Opening with experimental percussion, Willoh’s new single, Buckshot, creates a textured, autumnal atmosphere as fragile vocals establish a sense of emotional depth.
Born and raised in Missouri, WIlloh records her music within her bedroom, using equipment purchased with savings from a job worked at a McDonald's in her hometown. There is a homely feel to the staccato rhythms and gentle melodies on Buckshot, but the layered production has a sophistication that transcends the song’s origins.
Throughout the duration of Buckshot, you can hear a tension in Willoh’s delivery. Her vocals at times accelerating uncontrollably as she loses control of her emotions, before stepping back, slowing down, and regaining composure. The song itself is a depiction of the struggle to find acceptance, whilst recognising acceptance itself doesn’t mean you no longer care. Describing the song’s inspiration, Willoh says:
‘Throughout the creation of Buckshot, I learned a lot about acceptance. Realizing that acceptance doesn’t mean you’re instantly unaffected by change. I went through cycles of guilt for pouring too much of myself out, shrinking, losing confidence, blaming, being okay and then not okay again. Each section of the song was written in the middle of one of those emotions, ending only to begin the cycle all over again.’
The cycle Willoh describes here is carefully and cleverly captured and represented in the song, creating an affecting and emotionally resonant piece of music.