How Are You?

BETHY

Graceful, rich, and seductive are three words that go someway to summing up the latest release from UK singer/songwriter BETHY. True to her own process ‘How Are You?’ takes you down another branch of BETHY’s musical inspiration. Unlike ‘Melodies of a Broken Heart’ which carried strong influences of late eighties pop hits with its layered synths and electronic drum patterns, this time round BETHY has drawn on a more Neo Soul vibe and blended it with a rich nineties/naughties R’n’B tone akin to the likes of Kelly Rowland and Craig David. The end result being a track that melts in your ears.

Throughout the song a simple yet effective pattern is picked out on the guitar. This pattern gives the track a groove that the song leans into with the addition of a subtle beat and an equally subtle synth effect which simply extenuates the guitars final notes. This arrangement helps to create that pure nineties/naughties vibe. Each of these elements act as a backdrop that allows the soulful tones of BETHY’s own voice to lead the track. Her vocal control allows her to create the swells and lulls with nothing more than just harmonies and well timed delivery.

One instrument that truly stands out against the composition is a graceful and rhythm driven Saxophone line. Kicking in towards the end of the first chorus the addition of this Soul oozing instrument manages to elevate the track musically as well as create a freestyle melody that BETHY wraps her vocal around. This enriching tone continues up to the final seconds of the song in which both the vocal and Saxophone line wrap the song up in true old school Soul fashion. It has to be said the addition of this single instrument at the right time and giving it the freedom to weave its melody across the entire track speaks to both BETHY’s songwriting ability and also to the production standard found on the track.

Stepping away from the musical composition ‘How Are You?’ carries with it quite a mature and ever poignant message ‘be truthful’. Whether its as simple as being honest with someone close to you or simply just being honest with yourself, this song takes the sentiment behind that single word ‘Truth’ and urges the listener to embrace it. The few lines leading up to the main hook in the song leave no doubt to BETHY’s intentions “….Truth, don’t let it pass you by….”. She then brings in the chorus with a very positive message that again urges people to live better by being truthful “….You’ve got a brand new day, don’t waste it, learn from mistakes….” Its a classic lesson but one that still resonates for everyone ‘its never to late to learn from your mistakes’.

Overall ‘How Are You?’ is another example of BETHY’s versatility with genre blending and also is evidence of her building on her songwriting talent to create emotive and thought provoking tracks. With an album already under her belt and a wealth of musical talent to mine through it is clear that BETHY is merely at the tip of her own iceberg. We can expect more innovative and engaging songs from her in the future and we can only imagine what genres will get the BETHY treatment next.

Follow here:

Facebook // Instagram // Website

Listen here:

Spotify // Apple Music // SoundCloud // YouTube