Before a pastel deluge of “empowering” Hallmark-esque content overtakes the Internet this sunny Valentine’s Day, Cliff Notez is here to remind us that self-love isn’t always straightforward. The Boston multi-hyphenate artist returns today (February 14) touting a new song called “Could Be Normal,” their first release since 2020’s EP with Dephrase, Social Absence.
Like much of Notez’s work, “Could Be Normal” snakes through their headspace with lyrics that are highly personal, yet strikingly universal at times. The scene in first verse alone feels eerily familiar, as Notez describes the discontent that stems from prioritizing “the world” over their own needs — and then feeling too exasperated to even consider making improvements. It’s only when they draw the line between thinking and overthinking that they arrive at a sense of assurance and control: “Why they always tell me ‘get ahold of myself?’ / I’ve been pretty busy loving both of myselves,” Notez sings, returning to a theme of duality that ruled their 2019 project Why the Wild Things Are. It’s a bumpy ride on the way to that happier, healthier attitude — but then again, that’s likely the point.
“‘Could Be Normal’ is, first and foremost, a love song,” Notez shares in their Instagram story, “and I’m excited to make music about love.”
Tune in below, and catch Notez performing at Atwood’s Tavern with Photocomfort on February 25.