Montaigne x Beyond The Glass
Montaigne
Singer-songwriter producer performer, twitch streamer and activist.
Montaigne is back with a striking new single, “Beyond the Glass,” a contemplative and emotionally rich blend of pop, indie, and R&B. The track delves into the frustrations of feeling stuck while exploring the untapped potential that lies just beyond the boundaries of what we know. True to Montaigne’s signature style, this release masterfully blends introspection with a captivating sonic beauty, resulting in a song that feels both melancholic and quietly hopeful.
“Beyond the Glass” transports listeners into a romantic yet wistful sonic landscape, invoking imagery of longing, quiet resignation, and the yearning for something more. The track was inspired by a line from an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Timon of Athens, where the metaphor of a "trout unaware it’s trapped behind glass" resonated deeply with Montaigne. This thought-provoking metaphor serves as a central theme in the song, representing those who remain unaware of alternative ways to live, both in personal relationships and in the structures of our broader societal systems.
The song’s lyrical depth is matched by its intricate soundscape, which pulls influence from Montaigne’s reading of The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway, as well as the eerie atmosphere of the indie game Dredge. These influences combine to shape the song’s emotional and aesthetic features, making it a haunting meditation on the nature of personal growth, change, and liberation from societal constraints.
In Montaigne's own words:
"A lament about people who don’t realise that there are other, better ways to live life or structure the world. I apply this to both personal relationships and political/economic ideologies. I heard a line about a 'trout unaware it’s trapped behind glass' (or something like that) in an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Timon of Athens directed by Margaret Thanos and that inspired the song. Reading The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway and playing NZ indie game Dredge also influenced the structure and aesthetic features of the song.”
Musically, “Beyond the Glass” is a masterful fusion of smooth R&B undertones, dreamy pop melodies, and indie sensibilities. The song strikes a captivating contrast between its introspective lyrical themes and a sound that feels warm, chill, and subtly romantic. The overall effect is a track that encourages listeners to reflect on their own limitations and the hidden possibilities that await them beyond their current realities.
In a world that often feels confined by routine and rigid structures, Montaigne’s “Beyond the Glass” serves as a gentle nudge to peer past the glass and embrace the possibilities that lie beyond what we’ve always known.
Stay tuned for more updates from Montaigne and listen to “Beyond the Glass” on all streaming platforms.