Photo by Nate DidomizioTruth and vulnerability lie at the very heart of Loren Berí’s artistic voice. On his latest single, “Stagehand,” the songwriter reflects on the quiet relief of shedding exaggerated alter egos in favour of authenticity. The track embraces the subtle beauty of existing as a background figure, reminding us that the individuals operating in the shadows give our shared world its depth and life. Rather than fighting for the spotlight, Berí discovers a gentle liberation in accepting who he truly is, finding poetry in the quiet corners of existence.
Musically, “Stagehand” is an eclectic fusion of indie rock grit, chamber pop elegance, and dramatic theatrical flair. The sonic landscape balances playfulness with bittersweet tones, drifting through the ear like a vivid dream of a recent memory. Beneath the surface, a prominent, driving bassline grounds the track, while crisp percussion and intimate acoustic guitars weave seamlessly around Berí’s vocal delivery. Each instrumental layer serves a distinct purpose, creating a rich texture that echoes the earnest, cinematic sensibilities of early Coldplay. It is a composition that feels a bit surreal, holding a delicate space between theatricality and intimacy.
The idea behind the song came to Berí during a late-night writing session, when he began imagining someone working behind the curtain while mistaking that position for a role in the production itself. The image became a way of thinking about a person who has made himself smaller in order to belong, a theme that connects “Stagehand” to the character-driven world of “Alby’s Ghost.” Where that earlier work embraced an exaggerated persona, the new song moves in the opposite direction, leaving the performance behind and confronting a much less embellished version of the self. Moving away from the mythic personas constructed in “Genesis 2.0” and “Prince V,” he embraces a newfound relief in putting down the characters to reveal his reality.
Photo by Nate Didomizio“Stagehand” serves as a compelling prelude to Loren Berí’s forthcoming album of the same name. Expanding his artistic narrative, the record will be released alongside a companion book of poetry, demonstrating a creative range that extends far beyond music. To celebrate the release, Berí will perform on September 9th as part of National Sawdust’s official season, presenting new material accompanied by the string ensemble Ondine Quartet.
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