The name Maya Hawke conjures a whirlwind of associations: Robin Buckley‘s deadpan wit in Stranger Things, scion of Hollywood royalty, and, increasingly, a musician with a voice and perspective all her own. Her latest single, Missing Out, further solidifies this reputation, offering a wry and introspective look at the complexities of navigating one’s twenties, and realizing it isn’t quite what you expected.
The song, the lead single off Hawke‘s upcoming album, ‘Chaos Angel’, is a real gem. With witty lyrics and a catchy melody, Hawke shares her thoughts and feelings about growing up and missing out on certain experiences. From the bustling bar scene filled with Ivy League students discussing aspirations as grand as writing “the next great American novel,” to Hawke’s sense of disconnect and feeling of having “missed out” on a more conventional path.
Sonically, Missing Out blends indie pop and folk, with a rich bluesy slide guitar adding a touch of melancholy to Maya Hawke‘s honeyed vocals. The lyrics are sharp and self-aware, acknowledging the privileges that come with her background (“I buy booze for the Ivy League with my television salary“) while simultaneously lamenting the trade-offs (“they think they look up to me, ha“).
Directed by Alex Ross Perry, the accompanying video cleverly amplifies the song’s themes. Hawke is tied to a chair reminiscent of Clockwork Orange and subjected to a fragmented collage of experiences she might have had, a life less ordinary. It’s a trippy and surreal journey, forcing us to confront the “what ifs” alongside Maya Hawke herself.
What makes this track special is her honesty. She doesn’t sugarcoat things. Instead, she lays it all out there, sharing her struggles with fame and identity with admirable candidness. “Missing Out” isn’t a call for pity nor a straightforward lament. It’s a nuanced exploration of a young artist grappling with her unique position in the world. There’s a flicker of cynicism, a touch of humour, and ultimately, a quiet acceptance of the path less travelled.
While the song relates specifically to Hawke‘s experience, the underlying sentiment of questioning choices and yearning for normalcy should resonate with anyone. We have become accustomed to celebrities presenting curated online lives and constantly projecting, in contrast, Hawke offers a refreshing dose of honesty, reminding us that even the most seemingly charmed lives have their share of “missing out.”
Missing Out is a reminder that life is messy and unpredictable, but there’s beauty in embracing the chaos. After all, wouldn’t a world filled with only “great American novels” be a tad monotonous? I’ll take Hawke‘s brand of captivatingly honest storytelling any day.
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