like that

"like that" was produced over the course of several months alongside one of my closest friends. Unlike almost all of my work, which is typically created independently from start to finish, this project challenged me to embrace collaboration. One of the most interesting things I discovered was how the simplest sections of the song often sparked the longest conversations.

Lyrically, the song explores the uncertainty that comes with personal relationships. The opening line, "I said I'm tryna get my shit together," is immediately self-aware, acknowledging the desire to grow while recognizing that progress is rarely straightforward. Other lines, such as "If I saw it through your lens, maybe I could jump the gun" and "Risky, I don't play offense, shoot a shot, hide a hand," reflect the internal conflict between wanting to be vulnerable and fearing rejection. This idea culminates in the repeated refrain, "Right hand man, tell me, baby do you like that?" which captures the desire for reassurance. Not only in romance, but within all of the risks we choose to take.

From a production standpoint, we wanted the track to feel fun and energetic without losing its sense of intimacy. Certain sections, particularly the bridge, are intentionally very reminiscent of video game soundtracks, creating a playful contrast with the more tense and emotional lead that is introduced on top of it before the second verse. That shift in atmosphere reflects the emotional uncertainty explored throughout the lyrics while also showcasing our shared interest in blending electronic production with unexpected influences.

Working collaboratively allowed many of the song's strongest moments to emerge from combining ideas that neither of us would have arrived at individually. The extended timeline also gave us the opportunity to return to the project with fresh ears, while refining details instead of settling. Through that process, I learned that collaboration isn't about sacrificing ideas; it's about trusting someone else's perspectives. More than just a finished song, "likethat!" represents an important step in my development as an artist. It reinforced that collaboration is not about compromising individual ideas, but about expanding them through trust, patience, and shared creativity.