South London artist and songwriter Max Pope shares his new single ‘Borderline’, a warm and hazy track that navigates societal and mental constructs and the complex desire to both follow and break them. The track, which was recorded at North London’s The Church Studios, was produced and engineered by Riley Macintyre (Arlo Parks, The Kills, Glass Animals). Listen to ‘Borderline’ here. Watch the visualiser here.
Max Pope speaks on the single, “I was in LA, and found myself falling out of love with a city I once thrived in as I realised it’s true shallow nature. Somewhere along the line, I discovered a strange power in the anonymity I was feeling. Miles away from the reality of my daily existence, I was free to ‘be’ anyone. My trip became a blur – much of the time spent in the back of an Uber, driving between writing sessions, surrounded by people I felt disconnected from and feeling disillusioned with my sense of purpose. All of that combined with some very wavy nights, I felt an animalistic desire to lean into self-sabotage”.
That vulnerability and willingness to embrace inner chaos is very apt in ‘Borderline’, Pope’s first new music since his 2022 debut LP ‘Counting Sheep’ which earned praise from The Line of Best Fit, CLASH, BBC Radio 6 Music, and BBC Radio 1. The new single is indicative of a venture into a darker territory; more woozy, jagged and saturated with colour, a precursor of further new music to come later this year.
Rooted in the rich musical landscape of South London, Max Pope honed his craft at the Brit School, performing alongside artists like Loyle Carner. Since then, he has collaborated with a wealth of accomplished musicians such as Mahalia, Tom Misch, Yussef Dayes, and ABRA, among others. Pope shapes a distinct sonic identity, defined by his signature guitar tone and unmistakable vocals.
‘Borderline’ is an exciting statement of intent from Max Pope, who will announce further new music very soon.
Max Pope’s new single ‘Borderline’ is out now – Stream it here. Watch the visualiser here.