Canadian Marty Kolls is a singer-songwriter who is exploring different types of pop-rock music on a track-by-track basis rather than actively creating an album. Marty says she’s enjoying developing each new idea on its own terms. Whatever sub-genre she tackles, you’ll get honest and thought-provoking lyrics, delivered with emotional integrity, and some banging melodies, too. Nowhere is that more apparent than in her pop-rock anthem about beauty standards, ‘Pretty’. I’m reminded of Annie Lennox with how this song approaches mature pop music.
‘Pretty’ has big drums, strident piano chords, rhythmic synths, and a late-80s pop sensibility to it. Marty Kolls said the electronic production was inspired by 1980s workout culture, and I could totally see an early morning neon leotard workout dance troupe doing something with this track! The track began forming when Marty went back over old photos and viewed her younger self from a new lens. Whilst appreciating how beautiful she looked then, she rarely allowed herself to appreciate her beauty at the time. Thinking about this, Kolls realised she might not be extending the same kindness to herself in the present day. Today’s beauty standards and societal expectations are suffocating. It’s omnipresent in all media and all daily societal functions. ‘Pretty’ holds this problem up in an uncomfortable and frustrated light. I love the chorus lyrics:
“Am I too old to be pretty?
Too tired to be thin?
Too hungry to be starving for the artist that’s within?
The music video takes place on a tennis court. Marty is dressed in her 80s workout best, getting increasingly frustrated and energetic on the court. It’s a clever piece, as the lighting, clothing, and camera angles try to make Marty try to convey the boiling over of frustration at being constantly under surveillance from all angles.
For more information about forthcoming singles, visit Marty Koll’s website.
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