The story
I Confess is inspired by a piece of art, a medieval statue of Mary Magdalene. Dora says: “Her story was used to pressure girls and women into behaving in a certain way. I wanted to lend my voice to Mary to defend herself, because even today, women are judged by outdated ideas.”
In terms of sound, it’s a departure from Dora’s earlier work. “My productions had always been based around acoustic guitars and pianos, but electronic artists like Sevdaliza and FKA twigs lured me into a different, more experimental sonic world.” Dora explains. The resulting track contrasts gritty, industrial percussion with sparkling, multi-faceted vocals.
I Confess was a selected as a semi-finalist in the Dutch national Art Rocks competition. Unfortunately, due to travel restrictions during the pandemic, Dora was unable to travel to the Netherlands to perform the song live and take it further. I Confess did get a lot of love from music blogs and local radio, including BBC Introducing!
Press
Track of the week on BBC Introducing in the West.
“‘I Confess’ is a sonic wonderland of electronic energy, with a candid human touch.” – Getitshared.co.uk
I Confess is an incredibly accomplished feat of songwriting … there are perhaps hints of later Depeche Mode or Kate Bush in the subtle elegance of the songwriting and instrumentation choices. But Dora is an artist who sounds confidently, authentically, and unapologetically like herself above anything else.” – Fenris
“The light and dark of Dora. It’s a shade over three minutes of exceptional music, never forgetting it is ‘pop’ in the classiest sense of the genre. The arrangement reveals new depths on each listen” – Songsmith Global
“‘I Confess’ is an intriguing mesh of story-telling, ethereal vocals and minimal electronic elements of percussion and sound design. This is an artist who creates something we haven’t heard before.” – Curious For Music
“Lachaise is a truly talented artist with touches of Kate Bush and hints of early Madonna. This track is full of tension and the synth textures build up so much suspense we are gripped from the start.” – RockDafuqOut
“the innovative melody creates a unique atmosphere, the sensational vocals capture your attention and make you sit and listen to every word. … What I love the most in this track is the unique sounds which all work so well together to create a track that stands out.” – That Blogger Music
“With its rich and ethereal energy running throughout, she has returned with a truly masterful release that sets her far apart from much of what we hear day-to-day in the alt-pop scene.” – musomuso
Lyrics
In the name of the mother, the daughter, and the sacred soul
I don’t recognise myself in your words
You say I’ve a lot to be sorry for
And you braid my hair
And give me a golden dress to wear
Now I am forgiven
I confess; I am guilty
I’m lost inside this moment
With splinters for a heart
I’m still in love
That’s what I’m guilty of
I don’t recognise myself in your words
Mine lay buried in the desert sand
And you used my name – Mary Magdalene
To silence your daughters
So they would remain
Like children forever
I confess; I am guilty
I’m lost inside this moment
With splinters for a heart
I’m still in love
That’s what I’m guilty of
I didn’t fall – but I felt your hand on my back
I didn’t fall – you pushed me towards the edge
Have you forgotten how to love
Credits
Written and produced by Dora Lachaise
Mixed by Jonni Slater
Mastered by Nick Cooke
Artwork by Dora Lachaise
Released on 5 March 2021