In “Truth Over Lies,” Michellar delivers a stirring and sophisticated piece of alternative pop that seamlessly merges sonic precision with emotional honesty. The track, featuring the soulful collaboration of Frankie El, captures a rare balance between personal introspection and social commentary, offering listeners a richly textured soundscape that demands attention not only for its musical craftsmanship but also for its message.
From the very first notes, “Truth Over Lies” establishes a deeply atmospheric tone. The rhythmic foundation is built around a pulsing, syncopated beat that anchors the track in a hypnotic groove. Subtle layers of percussion interlace with a steady electronic rhythm, giving the piece an organic yet futuristic feel. The rhythmic flow evokes a sense of urgency — a deliberate choice that mirrors the lyrical call to action embedded in Michellar’s words. Each beat lands with purpose, like footsteps in a march toward truth.
The production of “Truth Over Lies” is nothing short of meticulous. Synthesizers play a central role in shaping its emotional landscape, gliding between crystalline melodies and shadowy undertones. The synth lines are both airy and assertive, creating moments of weightless beauty that contrast with the song’s grounded rhythm section. This interplay between light and dark, softness and strength, becomes a sonic metaphor for the very theme the song explores — the confrontation between truth and deception.
Michellar’s vocal delivery is marked by both vulnerability and conviction. Her voice, rich and nuanced, floats above the instrumental arrangement with clarity and emotional depth. Frankie El’s contribution adds a complementary layer of warmth and texture, his timbre lending gravity to the track’s central refrain. Together, their voices weave a dialogue that feels almost cinematic — a sonic representation of the human struggle to distinguish clarity from confusion in a noisy, truth-distorted world.
The song’s lyrical core serves as an anthem for awareness and resilience. “Truth Over Lies” challenges the listener to confront uncomfortable realities and to stand against complacency. There is a moral intensity to Michellar’s writing that avoids cliché; her words feel lived-in, arising from genuine reflection rather than mere rhetoric. In an era when pop music often leans toward escapism, her decision to engage with societal issues through an accessible yet sophisticated sound palette feels both bold and refreshing.
Part of what makes this release so compelling lies in its origin. Recorded across diverse locations — from California to South Africa — “Truth Over Lies” is the result of a truly collaborative process. The cross-continental production adds depth and character to the final mix, infusing the track with a sense of global unity that reinforces its message. Every sonic detail, from the reverberating synth textures to the subtle layering of harmonies, reflects a shared vision of using music as a tool for change.
The atmosphere of the song is immersive and cinematic. It unfolds gradually, inviting the listener into a multi-dimensional experience rather than relying on instant gratification. There is a lingering tension between hope and disillusionment that gives the track its emotional weight. The shimmering synths act as flickers of light in a landscape often shrouded in uncertainty, while the measured rhythm keeps the listener grounded in the present moment. This tension, sustained throughout the song, creates a compelling emotional arc that lingers long after the final note fades.
“Truth Over Lies” also showcases Michellar’s evolution as a songwriter and producer. Having reignited her musical journey after a 40-year hiatus, she brings both maturity and freshness to her craft. Since her acceptance to the deYoung Museum Open Call Exhibition in 2023, Michellar has been remarkably prolific, releasing over twenty singles in less than a year — each one marked by a clear sense of purpose and creative momentum. This latest collaboration stands as one of her most fully realized works to date, a testament to both her artistic resilience and her growing mastery of sound design.
As “Truth Over Lies” concludes, the listener is left with a sense of awakening — both sonically and spiritually. It’s a track that does more than entertain; it provokes thought, emotion, and dialogue. Michellar and Frankie El have crafted a piece that feels urgent and timeless, deeply rooted in the present yet reaching toward something enduring.
A high-quality release by all measures, “Truth Over Lies” reaffirms Michellar’s place among the most compelling voices in alternative pop today — a creator unafraid to merge rhythm, reflection, and truth in one unforgettable musical statement.