Relentless Beats

Bella Renee & Skellytn Release Melodic DnB Single, ‘Mirage’

Local artist Bella Renee is a talented singer, songwriter, and producer whose creative vision spans numerous sounds and genres. From her early electro-pop anthems, to MASSIVE collaborations with artists including Reaper and Emorfik. Bella Renee also joined forces with NEOTEK to create a rock-tinged Drum and Bass remix of Flyleaf’s “I’m So Sick.” Her versatile vocal range pairs well any genre, creating a lengthy resume of collaborations and stand out solo work.

Los Angeles based artist Skellytn is best known for her heavy, brand of Drum and Bass. Her unique vision takes the genre to places previously unexplored. Songs like “Breaking Point” are indescribable and showcase Skellytn’s experimental side. Her glitchy production style is perfect for the breakbeats that DnB is known for. With Choir notes and chilling samples adding to the euphoria of her releases. Creating a memorable listening experience. Skellytn has also collaborated with Bella Renee on “Hollow.” A stand out release that is dreamy, heavy, and upbeat.

Skellytn and Bella Renee have teamed up again to bring us “Mirage.” A melodic DnB tapestry interwoven with impactful lyrics and Bella Renee’s voice. “Mirage” begins with soft rainfall and delicate vocals.

“Fightin’ fire with a flame. Get the sharp edge of the blade. Just to make you want to stay.

This line describes the narrator’s intention to fix a relationship issue, but their solution backfires and makes things exponentially worse. Claiming that “everything’s okay. Just to make you want to stay.” The narrator wonders “when did all of this get delicate? We don’t even love for the hell of it anymore.”

A DnB breakbeat and bouncing bass gradually forms in this track section, expanding fully by the 0:45 second mark. The crisp breakbeat is joined by splashy synth bars and a deep lyrical passage:

“When did all of this get so delicate? Shut my mouth and stay elegant. I never said I was heaven sent. I’ll raise hell for the thrill of it.”

The narrator repeats the first question. Expanding on this inquiry with intense and emotional lyrics. The second line plays more into pretending that everything is okay by staying silent. The next two lines imply that the narrator isn’t perfect (and never claimed to be) while stirring the pot for excitement. I find this passage especially interesting because “shut my mouth to stay elegant” appears to goes against the “raise hell for the thrill of it” line. However, upon further reflection, this actually plays into the line. The narrator is aware of their own power and capabilities, but chooses to stay silent instead. This is a massive power move and “raises hell” in an unconventional way. The gorgeous beat brings out the emotional nature of the lyrics and a steady dance in the listener. Beautiful hums and distorted vocals work with the breakbeat, forming a bridge to the next track section.

“And what’s done is done. What have we become? It’s a broken mirage. Was it all worth the cost?”

This passage shows acceptance and clarity of the situation that the narrator is in. “Broken mirage” implies that this relationship is fractured to the point of no longer being real. A deeply shattering metaphor. Finally asking the other person “Was it all worth the cost?”

The bass and breakbeat return after a powerful vocal passage courtesy of Bella Renee. Shimmering sound elements form a starry blanket over the track. Concluding with echoing vocals and a serious breakdown.

“Mirage” is an incredible joint effort. Skellytn and Bella Renee are an incredible team and should continue to collaborate in the future. A B2B set involving this duo would GO OFF! The lyrics of “Mirage” are powerful and intense. Representing a tumultuous relationship with one party feeling completely shut out. The longing of the narrator is palpable through Bella Renee’s vocals. The production adds to the reflective nature of the lyrics. The consistent DnB breakbeat could be seen as a metaphor for the length and depth of this conflict. “Mirage” also contains lots of little auditory easter eggs for listeners to uncover over repeated listens. Listen today for an eclectic experience.

Connect with Bella Renee: Facebook | Instagram | XSpotify | SoundCloud

Connect with Skellytn: Facebook | Instagram | X | Spotify | SoundCloud

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