SHAELA MILLER’S “AFTER THE MASQUERADE” ALBUM: A MASTERFUL BLEND OF AMERICANA AND ELECTRONIC POP

I’ve always said, sometimes music is the best option you got as a friend, the way music comforts, supports, give ideas, speaks to us and also feed us, makes it an essential part of our lives. Then the kinda music you feed your soul with also determines it growth. And sometimes just a bowl of rice won’t be enough so you need different varieties and more to be satisfied and that’s why albums becomes a companion when one needs music. Yeah, you wanna enjoy the songs continually with each song offering you a different vibe and atmosphere to consume you and help you reflect on some stuffs. Well Shaela Miller’s latest album titled, “After the Masquerade,” is one hell of an album that is here to be your best buddy. An album that comes in as a bold exploration of sounds and emotions merged with introspective depth of Americana with the edgy pulse of new wave. The album which was recorded at Studio Bell in Calgary’s National Music Centre and produced by Graham Lessard (known for his work with Stars and Timbre Timbre), captures Miller at her most daring and innovative moments, so just know you’re in for some melodic, genre mix and an intriguing masterpiece.

Another track on the album that takes a twist is the track “Waterline.” This track comes in and takes a turn towards a psychedelic with traces of retro-electro beats and haunting melodies. The song then goes on to lay emphasis on the search for freedom and clarity. I don’t know but Shaela Miller’s voice is soo touching and emotional, the way she sings, the way she tells the story in here, wow, i love it akd probably one of the best album so far. Sometimes you need to strive hard and fight for your freedom and sometimes you just need your freedom at the waterline. Take a break from everything, go sit by a stream, or a river and put on this track, trust me, you gonna come home free of everything that’s bothering you. The song is touching and has the ability to strike every soul and mould them. This song was really made in heaven and in fact the whole album. Bringing the album to a beautiful end is the slow paced track titled “Sunglasses.” See someone tell Shaela Miller I love how she sings already. She really gives me vibes from one of the best country musicians from the old school, and she should continue being herself. The way she crafted this ending is a thing of beauty. See this track actually sets you down and let’s you settle, then take you through moment introspection and let’s you ponder on everything. It’s a melancholic yet hopeful vibe. The chorus with lines like “don’t break it to me too kind” hints at heartache, pain and resilience that runs through the album. The vocals, just makes you wanna tear up, then the lyrics laying emphasis on the vulnerability of love, loss and pain, just does it for me. Shaela Miller, I love your album wholeheartedly, I love you, and keep creating music that will leave a lasting impression on us. You’re the best at what you do. Now that’s how you end an album, you leave the listener in a state wanting to repeat the whole album just to go through those feelings again.

Well “After the Masquerade” ain’t just your regular album and trust me it’s probably one of the best albums 2024 has seen yet. The album goes on to show Shaela Miller’s growth as an artist, with her years of musical experience being evident and fearless approach to new sounds. To me this is a must-listen masterpiece, a solid project of 10/10 and one that deserves your attention. So go ahead and give this album a deep listen and enjoy what good music feels like. ENJOY!! Make sure to check her out on the links below for more;