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Lauren Sanderson is ready to make waves this year, ushering in a new era with the release of her single “THEY WONT LIKE THIS.” What seems like a straightforward self-confidence banger blossoms into a multidimensional track that comments on everything from her career trajectory to toxicity that seeps throughout society. Sanderson suggests that the most powerful way to rise against hate is to realize the impact of self-love.

In this fiery single, the collective “they” are the ones who thrive off others' sadness and spew hatred because they’re scared of their own demons. Whether it’s a singular person, a group of people, or systems as a whole, Sanderson knows that the more confident she gets, there will be people who have something to say about it. “THEY WONT LIKE THIS” is almost like an advice column for fans, sharing what the artist has learned on her path to self-acceptance and the power of not giving an F.

Sanderson calls out systems that rely on people hating themselves, referenced in the first verse, “What if everything they tell us is a lie? / And that’s why everybody’s anxious all the time?” On top of being a pure confidence anthem, it also poses existential questions on how things work and how to avoid falling into cycles of self-hatred. While the start of the song comes in hard, the chorus takes a more easygoing approach. It invites listeners to let all tension go and just rock out, soaking in lyrical positive reinforcement.

The second verse is about living life on the edge, dying your eyebrows, and doing drugs just to try it out. Sanderson sings about the manifestation powers you can gain if you start ignoring what people think and just be yourself. The bridge is an ode to the crowds at the shows, thanking them and encouraging them to fully let go too. It uncovers the sentimental song hidden within the rigorous throughline of unadulterated self-love.

By the end of “THEY WONT LIKE THIS,” the lyrical content becomes even more existential, as Sanderson asks herself “Will they like this?,” a reference that nods to her audience, the industry, and anyone who might have an opinion on the true form she’s fully showcasing in the track. The outro shines, a voice memo of a rambling Sanderson reminiscing on her past and giving heartfelt, but lighthearted, advice to anyone listening. The production becomes almost ethereal, switching to a coming-of-age-esque sonic landscape.

On the inspiration behind the track, Sanderson says “I can’t be the only one who feels like I have to fight to find my most authentic self – but the truth is it’s not my responsibility to adapt to other people’s judgments. All I can do is be myself & trust the universe will do the rest.” 

Watch the “THEY WONT LIKE THIS” video below: