TOTEM’s New Song Takes Aim At The Shady Music Industry

“Shadows” is as dark and stormy as its name suggests.

October 12, 2016
TOTEM’s New Song Takes Aim At The Shady Music Industry Marcus John

Earlier this summer, New York singer-songwriter TOTEM might have had a particularly sticky single called "Bubblegum," but his sound is far from it. He has a skill for offsetting a propulsive bassline with the kind of forlorn falsetto that has you gazing out the window thinking about a past relationship, and his sound gets more brooding than ever on his new single "Shadows."

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"'Shadows' was the first idea I worked with Teal [Douville, record producer]," TOTEM explained to The FADER over email. "I think the meaning behind it really had to do with being [in L.A.], and thinking about how the music industry tends to be a very judge-y and fickle place. People hate you 'til they love you, but you’re the only one that has to deal with the shit along the way." Listen exclusively below.

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TOTEM’s New Song Takes Aim At The Shady Music Industry