Gavin Haley’s latest single ‘It’s Getting Worse’ is a rosy, saccharine melody reflecting the most romantic yet terrifying fantasies of this season of love.

Released just a few days before Valentine’s Day, there is somehow a hearty, fall-esque quality about this track’s tone. Whether it is the slow acoustic guitar building to Haley’s impassioned voice or Mokita’s meticulous instrumentation being showcased in the chorus, the tune is teeming with layers upon layers. 

As Haley croons about getting ‘butterflies’ in his stomach while thinking about this loved one, the production technique in the background actually matches up to the sound of a thousand butterflies fluttering in the air, flapping their wings in succession. 

This ability to set auditory effects to visual cues allows this tune to stand tall among Haley’s other singles. Originating from Louisville, Kentucky, the young singer-songwriter was a competitive cycler in his youth. An injury in Belgium led to a collapsed lung, after which he spent a considerably long time in recovery. While recovering, he fell in love with Europe’s underground music scene, which is promptly echoed in Haley’s discography. His sound explores a wide variety of forms and lyrical styles, yet never runs that approach into the ground. ‘It’s Getting Worse’ details infatuations that are immensely relatable but at the same time, they’re drawn from specific memories. Listeners will be able to envision the world he has built with his emotion-driven lyrics. 

This spring, the singer will be embarking on a national tour with Tate McRae, where the pair will be travelling through the country, delighting fans with their musical sensibilities. The tour begins on April 1 at Portland, Oregon, and will involve the pair taking to other notable cities throughout the country, including the likes of San Francisco, Anaheim, Denver, Dallas and Washington D.C among others. The tour will conclude in Boston on April 23. 

Speaking on his inspiration for the song, Haley says, “‘It’s Getting Worse’ is about catching some mad feels. Like you’re completely falling for this person, and when it happens you feel helpless but almost a good type. It’s a wrap. That stuff will hit you outta nowhere, I swear.”

With Mokita lending his full support to ensure the tune hits the proper emotional beats, the pair draw from a wide range of genres to create their unique production style. And it works just right.

 Singer-songwriter    Pop 

Author: Shaoni Das

Shaoni Das is a writer/editor currently based in Edmonton, Canada. She remains eager to inspect how the changing culture of music impacts upon the greater world.