The New Citizen Kane Embraces Neon Emotions in "METALLIC"

A shimmering pop piece made up of electronic sounds where emotions win over overthinking.

The New Citizen Kane is an indie musician who has been producing the kinds of pop songs that engage you by mixing up storytelling from different angles, electronic sounds, and pure emotions. His inspiration comes not only from music but also from theatre and various art forms, and so he comes up with whole ideas or stories where music, videos, and live shows all serve the same idea or message.

In "METALLIC," The New Citizen Kane is seen to be boldly moving into a different creative stage with the creation of a catchy synth-pop number blending vulnerability and emotions.

Right from the very start, the use of bright synths and the beat that pulses on and on creates a kind of bright atmosphere which is almost like the city's neon glow; it gives a feeling of both the big screen and intimacy at the same time.

"METALLIC" is actually not only a song, but it is a whole experience where one's control over something that is very close and the total freedom one can get from it are discussed and shown very nicely. By describing how one can get lost in a city, get into nightlife, or be able to just let their feelings go, Kane encourages everyone to just take a leap of faith and enjoy living to their potential.

The track is also released during Pride season, and thereby becomes quite an anthem in celebrating one's identity, self-acceptance, and the sense of liberation brought about through living truthfully with oneself rather than hiding the "real" one. Something that really catches on while listening to this track is that Truth is it is capable of combining deep thoughts in a very moving manner with dance elements. It seems quite fitting that "METALLIC" would be chosen as the song that reveals the nature of the next collection of the new Citizen Kane. The single itself, as well as the album which is about to come out, will definitely give a lot to talk about.

We had the chance to talk to The New Citizen Kane, and this is how it went:

1. What inspired you to write “METALLIC”?

   
   

   I wrote metalLIC in a moment of feeling hopeful about life. I’d spent a couple of years navigating anxiety and trying to untangle myself from a lot of overthinking. Around the same time, SUBCONSCIOUS was really connecting with people, and for the first time in a long while, I felt genuinely free.

   
   

   It reminded me of another pivotal moment in my life—coming out as gay in my early twenties. That incredible sense of liberation, of finally allowing yourself to exist without apology. Different circumstances, but the same feeling of shedding a weight you didn’t even realise you were carrying.

   
   

2. What does the title “METALLIC” symbolise?

   
   

   I’ve never been interested in writing songs that simply tell people how to feel. I’m much more interested in capturing moments that symbolise an emotion.

   
   

   METALLIC isn’t literally about freedom—it’s about moments that represent freedom to me. That feeling of shedding expectations, reconnecting with yourself and suddenly seeing life with fresh eyes again. The title itself evokes something strong, reflective, and transformative, but I like leaving room for people to interpret it in their own way.

   
   

   I’ve always preferred suggestion over explanation. If I spell everything out, the listener is just a passenger on my journey. But if I leave space between the lines, they get to bring their own experiences to the song and discover what it means to them. I think that’s when music becomes something truly personal.

   
   

3. Why did you choose this as the lead single?

   
   

   As PSYCHEDELIKA Pt.2 was developing, there were 4 definite emotional arcs that were presenting themselves within the album: awakening, desire, survival & release. Once I understood that, it kind of reshaped the album & the order of release. Each emotional arc needed to be its own EP in order for each chapter to really have time to breathe & for listeners to be able to sit with each & not be overwhelmed. Metallic is the heart of the FREE TO FEEL EP (awakening), so it had to be the first single. It’s also an artistic statement, reclaiming my freedom.

   
   

4. What does “FREE TO FEEL” mean to you?

   
   

   Those three words became the emotional heartbeat of the song, and eventually the foundation for the first chapter of PSYCHEDELIKA Pt.2. They’re a reminder that life becomes so much richer when we stop trying to fit into expectations—whether they’re imposed by society or created by our own insecurities.

   
   

5. Which lyric in “METALLIC” is your favourite and why?

   
   

   My favourite lyric is:

   “Let’s run, let’s slide into this, just breathe… by the morning hesitation won’t mean a thing.”

   For me, that’s the emotional crescendo of the song. It’s that exact moment when you stop negotiating with your fears and simply step into life.

   
   

6. What emotions do you hope listeners take away from the track?

   
   

   If there’s one thing I’d love people to take away from METALLIC, it’s permission. Permission to feel joy without guilt, to embrace who they are without shame, and to remember that some of life’s most beautiful moments happen when we stop chasing perfection and simply let ourselves be.

   
   

7. How has being an independent artist shaped your creative journey?

   
   

   For me, it’s about freedom, creativity, connection… It’s about living a life that allows me to make honest art.

   
   

8. What's next for The New Citizen Kane?

   
   

   METALLIC is the gateway into PSYCHEDELIKA PT.2; This next year will be devoted to the unfolding of the four chapters… what’s next after that? I have a couple of collaborations in the pipeline, and who knows after that? Let’s see how life unfolds ;)