Every Monday, Add of the Week unveils all the new songs going into the 88Nine on-air playlist, with one hand-picked selection put in the spotlight by a member of our music team.
English folk-pop singer-songwriter Marika Hackman is back with her first new song in four years; on new single “No Caffeine,” Hackman’s chill, soothing vocals maintain as another strong, orchestral flourish in the baroque-styled pop song. Yet it’s the message that makes the biggest impression and impact.
“No Caffeine” is no metaphor. It’s one of the many things Hackman actually tries just to stay sane as she deals with anxiety, head-on. It’s a working title, quite literally:
Take a day off work, call your mum
Have a glass of wine, stay away from fun
Pretend like you don't care, pretend to take the night off
Try to get some sleep, no caffeine
Hackman shares, “It’s a list of what to do to avoid having a panic attack and looking at my anxiety as an abusive partner.” She admits the damage done, wanting to make a shift: “'Cause you got me good / And I feel so stupid.” It’s a mantra-slash-laundry list that’s as useful as it is soothing.
You can listen to “No Caffeine” below and on 88Nine by tuning your FM dial in Milwaukee or streaming worldwide on our website and mobile app.
This week’s other adds
- “Unconditional Love,” Quantic (feat. Rationale)
- “Gem & I,” Animal Collective
