Emerging from the serene lilac pond, an intriguing figure has made its mark on electronic and indie pop music scenes. Under the colorful alias ‘lilac frog,’ a 19-year-old Southwest England native named Harri Hocking, skillfully weaves enchanting stories into his tracks from his bedroom studio. This flourishing artist started his musical journey with a childhood discovery of Garageband on his family iPad and sprung ahead on this path, finally settling on his vibrant lilac frog persona in 2022.
On December 8th, Hocking released his debut album ‘lilac pond‘. A little over forty minutes, this twelve-track album showcases the artist’s maturity, skill and unique voice. Its exceptional production and songwriting set the stage for an emotive fusillade of electro-pop and indie-pop tracks, introducing you to the authentic and eccentric universe of lilac frog.
Each track in ‘lilac pond’ emerges as a distinct narrative, radiating its own unique charm. ‘When Gravity Isn’t Looking’ sets a mesmerizing tone for the album. The collaboration ‘Reason to Stay,’ featuring ‘undy’, surprises with a delightful blend of seasoned artistry, crisp production, and two artists that blend beautifully together. lilac frog’s authentic and idiosyncratic style is evident throughout the album. Songs like ‘Friends and Strangers’ enchant with gentle piano and heartwarming vocals, while ‘Butterfly’ offers comfort with its soothing production and lyrics. ‘Paint the Sky (What I Can’t Have)’ brings a retro feel, mixing synthwave and pop, and is made captivating with harmonious female vocals that complement lilac frog’s unique sound. In ‘How the Curtain Closes,’ Hocking skillfully balances somber guitar strumming with minimalist production, creating a zen-like atmosphere. The album features tracks like ‘Until Next Time (Diving Under)’, which is a mellow, introspective piece, evoking the serene depth of the lilac pond and leaving listeners in a state of tranquil longing.
Beyond exploring his love for music, Hocking visualizes his tracks, inviting his audience to paint their mental canvasses with stories inspired by relationships, friendships, self-reflection, and more. He hopes listeners plunge deep into the lilac pond – an allusion to the inner world of the lilac frog character that pervades his music. Through his songs, Hocking hopes to inspire imagination, provoke thought and provide a refuge that makes listeners long for another dive into his mystical pond.
While Hocking’s creative juices are currently on a hiatus, his plans for future releases aim for fruition in 2024. He has a slew of ideas that he hopes will develop into works that continue to amplify the vivacious character he has nurtured in lilac frog.
Now with ‘lilac pond’ available on all major streaming platforms, the world has an open invitation to delve into Hocking’s world and hear life stories rendered in vibrant colors and notes.
As the lilac frog leaps ahead, we are persuaded that Harri has found his place in electro-pop and indie-pop, exuding a signature sound that sets him apart from the mainstream. Hold on to your lily pads, the lilac frog is making ripples across the music industry and this journey promises to be anything but tame. If ‘lilac pond’ is the signpost, then sign us up; we can’t wait to see what else Hocking has waiting beneath the lilac pond’s placid surface.
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