Nashville based artist Bantug offers a little bit of lockdown comfort on new single "Soften"

We first covered Bantug back in 2017 when the Nashville based artist was releasing her debut EP Blue. A shimmering collection of dreamy slow-pop, it put the Atlanta born musician on the map and opened the door to live shows, including support slots for the likes of Hovvdy and Men I Trust.

Born in the Georgia capital, Amanda Bantug took to music from an early age, stealing time on her older brother’s drum kit. Before she was a teenager she’d also tackled the guitar and double bass.

Since the release of her debut EP she’s continued to put out a constant stream of quality, mature, expansive pop. Red, the follow up to Blue won her support from the likes of Spotify, whilst further singles "Teary Eyes" and "Don’t Know What’s Real" continue to explore the depths of her prodigious creativity.

New track "Soften" is a synth-wave 80s kiss of hushed, glowing keys and soft melodies with a firm backbone of synthetic beats. Forming part of her new Dizzy EP, Bantug writes, "Just a song about finding a softness to look inward without judgment. You’re not alone when it comes to avoiding that pain. But i’m telling ya, there’s so much goodness that it’s trying to show u."

"Guess I’m staying home tonight, just like every other night. My bones are getting restless, my mind is so defensive." The lyrics are despondent and hopeful in equal measure, melting into the music effortlessly. She couldn’t have picked a more fitting track title.