New York-based Confessional gritty alt-pop artist Middle Part has unveiled a deeply poignant single, “Dial*,” from his debut album “Disruptor.” The song delves into themes of depression, suicide, and self-isolation driven by paranoia, portraying the desperate call to a suicide hotline in an attempt to connect with someone and pull oneself out of an endless descent. The chorus of the song signals the realization that death shouldn’t be the option, regardless of life’s darkest moments.
Drawing inspiration from the late ’90s and early 2000s, Middle Part, also known as Andy SelkĹw, has crafted a unique brand of unconventional pop music that pays homage to the confessional lyrical prowess of artists like Alanis Morisette, Third Eye Blind, and Michelle Branch. His music resonates with earnest emotion and endless hooks, coexisting within the distorted landscape of his nostalgic sound.
“Disruptor,” Middle Part’s debut album, intricately combines elements of distorted maximalism with an undercurrent of heartfelt sincerity, creating an immersive sonic journey that explores themes such as depression, self-acceptance, and the challenges of aging. The album captures a fresh sense of reinvention by infusing post-grunge and new millennium tones with innovative twists.
The album’s opening track, “Get Fixed,” sets the tone for the recordâa spirited and raucous anthem that channels the angst of growing up while grappling with the acceptance of aging and the weight of regrets. The second single, “Nowhere,” is a self-reflective song spawned from a moment of ego death, emphasizing the theme of self-acceptance over continuously worrying about others’ opinions.
“Dial*” is a powerful testament to Middle Part’s ability to address deeply personal and challenging themes within a familiar pop format, intending to disrupt the complacent mainstream with its emotional weight and authenticity.
The album was written and recorded between New York and a friend’s cabin in Maine near Sebago Lake, with Middle Part collaborating alongside long-time friend and producer Brian Zaremba, as well as producer Michael Andrews, Frank Corr of The Drums and Morning Silk, and James McDermott of DBA James & Bayfaction.
Beyond the music, Middle Part places significant emphasis on the visual narrative that “Disruptor” inhabits. The album’s visual landscape pays homage to the golden era of MTV, subterranean societies, gritty bedrooms of troubled souls, and the squalor of downtown streets. The visual centerpiece of the album is a glass box, representing an exaggerated epitome of the “Tortured Artist.”
Middle Part’s journey began as a personal outlet during his time in Alaska from 2017 to 2019, and it evolved when SelkĹw relocated to New York and connected with Zaremba. His debut EP, “I Wish I Was Alive,” released in 2021, featured the lead single, “& Cry!,” which has already amassed over 4 million streams on Spotify. His second EP, “Time Is Elastic,” marked an evolution in Middle Part’s sonic landscape, incorporating influences from shoegaze and alt-pop while maintaining his signature brand of heartfelt indie rock.
Recognizing that music thrives within a community, SelkĹw has found a sense of belonging within Brooklyn’s Bushwick music scene. Middle Part’s audacious sound and captivating stage presence have secured coveted opening slots for prominent acts such as Biig Piig, Arlie, and Yot Club.
With “Disruptor,” Middle Part aims to bring the darker, more profound aspects of life to the forefront of alternative pop music, setting out to disrupt the placid rhythm of the mainstream with a distinctive blend of heartfelt authenticity and innovative sound.
