Katie Belle returns with her latest single Bad Dreams, a shimmering entry into the electro-infused synth-pop landscape. Following her spring release Cigarette, this new track marks the second installment in a series of singles leading up to her forthcoming EP People Pleaser, set for late 2025. Written by Belle alongside Fabio Campedelli, and produced in Campedelli’s Los Angeles studio, Bad Dreams demonstrates Belle’s ability to merge atmospheric textures with polished pop sensibilities, all while exploring the relatable and haunting theme of insomnia.
From the opening bars, Bad Dreams situates itself firmly within the dance and synth-pop genres. A pulsing rhythmic foundation drives the song, with crisp percussion that never overwhelms but instead supports the layered arrangement. The rhythm maintains a steady, hypnotic pace, embodying the restless energy of sleepless nights while also providing an undeniable groove suited for the dance floor. There is a subtle push-and-pull quality to the beat, echoing the unsettled emotional terrain the song’s title suggests.
The track’s use of synthesizers is a highlight, balancing brightness and shadow to capture the duality of Belle’s subject matter. Sweeping synth pads create a sense of vastness, enveloping the listener in a soundscape that feels both intimate and cinematic. Shimmering top lines cut through with clarity, adding sparkle and lightness, while deeper synth tones establish a moody undercurrent. This careful layering allows Bad Dreams to feel immersive, pulling the listener into the dreamlike yet restless world Belle has crafted.
Atmospherically, the single leans into contrasts. It is simultaneously airy and heavy, embodying both the allure and unease of late-night thoughts. Belle’s vocal performance anchors the production, delivering lines with clarity and poise. Her voice glides over the instrumentation, emotive yet controlled, lending the track both vulnerability and confidence. The vocal treatment enhances the ethereal quality of the song, while maintaining enough presence to cut through the lush production.
Thematically, Bad Dreams continues Belle’s exploration of personal and emotional experiences through the lens of contemporary pop. Where her previous release Cigarette leaned into nostalgic melodies and reflective tones, this single embraces the turbulence of insomnia. The result is a work that resonates with anyone familiar with the restlessness of night, yet transforms that unease into a polished, danceable expression.
Bad Dreams also arrives in the context of Belle’s growing presence within the pop scene. A voting member of The Recording Academy, Belle has spent 2025 honing her songwriting and performance skills between Atlanta and Los Angeles. Earlier this year, she dedicated six weeks to the LA music scene, performing at select Hollywood venues and immersing herself in studio sessions. The fruits of that period are evident here: the production is meticulous, the songwriting sharp, and the overall execution polished.
Following the success of her 2024 single West Coast, which surpassed 300k streams, and the positive reception of Cigarette, Bad Dreams continues Belle’s upward trajectory. It reflects not only her signature electro-pop sound but also her ability to weave personal narratives into accessible, high-quality pop music.
As anticipation builds for her upcoming EP People Pleaser, Bad Dreams serves as both a standalone triumph and a tantalizing preview of what lies ahead. With its hypnotic rhythm, immersive synth work, and evocative atmosphere, the track solidifies Katie Belle as a distinctive voice in contemporary synth-pop.