“What I Want” by Lia Knapp has a powerful set of lyrics bolstered by some genuinely solid music. Lia’s sultry yet robust vocals evoke both quiet strength and passionate indignation. This is the kind of song that you’ll hear once and proceed to put on first every time you’re listening to music.
“You say I’m a little Helter Skelter,” Lia whispers as a covered, distorted drum and bass track pours in behind her. Her vocals are layered with whispers and doubles, emphasizing the warmth of her timbre. As the pre-chorus alters the melody, harmonies flood the mix with a brisk sweep. Lia tackles these soft yet acrobatic vocal runs, and then leaps directly into the chorus: “And I know what I want / What I want / But it’s not what you want for me.” More instruments pile in, like a few choice guitar stabs and a wave of pitched vocal samples. Lia belts the words with this chesty, bright tone. It’s enjoyable to hear the way her voice changes based on her register and volume. As listeners, we get to experience the full range of her abilities.
The song carries on through a second verse and chorus, both with some additional textures. The bridge, however, is certainly the most climactic point of the song. Lia feeds us lines about actively rejecting the mold that men try to fit her in. Her voice rolls through run after run, until the very last line, at which point the melody rockets to this dramatically high pitch. The background vocals follow suit and chime a sparkling, thrilling chord.
If this sounds like your cup of tea, give Lia Knapp a listen. You won’t regret it!
Written by Alyce Lindberg
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