Singer-songwriter Charlotte Wessels, formerly of Delain, has collaborated with Simone Simons of Epica on a new single titled “Dopamine.” This track is part of Wessels’ debut full-length solo album, The Obsession, which will be released on September 20, 2024, via Napalm Records.
Charlotte Wessels ‘The Obsession’, Set for Release in September
The song addresses the emotional effects of SSRI-induced numbness, offering listeners an immersive and evocative experience. Wessels’ latest work features a blend of progressive and heavier soundscapes with catchy elements, marking a significant evolution in her music.
Speaking about the collaboration, Charlotte Wessels states…
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Lyrically, ‘Dopamine’ deals with SSRI induced numbness that I experienced a few years ago when I was on Sertraline, a type of antidepressant. While the medication was really helpful, there were so many side effects that I’d never heard of. This song deals with some of them, and while it feels vulnerable to expose the experience, I hope it helps in breaking down the shame and taboo around the topic.
Simone reached out to me as I was first opening up about this in an interview, and when the first version of ‘Dopamine’ dropped on Patreon (because of course we’re each other’s patrons) she texted how much she liked the song. So when we were working on the album version it only made sense to ask if she’d sing along on the track. I am so happy she agreed and after all of the shared introspection, it was great fun to let loose wearing pink wigs in ball pits and marshmallow pools for the video recordings. Musically, out of the entire new album, ‘Dopamine’ went through the biggest transformation. What started out as an EDM demo for a collaboration with a dance duo that never happened, became an acoustic Song Of The Month on Patreon, which then had a massive overhaul when rearranging it with Timo. The new band version is an absolute banger, and the beautiful guest vocals by Simone complete the song.
Wessels and her band will perform a release show on October 4, 2024, at Utrecht’s TivoliVredenburg. Additionally, she will make several festival appearances this year and join VOLA on their Friend of a Phantom EU Tour 2024.
UK Dates with VOLA:
- Nov 11: UK London, Heaven
- Nov 11: UK Nottingham, Rescue Rooms
- Nov 11: UK Glasgow, G2
- Nov 11: UK Manchester, Club Academy
- Nov 11: UK Bristol, SWX
Tickets are available for purchase here.
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