Each Measure Feature: Terra Renae

FEATURE

 “In My Dreams” is the latest shiny synth pop single from Terra Renae. Similar to her previous releases, this song is a light, carefree dance track with plenty of bubbly, optimistic sound. However, this single stands out as the most emotional of Renae’s releases so far.

The story revolves around the grief of losing a loved one and the ensuing search for closure. Though in the verses, Renae sings of heartbreak and confusion, by the time she reaches the hook, she’s alchemized her thoughts into sweet dreams. She declares, “Never thought that last time would be the last time, and to keep from weeping I’ll pretend you’re sleeping so I can see you in my dreams.” With that, the hook is in full swing and we feel like we’re dancing weightlessly through a montage of memory and fantasy.

“In My Dreams” was produced by Mikal Blue (Colbie Caillat, One Republic, Jason Mraz), JJMG, and Praveen V Arla. GRAMMY-winner Macy Gray served as executive producer on this track and Gray has also worked with Renae on several of her previous singles, including “All I Have,” “Over and Over Again,” “Party In The Sunshine,” and “Stick Around.”

However, the real behind-the-scenes revelation is Renae’s personal relationship to this song. When she was just 8 years old, Terra Renae lost her father on Christmas Day. Renae carries her emotional experiences into her vocal performance on this single. There is a thick, heavy quality to her voice in the verses. In the chorus (which is otherwise airy and tightly rhythmic) Renae slips in an unexpected and deep vocal slide. It jolts the listener just enough to remind us that even in playful escapism, Renae is still grounded by the reality of her grief.

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