A Cinematic New Single from Scarlett Cook
An absolutely gorgeous new single release from Scarlett Cook delivers a vast and cinematic approach that is laced with a Gothic undertone and this dreamy feel, as the song encompasses and embodies this beautifully constructed piano ballad that can be interpreted in different ways, but also displays such a fantastical soundscape that it builds a unique atmosphere that you end up falling right into.
"Ties That Bind" features some amazing instrumentation that really gives it a robust and, again, theatrical or cinematic feel. It starts off with piano and cello, which are both performed with such an elegant approach, giving the song that spacious feel right from the start.
When Scarlett begins singing, she starts off by using her voice as an instrument. She hits these amazing notes, and it has such a unique layer of texture to the song because she's performing a melody that haunts, and this is a big attribute to the song and its premise, as the lyrics do talk about certain kinds of struggles and discomforts.
This is the kind of song that's got its own aesthetic, so you end up getting wrapped up or engulfed in the entire soundscape of it because there's so much of a distant feel and approach. These layers and textures flow naturally, and you end up swimming through it all.
Listening to this track takes you on a journey. It is a great and open musical experience that feels like you just watched an act of a play.
That theatrical approach is everything here, and Scarlett pulls it off with such an instinct for getting into character and bringing herself to a place that portrays that incredibly well.
The mood of this song is everything. The way that she constructs it and builds up how the pieces fit together is astounding. You end up having to shake it all off when it's over because you were pulled away from wherever you were and whatever you were doing and put into this other world for a little chunk of time, which is quite a beautiful thing because you don't get that often.
The way the pianos are performed can be really intense. At times, they are more delicate and subtle, while other times they are hit harder with a bigger intensity. Scarlett herself performed the piano in the vocals on the track, but also composed and wrote the entire thing.
This was an enrapturing song that has a strange way of haunting you and just staying with you for hours and hours after it has ended.
You can clearly hear that the artist has an absolute love for the piano and how she is able to balance her levels of intensity dynamically between her performance on the instrument and how she sings.
To me, this is something I couldn't even imagine being able to do.
For Scarlett, it seems it's almost natural.
Her vocal performance when she's singing the lyrics is also beautifully smooth and has this drifting or floating feel to it. The tone of her voice itself has a gracefulness to it, so when she's singing the lyrics of the song, you're paying attention to them because you're listening to a story unfold, in a sense.
You can tell this is coming from some real place in a personal perspective, and that makes it all more authentic as well.
This is a brand new single that showcases exactly where Scarlett is with her songwriting right now.
If you're not familiar with her music otherwise, it is absolutely necessary to listen to her previous release, Requiem for the Earth.
This is a full-length album that delivers loads of those intense moments and elegant performances throughout its course.
I would certainly start with "Ties That Bind" and then go back and listen to that record.
This is for people who like songs that tell a story and bring you to another place. It's music that has a beautifully classical undertone and cinematic overcoat, all performed with this approach that puts you there in the moment.
Upon listening to this one, I had to sit down with Scarlett to interview her about where this song came from and what might be coming up next for her.
So, while you listen to this single and that previous record, have a read-through of our interview with Scarlett Cook below.
Let's talk about "Ties That Bind"! This was an emotional feeling track with such a beautiful approach and vast undertone!! Where did this single come from?
The central melody was written many years ago about a transient place. But it only recently came back to haunt me whilst travelling all last year through Europe, solo by train. It's very much a travel song, personally. The intro is the sound of me haulling my despondent self to the airport to let go of a lot of baggage. Then being summoned by the guardian of the crossroads to get to where I was heading. It's a nice accompanyment to feel connected despite geographical separation.
Now that this is out, are you doing any live shows?
There will be a few live shows early next year in Adelaide, possibly Melbourne. Maybe back in EU for the summer in 2026.
Who have you been listening to lately? Who's in your headphones?
I've been doing a lot of live listening. I just saw 2 all time favourite bands, Opeth and Tool live in my hometown Adelaide, both in this last week. Also enjoying Kalandra's new release.
Did you record this at home, or at a bigger studio?
The track was recorded at Hot Milk Studio's in Berlin(where I ended up settling for a year). It was recorded with Robert Cummings on a snowy winter day.
Do you produce your own releases, or do you work with another producer?
I produce my own releases. Then I annoy the mixers with a bit of, what do you think? I would also like to work with other likeminded producers in future.
What's next up for you? Are you already working on anything new?
I'm producing a film clip for this single to be released in 2026. The vision has been complete for a while, just lining up the crew. Then lots more new recording taking place next year.
What kind of things really inspire you to write music?
I just do what the voices tell me to. But well, usually injustices of some kind. This song in paritcular however, is about finding something within, that way it can never really be lost.
You have been doing great! What sort of advice might you have for other up and coming artists out there?
Be sincere and take the opportunity to express something that will help you grow as a person. If you want to write good music, then you need to listen to good music, not b grade porn commercials. More pracitse, less scrolling.
What would you say people can expect from this single?
Gentle, melodic, haunting, ethereal, elegant, broody and intimate. Piano, vocal and Cello appreciators should enjoy. I knew most people wouldn't have the attention span to listen to a 4:30 song. So I indulged myself and took it to 6 minutes. It will take you 1:37 to even get to the first verse. But who's counting? It's a differnt format and piece of art that aims to gently teleport one away.
Do you do collaborations with other artists at all?
I usually perform with a myriad of session musicians. I'm looking to collaborate with other artist's and bands and possibly do a remix in future to change things up.
What would you like to say to any fans of the music?
Thank you for listening and being wholesome enough to savour and enjoy this slow cooked track.
