Hanging In The Balance, track-by-track by Lauren Presley
Photo credit: Sean McGee
Hanging In The Balance
Artist quote: This track sums up the whole concept of the EP, but all in a little 1 minute and 18 second taste.
Story behind the song/ what it is about:
The things that I talked about in this EP, really took a toll on me at one point, and I think this track kinda shows/explains that. I think this prelude perfectly gives you a little sample of what’s to come before hearing the rest of the project.
People Leave
Artist quote: This one means so much to me and has been something i’ve struggled with a lot for years, but writing and putting this out has been so healing. I think anyone with trust issues will unfortunately relate.
Story behind the song/ what it is about:
This song is about abandonment issues and how growing up with that, still affects my relationships as an adult. It’s been engraved into my brain that people leave and i can’t trust that they won’t. So when I have someone who stays, who reassures me, who gives me everything I’ve been looking for, it’s hard for my brain to accept that. Now after years of healing, I feel like I have mostly rewired my brain to just accept love.
Can I Be Happy
Artist quote: This song is for the people who every now and then fantasize about starting over somewhere new. I wanted this song to feel like an escape for people who feel like they don’t have one.
Story behind the song/ what it is about:
This song is about chasing happiness. And fantasizing about running away from everything and all my responsibilities. I put a lot of pressure on myself to be everything, to everyone, all the time. And to be the best. I’ve realized I can’t do it all, all the time, and that is just an unrealistic expectation of myself. It’s a people pleaser’s nightmare.
Paralyzed
Artist quote: This song is the epitome of feeling stuck in place with no way out.
Story behind the song/ what it is about:
Being an artist is really scary for someone who craves stability, because there are so many unknowns with this career. This song is about not being where I want to be, and honestly feeling a million miles away from it. Also, me being such a perfectionist, I am incredible hard on myself. That’s something i’ve worked on is holding myself accountable, while still being kind to myself.
Ghost
Artist quote: This song is different for me and pushed me outside my comfort zone, in the best way.
Story behind the song/ what it is about:
‘Ghost’ at its core, is about anxiety and how it can cause you to become a shell (or ghost) of yourself. It’s easy to lose yourself sometimes when you’re overwhelmed, overworked, and overthinking everything. It can be hard to keep it all up.