In keeping with the acoustic tones and thoughtful subject matter, Kathy Muir follows on from last month’s single HUSH, with a song inspired by the societal divisions we all witness on a daily basis.
Initially reflecting on the stark contrast between adverts – one for luxury living followed by one requesting charitable support for those in poverty – The Borderline takes a universal look at the striking separation and still connection between all of us as we go about our lives.
The song was thought up over several years, with two artists heavily influencing its ultimate inception, and a third helping bring the poignant accompanying visuals to life. Shirley Baker was the first, a British photographer who documented working class communities and the unified concepts of resilience and displacement. The second was photographer SadBab, who graciously permitted the use of his image for the single’s artwork. The third was motion artist Aria, who sculpted using sand, portraying a captivating series of scenes to help further reinforce the transient nature of The Borderline.
For the song itself, Kathy writes in a literal and accessible fashion, the acoustic guitar and clean-cut imagery tipping hats towards the folk pop and acoustic protest songs of a simpler era. The melody and mood keep things intimate and strangely hopeful – the song brightening stylistically as the energy rises.
These short lines grow longer as they resolve, the guitar pattern follows suit to wrap up each verse, and the chorus rightfully overcomes and uplifts – promising a sense of possibility, of shared struggle and understanding.
It’s a simple yet effective journey, beautifully captured, with moments of whisper juxtaposed by those of subtle passion and volume. The Borderline is a personal work in essence, but vague enough to be made the listener’s own – the ideas, images, and central feel of the song all work their magic in a way that naturally transcends the specifics of any given town or situation. It’s a song about transition, connection, and the unseen lines between us, and it shines brightly with lashings of relatable uncertainty and euphoric hope all at once.
Find Kathy Muir on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram. Check out the British Sign Language version of The Borderline.
