By Cynthia Gross
To be human is to be alive – fully and passionately. Edward the First, a Pennsylvania native, singer-songwriter, actor, and cancer survivor, explores what it means to truly be alive with his debut single “Renaissancing,” an 80s-inspired synth-pop track, fittingly outfitted with layered synthesizers, a splashy snare, and punchy lyrics.
At its core, “Renaissancing” seeks to spark a revolution, where individuals are empowered to break free of societal expectations and step into their autonomy. The juxtaposition of the bright, dance-worthy track and deeper, weighty themes suggest Edward the First wants to keep it light and airy.
The royal love child of Marie Antoinette and George Michael, Edward the First explains, “Mother would always jest, ‘you can do what you want…when you’re king.’ So now, here I am, crowned and uncommitted to the tethers of social norms – doing what I want.”
The song’s refrain – “What’s all this misbehaving? Don’t mind me, I’m Renaissancing” – serves as a sort of mantra. Listeners who are willing to let the song transport them beyond the empty hustle and bustle that has become all too common in our society instinctively adopt the glorious spirit of defiance to which Edward the First has awakened.
Edward the First notes that throughout the ages, there has always been a call to freedom and liberation in order to experience the fullness of life. “As we worm our way out of the other side of this plague, let us be Renaissancing and give no fucks, as so many of the subjects in so many of the Italian Renaissance paintings did not give – naked, lazing about, rolling their eyes.”
For Edward the First, this process of rebirthing is no new feat. As a cancer survivor, he learned from experience the importance of creating light in the darkness and surrendering to new iterations of one’s self. “Renaissancing” is a much-needed wake-up call to acknowledge the effect of our individual actions on the state of our world. It’s a relevant, well-timed anthem that inspires action.
Listen to Edward the First’s “Renaissancing” below. Follow our Alchemical Weekly Spotify Playlist for this and more great music featured on the site.
Cynthia Gross is a freelance writer and award-winning spiritual pop artist based in Maryland. With more than a decade of experience as an executive ghostwriter, she understands the power of each individual’s voice to create positive, meaningful change.
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Alchemical Records is a Washington, D.C. based music publication. We cover the Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Richmond, VA metro area music scenes, including band interviews, articles about your favorite musicians, new music and concert dates.
