Rising star, Cian Ducrot, is embarking on a new chapter in his life after recently signing to Darkroom/Interscope Records releasing, Started in College (mixtape). The collection of songs includes 10-tracks that discuss love, heartbreak, and growth.
‘Fucked Up All The Time’ opens the mixtape with a piano-based stunning mood with effortless vocal tones that flow with its relatable storytelling enhancing emotions. It discusses growing pains and struggles to follow dreams, surrounded by a melancholic atmosphere. Although the story is a sentiment with honesty, the smooth, rhythmic piano echoes his voice reinforcing the message of disappointment, growth, and self-discovery.
‘Anyone But Her’ is a beautiful yet tragic track with an endearing back story that makes it that much more powerful. Narrating a fan’s story, Ducrot has a way of expressing a story through music and tone of voice. He croons over a melancholic acoustic-driven sorrowful instrumental. Immediately it’s a mesmerising song that will be imprinted on the minds of the listeners.
‘Hurt so Bad’ shows a deep level of sympathy as Ducrot penned this track about a friend who suffered a miscarriage. The heartbreaking storytelling really draws the listeners in as he beautifully told this story in her words and expressed it for her. His delicate falsetto, soothing vocal harmonies, along with the beat moves the emotion forward.
‘Somebody Else’ is a relatable track with its storytelling about the love and loss of a friendship. Ducrot’s vocal abilities are on full force with absolute emotion that shows a lot of much-needed truth to be said and expressed.
‘Uber’ is an interesting track on the mixtape that encloses how Ducrot tried to hold onto a relationship that was meant to break. The apologetic tone is felt deep as the song starts with an intimate piano piece with soothing vocals before the heavy-duty bass comes in during the chorus.
‘Aftertaste’ has a hard-hitting lyricism that is tragically felt along to a beautifully, heartbreaking harmony and instrumental. It documents a sad truth that many experiences but don’t know how to express their pain.
‘Clothes’ is a smooth, sensual track on the mixtape. As the instrumental meets his vocals, the vibe is alive and sends chills through the listener. It’s a tremendous addition to the mixtape.
‘Midnight In Paris’ is a chill track with a fun tone. Ducrot’s relaxing tone of vocals really makes the song along with the groovy instrumental. It’s a stand-out track on the mixtape.
‘21 Seconds’ has a powerful tone to it. During the chorus as Ducrot sings, “If only you would notice me,” there’s another side to his voice that hadn’t presented itself yet thus far, making it another incredible and surprising track. It’s a magnificent addition to the mixtape.
‘All That I Know’ is a treasurable, ethereal masterpiece closing out the mixtape with an impactful storytelling one last time. The instrumental is creative while the story resonates through the lyricism.
The creation of, Started in College (mixtape), is a beautiful collection of tracks to introduce himself to a wider range of listeners. Throughout the 10-tracks, he told some personal stories, as well as embodying other people’s stories. He never diluted any detail bringing each tale to life in a wonderful, truthful way.
Each track was penned to embrace something Ducrot is passionate about. He’s creative with his artistic vision creating overwhelming, harrowing songs that are just utterly beautiful. There’s comfort in each tune, even when the grief strikes a cord. As he addresses early adolescence, difficult emotions, and hardships that some aren’t able to comprehend, there’s truly something for everyone on this body of work. He wonderfully documented his life from college to now with, Started in College (mixtape).
Cian Ducrot is a multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and producer. Keep your ears open as this is just the beginning for him.
Words by Danielle Holian