iamnotshane, Don’t Say That Review

Iamnotshane was born to be a performer, which solidified when he began singing and songwriting at eight years old. iamnotshane began gaining a following on Tumblr after he started posting bedroom recordings, and in 2016, he released his debut EP Sad. The EP generated his first breakout moment in the form of the official video for the debut single “Insecure,” which he cast, co-directed, choreographed, and edited in its entirety. Since his 2016 debut, iamnotshane has released a 2020 self-titled EP, followed by his debut album, One Less Year Alive, a quarantine project he released independently in the spring of 2021. Across all of his releases, a common thread emerges, of which he notes: “Each song is me trying to figure out life by contemplating death and the hope for something greater. I’m very open about depression and sadness, but like to contrast the dark lyrics with danceable sugary pop production and humor that brings the hope.” The Los Angeles-based artist and songwriter is releasing his single titled “Don’t Say That” via Snafu Records.

Bottom Line: “Don’t Say That” has an 80s-inspired synth-pop vibe and lyrics about shedding insecurities and embracing your inner weirdo. Starting with iamnotshane’s effected vocals and a thumping synth bassline, the song unfolds with its layers of sounds and iamnotshane’s strong singing. His timbre fits well within the dynamic soundscapes as the song builds within a comfortable territory. The drums and synths provide a lush setting, and the melody has vivid vocal harmonies and textures, both with and without effects. “Don’t Say That” comes alongside another knockout self-directed video from iamnotshane. A wink to Britney Spears’ iconic “…Baby One More Time” schoolhouse visual, the video embodies imnotshane’s not-so-subtle rallying cry to, “dance weird, have fun, fall in love, and not worry about what anybody thinks.” Iamnotshane is comfortable operating in an electronic and rhythmic mode that combines traditional elements of 80s synth-pop with modern electronic dancefloor sensibilities. That’s the short of it!