“Truth Over Lies” marks a compelling new chapter in Michellar’s creative journey, offering an alternative rock statement built on urgency, emotional clarity, and a strong dedication to social commentary. The track, released on October 31st, 2025, emerges from a deeply collaborative process that began during a songwriting retreat in Idylwild, California. Here, the combined efforts of Michelle Bond, Michael Levine, and Matthias Schmidt ignited a composition shaped by a shared response to the current political climate, drawing inspiration from the atmospheric grandeur of U2 and the melodic sensibilities of Coldplay. As a result, the song carries an expressive weight that aligns sonic craftsmanship with a powerful call for awareness and action.
Rhythm plays a central role in defining the song’s identity. The track moves forward with a steady, pulse-driven foundation that mirrors the tension embedded within its lyrical content. The percussive structure is marked by tight, controlled patterns—a rhythmic insistence that supports the song’s protest-like nature. Rather than relying on exaggerated fills or disruptive breaks, the rhythm section presents a calculated consistency, giving the track a sense of direction and determination. This grounding effect allows the vocals and melodic layers to float above the beat without losing cohesion, reinforcing the message through continuous forward movement.
The integration of synth textures adds an additional layer of depth to “Truth Over Lies.” While alternative rock traditionally leans heavily on guitar-driven arrangements, Michellar expands the palette with subtle, atmospheric synth lines that enhance the emotional space of the track. These electronic elements never overpower the arrangement; instead, they provide an ambient glow that surrounds the core instrumentation, reflecting the introspective and socially aware themes of the song. The synths function as a connective tissue, linking the percussive and melodic components while broadening the song’s dimensionality. This sonic detail aligns with the stated influences, echoing the sweeping elegance associated with U2’s expansive soundscapes and Coldplay’s melodic refinement.
Atmospherically, the song captures a sense of collective unrest and emotional release. The tone is reflective yet resolute, carrying the feeling of a protest song shaped for the contemporary moment. Recorded between California and South Africa—with Frankie El contributing the final vocal performance—the track benefits from a unique recording process that mirrors its collaborative spirit. Each location, each artist, and each stage of production contributes to a multi-layered sound that feels global in scope yet intimate in delivery. The final mix and master, completed in Hollywood by Miles, bring these elements together with clarity and intention, preserving the emotional urgency at the heart of the songwriting retreat where it began.
Frankie El’s vocal presence adds an essential intensity to the track. The vocal delivery channels both vulnerability and defiance, capturing the despair and frustration that inspired the song. The melody, shaped during the retreat by Matthias Schmidt and Michellar, leans into expressive phrasing that amplifies the lyrics’ call for truth, unity, and civic engagement. The vocal line rises and falls with controlled dynamics, balancing raw sentiment with polished execution. This interplay between message and melody strengthens the overall impact, making the song not only a commentary but an experience intentionally crafted to resonate.
Thematically, “Truth Over Lies” focuses on the need to speak out against injustice and challenge the sense of national despair that the collaborators describe. The song acts as an artistic vehicle for expressing discontent while encouraging listeners to stay aware, stay united, and stay vocal. Its socially conscious positioning stands as a defining characteristic, elevating the track beyond entertainment into the realm of reflection and activism.
As Michellar continues to release new music at an impressive pace—with 22 singles issued in just nine months—the trajectory suggests a creative renaissance fueled by renewed confidence and powerful collaborations. “Truth Over Lies” stands as a high-quality addition to this evolving catalog, and one that we are pleased to feature on our webzine. With more collaborations planned for the coming year, the artist’s journey promises to remain as evocative and sonically engaging as this release.