New York-based newcomer Camryn Quinlan unveils her intimate and strikingly polished sounding debut single ‘Hourglass’.
Offering a glimpse into her forthcoming EP, ‘If We’re Being Honest, the 17 year old has already built a formidable following with 219k Instagram and 46k TikTok followers thanks to her live performances all around New York. The debut single showcases her introspective, emotionally resonant songwriting, marking a promising start for the young singer-songwriter.
Produced by Baldvin Hlynsson, ‘Hourglass’ is characterised by a gentle yet profound soundscape of warming piano before growing into a cinematic and impactful latter half of the track with punching drums, and a wall of bass, guitar and strings. This careful layering culminates in a poignant final chorus, leaving a lasting impression.
Lyrically, ‘Hourglass’ explores the bittersweet, fleeting nature of young love. Capturing a youthful accessibility, the track balances its mature soundscape with vocals which Quinlan explains the inspiration behind the track: “Hourglass was inspired by a common high school heartbreak: long distance. Going into a relationship knowing how it would end. There felt like an expiration date, or an hourglass that was slowly running out a clock.” This theme of transience, paired with her raw and relatable storytelling, lends the song a universal appeal, while capturing the personal struggles of growing up and facing heartbreak.
Quinlan’s debut EP, ‘If We’re Being Honest’, promises to dive deeper into these themes, offering a mix of narratives on relationships and personal growth. Describing the EP, she shares, “Most of this EP is raw and true feelings that I experienced. Growing up is hard, and heartbreak is a big part of it.” Drawing inspiration from artists like Taylor Swift, Kacey Musgraves, and Chappell Roan, Quinlan blends country-tinged storytelling with pop sensibilities to craft a sound that feels both timeless and fresh.
Listen to the new single below: