Toronto-based artist pssyclwz returns with “howl” (feat. Amelia Antoinette), an ethereal, haunting new single that explores the difficult choice of saving yourself when waiting for a hero no longer works. Blending indie pop and folk influences with organic instrumentation and a layered vocal arrangement reminiscent of Fleet Foxes, the track transforms unresolved fear and yearning into a powerful meditation on healing.
At its core, “howl” is about recognizing the situations we can become entangled in when we remain unhealed and choosing to pull ourselves out of them. What begins as a song inspired by a strange late night encounter gradually unfolds into something much more personal.
“I thought I saw the shadow of a coyote outside my door,” pssyclwz explains. “As the song evolved, the wolf came to represent the situations an unhealed person can attract, and ultimately became a song about choosing self-rescue despite the very human desire to be saved.”
That symbolism runs throughout the song. While the title may initially evoke something aggressive or threatening, pssyclwz views it differently. “A howl may sound aggressive,” she says, “but at its core it can also be a call for love.” That duality sits at the heart of the track, balancing fear and longing, vulnerability and resilience.
“howl” also marks an important creative turning point. After a string of hyperpop releases, pssyclwz deliberately leaned into organic instrumentation and acoustic textures. While electronic music remains part of her artistic foundation, the song reflects a growing desire to embrace something more immediate and human.
“I’ve always composed acoustically,” she explains. “With the rise of AI, there’s a growing pull toward something more raw and human.”
A key part of bringing that vision to life was the collaborative team behind the track. Producer Gab Lavoie helped guide pssyclwz into new sonic territory beyond the synth-based material they had previously created together, while mixing engineer Simon Austin contributed additional guitar work that became integral to the song’s final sound.
The recording process also featured Toronto-based musician and interdisciplinary visual artist Amelia Antoinette, whose indie pop and folk sensibilities helped shape the song’s intimate atmosphere. Together, they performed sections of the vocals in two octaves, creating what pssyclwz describes as an “inner child/broken adult” dual perspective that adds emotional depth throughout the track.
Watch + share the official visualizer, as well: https://youtu.be/vudL3dTcNGc
