“I don’t remember writing it, though I do remember the time surrounding it; plodding around Berlin in February hoping to find any way to stop the infinite loop of the same few thoughts that would consume every second of every day for over half a year.”
With dopamine releasing production and a flow reminiscent of the late great Mac Miller, James Lanning recently returned with a new single entitled “Berlin Blue.” James has a seemingly less popular style in the emo-rap sub-genre with traditionally styled bass.
Confronting his struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts, Maryland-bred lyricist & visual artist James Lanning approaches the mic wholeheartedly.
Throughout his music career, James has brought his live show to Washington D.C., Philadelphia and New York City. His performances showcase his extreme attention to detail as a lyricist while capturing the emotion of what it feels like to struggle with mental health.
‘Berlin Blue’ is a look at the failed attempt to slough off those thoughts and the yearning for a literal way to do so. Detailing his thoughts during the time he spent in Berlin with sharp and specific lyrics, James Lanning paints a portrait with his words, letting us into his world battling with mental illness and feelings of depression. “Five minutes too late, sorry for the delay, I’m not myself like I’m only borrowing it today, and all the while further and farther it’s away, tomorrow’s always shorter but harder to replay,” he sings.
While maintaining the common theme of mental health that inhabits his music, Lanning’s new single showcases a more vulnerable sound and gut-wrenching, meticulous lyrics. “Berlin Blue” is a signature song to an already stellar collection of music. I look forward to hearing more of James Lanning.
The song depicts one of the darkest periods of his life. Lanning recalls, “I don’t remember writing it, though I do remember the time surrounding it; plodding around Berlin in February hoping to find any way to stop the infinite loop of the same few thoughts that would consume every second of every day for over half a year.”
Connect with James Lanning on social media and be sure to stream his single “Berlin Blue.”
