In the peaceful town of Dickerson, United States, an exceptional talent has emerged, destined to carve her name in the annals of acoustic folk music. Michelle Lockey, with her eclectic influences ranging from Amy Grant and Queen to The Lumineers and Boy Genius, has crafted a sound that is both timeless and contemporary. Her latest single, “Who Hears The Broken,” released on July 12, is a testament to her artistry and emotional depth, earning a nomination for a Hollywood Independent Music Award in the Folk/Acoustic Category and becoming a finalist in the Open Category at the International Acoustic Music Awards. As she makes her debut on Songweb, Lockey is set to captivate hearts and minds, proving that her music is here to stay for years to come.
Bewitchingly, “Who Hears The Broken” opens with gentle acoustic strums that draw us into an intimate, reflective space. Lockey’s vocals soon follow smooth and tender, carrying a weight of emotion that is palpable from the first note. Then the opening lines, “There’s a girl, I remember her at 3. Young and innocent and wanting everything,” set in for a deeply personal and narrative-driven piece. Lockey’s delivery is captivating, and her performance is marked by a passionate vulnerability, as she navigates the delicate subject matter of lost innocence and the struggle for self-worth. This moved me in deep ways and pulled me into every aspect of the song.
Lyrically, this incredible song paints a vivid picture of a young girl whose dreams are shattered by a harsh reality, yet it also carries a message of hope and empowerment. In the pre-chorus, Lockey sings, “She was outside looking in. Didn’t know what to say or where to begin,” capturing the feeling of isolation and confusion that many of us can relate to. The chorus, with its haunting refrain, “Who hears the broken? Who cries for her? Can’t wipe away the shame, by ignoring all her pain,” resonates deeply, giving voice to the voiceless and shedding light on the silent struggles many young girls endure. As it progresses, Lockey’s storytelling shines through.
The second verse delves into the protagonist’s later years, where she faces internal battles and self-doubt with lines like, “When she got older, she grew bolder. But felt like nothing but a fool,” and, “She thought love, would solve everything. But her reflection said, ‘you’re disgusting,'” reflect the harsh self-criticism and ongoing fight against inner demons. But, the concludes with a reiteration of the chorus, this time infused with a sense of possibility and strength: “Can she live? Will she speak? Does she know she can be anything? Does she know she can be anything? leaving us with a sense of upliftment and resolve.
Musically, the acoustic folk arrangement, enriched by subtle strings and other harmonious sounds, provides a perfect backdrop, enhancing the song’s emotional depth without overpowering it. The production we have here is pristine, allowing Lockey’s heartfelt lyrics and stirring vocals to shine through. The gentle acoustic guitars with their warm undertones provide a soothing embrace giving space for a dynamic ebb and flow as the arrangement skillfully builds and recedes.
In conclusion, Michelle Lockey’s “Who Hears The Broken” is more than just a song; it’s a moving anthem for us who have faced adversity and emerged stronger. With its beautiful blend of acoustic instrumentation, heartfelt lyrics, and Lockey’s passionate performance, this track is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. As Lockey continues to share her gift with the world, there’s no doubt she will inspire and touch the hearts of many, solidifying her place as a standout artist in the folk/acoustic genre. She is a generational icon, and I’m eager to hear more of her releases.
Listen to “Who Hears The Broken” by Michelle Lockey on Spotify or SoundCloud and let us know your thoughts.
You can follow Michelle here for more information.
PS: The artist was discovered on MusoSoup, and a contribution was made to publish this.
#SustainableCurator
