the stage for a narrative steeped in self-doubt and introspection. As the song progresses, Catlea grapples with the expectations of others and the paradox of seeking validation from people who ultimately do not serve her growth. Her ability to translate these complex emotions into concise yet poetic verses highlights her prowess as a songwriter, making the track an evocative anthem for those navigating personal transformation.

Sonically, the track thrives on a fusion of indie pop, rock, and R&B influences, creating a dynamic soundscape that shifts with Catlea’s vocal delivery. The production, helmed by Jason Boshoff and Oscar Garcia-Bragado, incorporates pulsing synths, driving beats, and soaring guitar riffs that build toward a powerful crescendo. The middle eight is particularly sublime, offering a haunting yet intimate moment before launching into an electrifying finale. This structural design gives the song a cinematic ebb and flow, making it feel like an emotional rollercoaster that mirrors the lyrical themes of uncertainty and revelation.

The song’s chorus, “When you ask, ‘why them, not me?’ I ask myself that question every day, honestly,” encapsulates the central tension of the track – questioning why attention and affection are given to others when self-love and discovery remain elusive. This refrain is not just rhetorical; it is an intimate confession that resonates deeply, making the song both deeply relatable and powerfully cathartic. By allowing vulnerability to exist alongside resilience, Catlea crafts a track that serves as both a lament and a declaration of independence.

Beyond its thematic depth, Why Them? is also an impressive feat of vocal performance. Catlea’s timbre is captivating, shifting seamlessly between breathy introspection and immersive intensity. Her unique vocal design adds layers of emotion, ensuring that each lyric lands with impact. The interplay between sensual whispers and full-throated power notes mirrors the push-and-pull of the song’s narrative – desiring connection yet needing separation, seeking answers yet knowing they must come from within.

As the fifth release from her acclaimed concept album Language Barrier, Why Them? solidifies Catlea’s reputation as an artist who defies genre constraints while embracing raw, emotional storytelling. The track’s gender-bending, genre-crossing appeal makes it a standout on playlists centered around love, heartbreak, self-discovery, and empowerment. Whether you are reflecting on past relationships, rediscovering yourself, or simply in search of an impeccably produced indie pop anthem, Why Them? is an essential listen that reaffirms Catlea’s place as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary music. We have added Why Them? to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TRIPPY and TIMELESS playlists, whilst we continue to stream the entirety of Catlea‘s phenomenal album, Language Barrier!

The post Catlea’s Why Them? – A Captivating Anthem of Self-Discovery, Passion, and Resilience appeared first on KIMU.