Claire Rosinkranz Charts a Melancholic Getaway With "Sad In Hawaii"


Photo: Hunter Baker

19-year-old Southern California singer-songwriter Claire Rosinkranz is back with the melancholic bop "Sad In Hawaii." The swooning single has an old-school flavor, placing the multi-instrumentalist's '90s pop tendencies and influences at the forefront with lyrics that examine feelings of inadequacy with a biting vulnerability.

"Sad In Hawaii" opens with sunny instrumentation that alludes to losing yourself in paradise, with a vocal sampling even welcoming listeners to the island of Hawaii. Rosinkranz's emotional vocals detail her struggling mental state, singing lyrics like "I'm feeling so, so close to the ground / Under the bottom, bottoms up for another round," while an underlying storm of sonics brews in the background. In the chorus, things come to a head as catchy, sun-drenched guitar riffs, head-nodding bassline lopes, uptempo percussion, and shimmering synths blend into a chaotic and rambunctious energy, with the Gen Z breakout star crafting lyrics that cut even deeper, juxtaposing her idyllic island setting with feelings of loss of self-worth.

"This song is about how everything around you can look so picture perfect, but it's not as flawless as it seems when you're not doing well on the inside. I was in Hawaii when I had an uncomfortable situation happen to me that took a toll on my mental health and made it hard for me to enjoy where I was. Impressive how your brain can ruin an experience that should be paradise," shares Rosinkranz.

Alongside the single's release, Rosinkranz is kicking off her nearly sold-out North American headline tour. The tour will start in Minneapolis and make stops at New York's Webster Hall on February 10, Los Angeles' El Rey Theatre on March 10th and 11th, and more.

Watch the "Sad in Hawaii" lyric video below:


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