Setting up the foundations to be a breakout star of 2021, Joshua Bassett has already proven himself to be a triple threat and he’s only just getting started. The High School Musical: The Musical: The Series lead actor started introducing himself as a singer-songwriter last year with the intimate ‘Common Sense’ and ‘Anyone Else’. But now he’s gearing towards the release of his self-titled debut EP on March 12 with the impressive lead single ‘Lie Lie Lie’.
Building upon his already established guitar led sonic, he’s transitioned into full-blown pop star mode with a production that is reminiscent of early Justin Timberlake meets Ed Sheeran. Naturally building throughout its duration, the song begins with an acoustic guitar that is then layered by more guitars, a latin leaning pop beat, and smooth vocal harmonies. The way all of these elements come together reminds me of early 2000’s pop which has a warming nostalgic feeling to it.
Calling out an ex-lover for spreading malicious lies, he uses this song to call them out and question if they really feel happy from continuing to talk about him. “You’ve been lying to yourself. Lie to everyone else. Only thinking bout yourself Darling, what the hell?” he quips before adding “I know what you say about me. I hope that it makes you happy. You can’t seem to get me off your mind”. And to compliment the abrasive lyrics, his main vocal delivery captures a attitude which adds that extra spark to the song.
‘Lie Lie Lie’ kickstarts this project with a bit of spice, and will have you increasingly intrigued to hear the rest of the forthcoming EP which I feel like will be a rollercoaster of emotions.