By Cynthia Gross
On March 25, Westminster, Maryland-based genre-blending singer-songwriter and rising talent Clifford released his latest single, “Close to Me,” and it’s a verified banger. The house-infused electro pop track, which comes on the heels of “I’m So Bored,” exudes freedom and transports listeners to an electrifying space where they can dance their troubles away.
“Close to Me” is “a whimsical song about a person making the best out of a world turned bitter, upside down,” Clifford explains. “Sometimes we find sweetness by going to the club, hitting the dance floor, finding similar souls. The mind, body, and soul are three energy’s that keep us safe, stable, but it’s the soul that takes over during turmoil.”
“No more / I can’t feel my legs no more / No more/ I can’t feel my mind no more / No more / And that’s how it’s supposed to be,” Clifford sings in the opening lines of the song. The use of repetition adds to the hypnotic, irresistible vibe of “Close to Me,” conveying the indulgent nature of going all out at a party in a compelling way. Repeated words, including “close” and “no more,” feel like motifs and are among the most memorable elements of the song, as well as the synths.
Perhaps what makes Clifford such a standout artist is the fact that he dances to the beat of his own drum and creates music on his own terms. A dual US/UK citizen and multilingual creative (he is fluent in English, French, and Arabic), Clifford brings all of these diverse experiences to bear in his music. His style is theatrical, highly original, and continuously evolving.
“I learned that creating a pop song is about decision-making since it’s such a broad genre,” Clifford notes. “What sets a pop song apart from others are the elements you choose to leave out, which means everything you leave in has to be perfect.”
While under the intoxicating spell of their dance partner, the protagonist claims they want to “stay close for the rest of our lives,” but from a more objective perspective, listeners understand that the bliss is meant to be for a season only. “Close to Me” is a song that invites a momentary escape from the surrounding chaos of the world – and it absolutely measures up to the hype.
Like Clifford, “Close to Me” is a free spirit that revels in the thrill of the journey wherever it may lead. As far as the most immediate destination, something tells me that this couple will have a good night.
Listen to “Close to Me” below (it sounds even better through headphones), and follow our Alchemical Multigenre Mixdown Spotify playlist for more great music featured on the site.
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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.
