Indie pop artist Cavetown, known for his emotive and introspective style, has collaborated with singer-songwriter Frankie Cosmos on the new single, “magic 8 ball.” The track showcases both artists’ talents in blending lo-fi bedroom-pop aesthetics with heartfelt lyricism, providing a soothing yet thought-provoking exploration of life’s uncertainties. This release arrives just ahead of Cavetown’s upcoming headlining tour, with Frankie Cosmos joining him as a supporting act.
“magic 8 ball” is a delicate song that balances a sense of melancholy with hope. Fuzzy lo-fi tones and a bright, plucked guitar melody create the backdrop for Cavetown and Frankie Cosmos’ voices, which blend seamlessly as they reflect on themes of doubt and self-reflection. The lyrics ask the question, “Am I losing hope? I think by asking that, I’m already warmer,” capturing the essence of searching for meaning in a world that often feels out of control.
In the accompanying music video, Cavetown and Frankie Cosmos engage in a playful yet frantic game of cat-and-mouse, chasing a magic 8 ball with a mind of its own through a venue. The whimsical visual complements the song’s introspective nature, adding a lighthearted element to the deeper message of the lyrics.
Interestingly, the origins of “magic 8 ball” go back several years. Frankie Cosmos initially wrote the demo nearly a decade ago, but the track never fully came to life. “I made a demo called ‘magic 8 ball’ around 7 or 8 years ago, and it never went anywhere,” Kline shared. “I sent it to Robbie [Cavetown], and he expanded on it, turning it into this awesome pop song! It’s so different now, but our ideas meshed so naturally.” Kline also expressed her excitement about performing the song together during Cavetown’s upcoming tour.
Cavetown, whose real name is Robin Skinner, was equally thrilled to work with one of his favorite artists. “I was especially drawn to the imagery in her lyrics for ‘magic 8 ball,’” Skinner said. “I love the feeling of searching for answers in a world where control feels elusive. I’m so thankful she trusted me to transform her original idea.” The song blends elements of both artists’ unique styles, resulting in a track that feels cohesive yet fresh.
This single is the second release from Cavetown’s forthcoming third studio album, Persona, following the earlier release of “Sophie’s House.” The album is set to explore themes of identity, emotional depth, and personal reflection, with stripped-back production allowing the raw emotion of each track to shine through.
With a packed tour schedule ahead, including headlining dates across North America and supporting slots for Mother Mother’s Canadian arena tour, Cavetown continues to build on the success of his 2022 album ‘worm food’. As he prepares for the release of Persona, “magic 8 ball” offers a glimpse into the thoughtful, genre-blurring approach that defines his music.
