Recommended Tracks: “Dreamer,” “Life of a Woman,” “When Your Heart Opens,” “Mean Guy”
Similar Artists: Billie Eilish, Lizzy McAlpine, Phoebe Bridgers, girl in red, Conan Gray
Genevieve Stokes is known for her raw, emotional music that gives listeners insight into her world. She writes about her mental health, letting music become a key part of her healing journey. Sharing more about this process, Stokes comments, “Pulling myself out of phases of intense darkness has taught me a lot about myself. I’m wiser because of it and I think my writing has improved a lot as well.” Her debut album, With a Lightning Strike, is a result of this writing and focuses on finding calm during the storm.
With a Lightning Strike is Stokes’ most vulnerable album to date, Stokes shares, “I didn’t hold back at all while writing, performing and recording this album.” This feeling is seen throughout the album, where Stokes wrestles with acceptance and denial of negative situations. “I’ve been pretty bogged down by shame in the past, but I am so bored of that feeling. I don’t want to water down how I’m feeling to be more palatable anymore.”
Opening with “Desert Eagle,” Stokes faces the feeling of being left behind. Through steady piano and punchy percussion, Stokes questions what she did wrong in a certain relationship, causing her to feel isolated. This theme is seen throughout the album, especially on songs such as “I Can’t Leave”, “Old Friend”, and “Lost Forever Now”. These emotions are further processed throughout With a Lightning Strike, bringing up new perspectives.
While tracks previously mentioned focus on hard times, Stokes embraces the concept of sharing your true feelings. In “Amusing,” Stokes encourages herself and listeners to process their emotions in whatever way works best. Through soft harmonies and light piano, Stokes sings, “Why do I cry / Who hides my heartache from me (from me) / It’s alright, It’s alright child / There’s no use fighting the sea”, which shows her embracing the idea of vulnerability. This concept is crucial to tracks such as “River” and “When Your Heart Opens” which use this transparency to process rough patches Stokes faces.
With a Lightning Strike ends with a question and reflection: “How Things End” is a reflection on the impact of relationships. Through steady percussion and soft piano, Stokes shares about a life-changing relationship that has left her feeling hollow since their separation. While this feeling stings and she once again looks for purpose, she openly shares about this display of love that she can look back with a mix of fondness and sadness.
With a Lightning Strike is about personal growth and according to Stokes is “about trying to find calm within the storm of my life. I feel a lot grounded now, but for a while I was really floundering and writing this album was one of my few coping mechanisms.” And this album truly became the pride and joy of Stokes.
Sharing more about the creative process, Stokes comments, “It was just so much fun. I made it with my best friends and it felt like an explosion of creativity. I couldn’t sleep some nights because I was so excited to continue working on everything.” Through the vivid lyrics, eerie piano, layered harmonies, and genuine storytelling, listeners are taken on Stokes’ journey of transformation. With a Lightning Strike encourages listeners to embrace this journey of change and see where it takes them, just like Stokes did with the creation of this album.
Stokes is also heading out on a short 15 date tour beginning October 14, starting in Washington D.C. and ending in Los Angeles. Tickets are on sale and be purchased directly from Stokes website, here.
You can listen to With a Lightning Strike below or on your favorite streaming platform.
Keep up with Genevieve Stokes: Instagram // Facebook // TikTok // X // YouTube // Website