Song Of The Day: Mandolin Nicole – “Myself”

The Dallas Singer-Songwriter’s Smooth, Soulful Self-Care Declaration Is A Guilt-Free Reminder Of The Importance In Alone Time.

Welcome to Song of the Day, where we hip you to all the new local releases you should be caring about. By highlighting one new North Texas-sprung tune every week day, our hope is that you’ll find something new to love about the rich and abundant DFW music scene five days a week.

Mandolin Nicole – “Myself”
RIYL: Alone time.
What Else You Should Know: DFW singer-songwriter Mandolin Nicole only has a handful of songs available at the moment, but that says little in the way of her rich sound.

Nicole’s smooth, drowsy vocal prowess is right at home in a time of SZA-led stylings dominating a younger, fresher audience. Settled over an R&B beat akin to that of ones heard on a “lo-fi beats to study to” playlist, Nicole’s voice embodies a sound that is of the moment.

What’s particularly grabbing about “Myself” though, is the song’s juggling of elements from both R&B and bedroom-pop. Nicole’s voice has an air of sleepy-soul, and with its pouring over the song’s mid-tempo beat, it’s hard to restrict it to one lane.

The relaxed energy of a seemingly post-breakup phase on her own terms is perhaps most evocative in the hook: “I would rather be alone with myself/I would rather take time for myself/I would rather go out with myself/I would rather be alone for my health.”

“Myself” is a hypnotic anthem for anyone who needs to be reminded of the importance of a little bit of alone time — without the guilt.