Wrené Nova’s “Deflect, Dissolve” Explores the Pain of Heartache in Brooding Anti-Pop Ballad
Wrené Nova’s latest “Deflect, Dissolve” is an anti-pop single weaving experimental electronica, ambient, and avant-garde elements through a haunting four-minute ballad that explores the pain of heartache and disconnection. The single also reinforces the concept of her forthcoming album Metamorphosis which will be a sonic exploration through the process of change and the perspective that comes with passing time.
“Deflect, Dissolve” may have been written during the recovery process from an emotionally wounding relationship. Still, for the Toronto-based talent, Wrené hopes it “offers more than it being my own self-serving ‘breakup song’” and that it can bring its own meaning to the listener.
In Wrené’s discography, her lyrics have always served as a testament to her poetic imagery, and on “Deflect, Dissolve,” it’s no different. We are forced to examine if the love we give in a relationship is enough, “All I give, you can’t absorb,” sings Wrené over chilling pianos and spatial drum machines. “I stare in a two-way mirror, nothing behind there, nothing between us” follows and invites listeners on a journey of introspection.
Whether she’s delivering healing frequencies and subliminal messages like on the Transmuting Darkness EP or experimenting with foley sounds like on the Live Wire LP, Wrené’s body of work is meant for the outsiders; those who abandon the mundane superficialities of life, “My music is a playground for escapists, rebels, and those who are interested in the abstract.”
In doing so, she has been able to create otherworldly, serene, and ethereal soundscapes that encapsulate dark and light, “I’m interested in hosting my mind as a wonderland for others to visit; to get away from the pain, monotony, and meaninglessness of life.”
But more importantly, she wants her music to embody universal truths that are rarely heard in mainstream music, “I aim to challenge the conventions of popular music,” she says. “By offering an unorthodox perspective as well as a deeper level of authenticity and vulnerability than what is offered in music being pumped out to the masses.”
Many see water as the element with healing powers, and this belief is reflected in the music video for “Deflect, Dissolve.” Like a siren signing you to a shipwreck, Wrené’s chilling aquatic movements in the video, joined with her poetic lyrics, really bring the meaning of “Deflect, Dissolve” to a new level.
Shot by Kenzie Yango in a repurposed intex pool in the garage of Wrené’s parents’ house in Newmarket, the soulful vocalist “couldn’t be happier with the result” – even though the water was absolutely freezing and she was “quite miserable and cranky during the shooting.” But with a very high level of creativity on a low budget with limited resources, she says it shows how “you really can create so much out of seemingly so little.”
Watch the lyric video for “Deflect, Dissolve” below and learn more about Wrené Nova via our mini-interview.
Care to introduce yourself?
My name is Wrené, and I’m an electronic music producer and vocalist. I am an advocate for the freedom of artistic expression and an explorer of the abstract. My mission is to captivate and connect with others through raw and unfiltered creativity- and encourage others to broaden their conscious experience through art.
Tell us about the process of writing “Deflect, Dissolve.”
This song, and its accompanying album to follow, was created in a period of deep isolation in the first winter we endured during the pandemic. It was produced entirely using soft synths on Logic Pro. I don’t entirely remember the process…I was just sort of plugged in and disconnected from reality during that time- I created these tracks as sort of alternative worlds to escape in. They helped ground me and gave me a sense of home and safety in very unfamiliar times.
What’s it like being a musician in Toronto?
I find it difficult to navigate this city in general. I’m really working towards changing my perspective on this city and supporting the little pockets of colour that are left, and helping support their growth. Many people here are seeking support and a genuine sense of community- looking to expand their consciousness and experience something meaningful. It’s tough to be an artist here and open yourself to an abundance that isn’t easily found on the surface. It can be difficult to find your family, so to speak. Most of this city looks down on artists and sees them as surplus to profit off. Most funded opportunities are over-politicized, scarce, and do not support the venues suffering post-pandemic. This climate is sometimes overwhelmingly discouraging to those of us who do not conform within the status quo. As a music fan living here, my best experiences have been independent shows, and events put on by the collectives who have chosen to join forces and support each other. There is a diverse range of underground artists here who are bold and talented; somehow, they struggle to be seen.
You’ve been making music for a while now. What’s one piece of advice you can offer to those starting out?
No matter what the external circumstances of the industry appear to be, never compromise your identity, vision, and purpose as an artist. You are larger than the pressures placed on you to conform to anybody’s standards. You will be approached by people who appear to be powerful and promise you the resources that could help fast-track you- many of them are tests and mirages. Develop your discernment and craft- and always lead with faith in your mission.