By: Staff
Declan McKenna has officially entered a fresh chapter in his career. Having departed from his record label, he's now venturing forward under his own imprint, Miniature Ponies, embracing the creative freedom that comes with being an independent artist. Known for his bold social commentary and genre-defying sound, McKenna's latest singles, "Champagne" and "That's Life," continue to build on his eclectic style while offering fans a glimpse into his vision for this new era.
"Champagne" — A Sparkling Yet Sobering Take on Success
The single "Champagne" is both playful and contemplative, blending McKenna’s signature indie-pop feel with a retro-inspired beat and shimmering synths. Right from the start, the song pulls listeners in with an exclamation: "Not again! This is just wrong..." — a line that introduces the frustration and humor woven throughout the song. McKenna later admits, "Of course, I didn't mean what I said; I just wanted them to laugh," a reflection on the pressures of staying relevant in an age where personal brand often overshadows musical merit.
The song shifts into a hypnotic refrain with McKenna repeating, "You can't celebrate without Champagne…" This line, echoing in a dream-like sequence, critiques the superficial markers of success that have become all too familiar in modern culture. Musically, the track draws on psych-pop influences, and its glitzy atmosphere is both refreshing and introspective, showing that McKenna isn't afraid to dive into complex themes, even while delivering an irresistibly catchy tune.
"That's Life" — Bittersweet and Accepting
On the flip side, McKenna’s "That's Life" is a mellow track with its own brand of melancholy. Overlaid with cheerful piano chords, it’s a song that captures life’s small disappointments with humor and acceptance. When McKenna sings, "Before I turn you into Angel Delight / Mix it up and call it dessert," he compares life’s letdowns to expecting a beautiful cake and instead being served an uninspiring substitute. The cheeky line resonates as McKenna offers a light-hearted, almost whimsical take on managing expectations, a sentiment that is perfectly mirrored in the song’s laid-back, breezy sound.
The Visuals — A Diner Scene Gone Wild
To accompany "Champagne," McKenna released a music video set in a chaotic, classic American diner where he and his companions navigate a night of mishaps and hilarity. The video showcases the offbeat humor that fans love, culminating in McKenna’s dramatic spill of a champagne chandelier—a playful symbol of mishandled celebrations and perhaps, by extension, the unpredictability of fame.
What’s Next for McKenna
As he launches this new phase, McKenna isn’t slowing down. He’s currently on a busy touring schedule in the U.S., supporting Sabrina Carpenter on her Short n' Sweet Tour for eleven dates, while also headlining his own shows. Both "Champagne" and "That's Life" mark McKenna’s return to the kind of spirited, unfiltered artistry that has always defined him. Free from traditional label constraints, he appears ready to take on whatever the future holds, embracing both the triumphs and trials along the way.
McKenna’s journey into independence is off to a promising start, and these singles hint at the exciting directions he might explore under Miniature Ponies. If you haven’t already, give "Champagne" and "That's Life" a listen below, and dive into the electric, new world McKenna is crafting.
Check out this latest release and listen to more of Declan McKenna on Spotify & YouTube.
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