pssyclwz returns with “howl” featuring Amelia Antoinette, an indie pop-folk single about healing, self-rescue, and embracing vulnerability.
Toronto-based artist pssyclwz returns with “howl,” featuring Amelia Antoinette, an atmospheric new single that explores self-preservation, healing, and emotional growth.
Blending indie pop and folk with organic instrumentation, the track replaces electronic textures with warm acoustic elements and layered harmonies that create a haunting yet intimate listening experience.
At its core, “howl” reflects the difficult decision to save yourself after realizing that waiting for someone else is no longer enough. Although the song began with an unusual late-night experience, it gradually evolved into a deeply personal reflection on healing and resilience. pssyclwz explains
I thought I saw the shadow of a coyote outside my door. As the song evolved, the wolf came to represent the situations an unhealed person can attract, and ultimately became a song about choosing self-rescue despite the very human desire to be saved.
Moreover, the symbolism extends to the song’s title. While many associate a howl with danger or aggression, pssyclwz offers a different perspective. “A howl may sound aggressive,” she says, “but at its core it can also be a call for love.” That contrast shapes the song as it moves between fear and hope, vulnerability and strength.
Embracing a More Organic Sound
“howl” also marks a new creative direction for the Toronto artist. After releasing several hyperpop tracks, pssyclwz chose to focus on acoustic instruments and natural textures. Although electronic music remains part of her artistic identity, she wanted this release to feel more immediate and deeply human.
“I’ve always composed acoustically,” she explains. “With the rise of AI, there’s a growing pull toward something more raw and human.”
Furthermore, producer Gab Lavoie played a key role in shaping the song’s evolving sound by guiding pssyclwz beyond the synth-driven style of their previous collaborations. Mixing engineer Simon Austin also contributed additional guitar parts that became essential to the final arrangement.
The track also features Toronto musician and interdisciplinary visual artist Amelia Antoinette. Her indie pop and folk influences helped deepen the song’s emotional atmosphere.
The two artists recorded layered vocals in two octaves, creating what pssyclwz describes as an “inner child/broken adult” perspective that adds emotional depth throughout “howl.”
Stream pssyclwz’s haunting new single, “howl” featuring Amelia Antoinette, on your favorite music platforms and immerse yourself in its heartfelt journey of healing.
