It’s like Christmas in July here at The Ark as we find ourselves in possession of another single from our favorite pop songstress Katie Belle. This Georgia native has been captivating our readers since 2019, and her tracks have appeared on many of our year-end Top Ten lists since. We’ve been waiting on bated breath for new music from Katie since the release of the brilliant track Daughter earlier this year, and this new single DON’T is an addictive, vivacious pop number that – like almost all of Katie’s work – leaves us wanting more and wondering what’s next.
We’re immediately grabbed by the electronic foundation of DON’T, a sharp diversion from this year’s previous release, but a welcome one as Katie often finds herself at the forefront of some of the most compelling pop music currently being released. DON’T is no exception and it’s clear from the first few measures. ’80s music is having a renaissance right now, and DON’T is on the cutting edge of that trend with its string synths and spacey percussive riffs. It’s an electric blend of retro and modern production, tied together by an extremely danceable chorus with a call-and-response structure that makes the track’s hook instantly memorable.
The maturity that Katie’s voice has developed has become markedly clear in her last two singles, but it’s on even greater display in DON’T as we can make a direct comparison to her previous high-energy work. Her trademark delicate tone is still there, but depth and authenticity have found their way into her voice in a way that only makes her music all the more compelling – and it most certainly sells the story of rebound that DON’T is telling. Katie tells us the lyrics “provide a capsule of insight into the ending of the relationship”, and that theme is presented to us with an inviting, throw caution to the wind kind of writing:
“Getting wiser as I step away, you know what?
You can’t say I didn’t try
We were never 50 shades of grey, it’s clearer now,
You and I are black and white”
Is there anything we haven’t yet said about how much we love the music of Katie Belle? DON’T is another tally on a long line of wildly successful releases that make serious recognition for this young artist feel like a true inevitability. If you’re as big of a fan of Katie’s work as we are, be sure to keep up with her on social media (linked below) and keep an eye out for some big announcements – including new music and some possible tour dates – coming soon!
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BELOW: Listen to DON’T and connect with her website and social media platforms. Please support Katie Belle by visiting her online, and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing her music, or attending a live show! And, as always, thank you for supporting real music!
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Follow, stream, download & connect with KATIE BELLE online:
