Jupiter Cubero, the transcendent artist whose oeuvre merges Spanish heritage with an American cultural lens, has once again captivated their audience with the release of the evocative single, “Often.” Dropped on November 1, 2024, the track heralds the advent of Cubero’s second album, anticipated for release in Spring 2025. “Often” exemplifies an innovative synthesis of introspective lyricism and kinetic rhythms, heralding a transformative phase in Cubero’s musical trajectory—one that interweaves narrative complexity with visceral, danceable energy.
Hailing originally from Spain but nurtured in the United States, Cubero’s artistic genesis was catalyzed by an early enchantment with language and sound. Their captivation with the English language became an all-encompassing pursuit, with its phonetic nuances and literary potential profoundly influencing their songwriting. By the precocious age of eight, Cubero was unwittingly fashioning melodies and lyrics, urged by maternal counsel to document these fleeting inspirations. However, it was the acquisition of the guitar, and later the piano, that unlocked the poetic intentionality at the core of their craft.
Cubero’s creative philosophy is encapsulated in their declaration: “I write songs about specific emotions that sound like those emotions.” This philosophy is vividly manifested in “Often,” a track suffused with unvarnished honesty and emotive resonance. Over the past three years, Cubero has deepened their artistry by mastering the intricacies of audio production, melding technical precision with a deeply personal aesthetic.
“Often” emerged from Cubero’s collaboration with Italian producer Anfysia, whose genre-defying production style seamlessly complements Cubero’s artistic sensibilities. The track is a compelling juxtaposition of emotional gravitas and rhythmic exuberance. Anchored by strummed guitar motifs, the composition foregrounds Cubero’s crystalline and emotive vocal performance, underscored by production that is deceptively minimalist yet intricately textured, inviting both intellectual engagement and physical immersion.
Described by Cubero as a “fresh start,” the single marks a thematic evolution towards brighter sonic palettes while retaining the lyrical depth intrinsic to their oeuvre. “It’s about being honest with myself and creating something that can make you move but also make you think,” they articulate.
“Often” operates as a lyrical palimpsest of recurring thoughts and unresolved affective entanglements. The refrain, “Often, often, do you remember us often?” serves as both a structural anchor and a thematic leitmotif, encapsulating the recursive nature of memory and its tenacious grip on the psyche.
The verses offer vivid episodic recollections, chronicling the nebulous origins (“I don’t quite remember the origin story”) and the deeply personal resonances of the relationship (“When you broke down in my room / Cause our parents act the same”). These fragments coalesce into a textured narrative that interrogates the complexities of interpersonal bonds, oscillating between vulnerability and retrospection.
Cubero’s lyrical acumen is particularly evident in their exploration of unreciprocated vulnerability. Lines such as “Wouldn’t it be easier to block me and move on?” and “Dragging me along with a sting in my chest” articulate the dissonance of longing—a delicate balance of self-awareness and raw emotionality. Notably, the song eschews recrimination, opting instead for an introspective acceptance of love’s inherent ambiguities.
The bridge signifies a tonal pivot, reflecting on the transformative authenticity fostered within the relationship. Phrases like “The only friend who made you tell the truth” underscore the profound, albeit transient, connections that redefine one’s sense of self. The concluding plea, “Would you come back if you could?” encapsulates a poignant yearning for resolution, leaving the listener suspended within the liminal space of unfulfilled closure.
While the lyrical architecture of “Often” is steeped in introspection, its sonic design is an invitation to movement. This duality—narrative profundity coupled with rhythmic vitality—epitomizes Cubero’s artistic evolution. “I wanted this album to have songs you can dance to without losing the stories I need to convey,” Cubero remarks. The infectious rhythm, accentuated by persistent guitar patterns and subtle electronic embellishments, constructs a soundscape that is simultaneously invigorating and contemplative.
This stylistic pivot towards a “happier” tonal register, without compromising lyrical authenticity, signifies a maturation in Cubero’s creative practice. By interweaving introspection with buoyancy, they expand their artistic purview, crafting a sonic experience that resonates across emotional and cultural strata. “Often” not only invigorates existing admirers but also positions Cubero as a formidable force in contemporary music, unafraid to navigate uncharted dimensions of their craft.
“Often” serves as an anticipatory glimpse into the thematic and stylistic tapestry of Cubero’s forthcoming album. If the single’s synthesis of narrative intricacy and sonic accessibility is indicative, the album promises to be a landmark achievement, reflecting a consummate balance of innovation and emotional resonance.
For the audience, “Often” transcends the boundaries of a mere song; it is an experiential odyssey that underscores music’s unique capacity to articulate the ineffable. It bridges the chasm between cognition and emotion, fostering connections through shared narratives of love, loss, and self-discovery. As Cubero’s artistic journey unfolds, one certainty emerges: their voice, resonant and inimitable, will continue to captivate, often and always.
OFFICIAL LINKS: FACEBOOK – X – SPOTIFY – INSTAGRAM – YOUTUBE – TIKTOK
More Stories
Corry Michaels’ “Pep Talk” – A Moving Anthem for Recovery and Hope
Naomi Jane’s “Press Send” Is the Anthem of Liberation We All Needed
Rediscovering the Depths of Emotion: Paul James Moore’s Journey to the Heart of “Maple Grove”