Pop is often defined by strong beats and catchy lyrics, but introspective songwriting and genre-bending sounds often push the music to new levels, leaving listeners not just wanting, but craving more.
This is no less true for artist Daniel Arison, whose Miami roots left him enmeshed in diverse cultures and music styles from a young age. With music that delves into themes of love, identity, and the personal growth that comes from age, Arison has often drawn from his own life experiences to create stories that are filled with soulful storytelling.
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For Arison, the soulful honesty in his storytelling carries his music from beginning to end, inviting listeners into intimate emotions that most are afraid of hiding. His song “Selfish” is no different.
In a track that takes listeners on a journey of self-reflection, Arison weaves between the eras of his past and the present to create a narrative that symbolizes the power in making amends with not just someone you care for, but oneself as well.
As much as the song has resonated with listeners in its current state, “Selfish” has recently undertaken a new life. A recent remix with pop artist Leah Kate has transformed the song into a new experience for both Arison’s and Kate’s listeners.
Kate, who was born in Los Angeles, California, is an American singer-songwriter known for crafting pop/rock anthems with hyper-specific details. Her honest and empowering lyrics, which are often drawn from personal experiences, have been displayed on several EPs, which include “Impulse” (2019), “What Just Happened?” (2021), and “Alive and Unwell” (2022). She released her debut album, “Super Over,” in 2023. She is known for writing songs that are both intimate and razor-sharp, and has embraced social media platforms to turn challenges into opportunities for growth and engagement.
In transforming “Selfish” into a duet, Daniel Arison envisioned a new take on the original.
“Leah brought that energy and gave it a whole new life—it’s a sonic tug-of-war,” Arison states.
Leah Kate also shared her thoughts on the collaboration.
“When I first heard ‘Selfish,’ I immediately connected to the emotion behind it,” she says. “It’s raw, it’s honest, and it gave me space to bring my own story to the track.”
The song, which was produced by Larzz Principato and Nick Ruth, blends iconic Y2K pop-rock nostalgia with modern textures seen in alternative pop, creating a fresh sound.
The song isn’t the only thing that is resonating with audiences. The poignant music video for “Selfish” soulfully captures flashbacks that depict not just wild nights out, but intrepid moments in one’s youth. It was shot in Los Angeles and delivers a cinematic portrayal of the friction that drives the song, both from Arison’s and Kate’s points of view.
The collaboration from the two artists showcases them both at not just their boldest, but also their most emotionally resonant. By pushing the boundaries of contemporary alternative pop and highlighting their unique talents, Daniel Arison and Leah Kate have created a song that resonates with their audiences, all while telling a story that is sure to leave you thinking long after you’ve listened to it.
You can listen to the “Selfish” remix now on Spotify and other streaming platforms.
SPIN Magazine newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.
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