Peter McPoland's "String Lights" Is Painstakingly Beautiful

image

Photo: Erica Snyder

If this chapter of my life were made into a coming-of-age film, Peter McPoland's "String Lights" is the song I would want to play at the very end. "String Lights" captures the experience of existing in a moment, and feeling sad that one day that moment will transform into a bittersweet memory. Heartful and raw as ever, McPoland explores the self-inflicting pain that comes with reminiscing a little too hard.

On "String Lights," the 21-year-old singer-songwriter adds a hint of folk to his typical indie-pop sound, combining the melodies and storytelling of the genre with contemporary indie instrumentation. "String Lights" simultaneously reflects and reinvents the mid-2000s era of Fleet Foxes, Iron & Wine, The Lumineers, and all the other songs that make you want to road trip through the Pacific Northwest with the windows down. The track's instrumentation is simple - keys that crescendo into acoustic guitars, violins, and drums - but simple is exactly what a song like this needs. It allows for McPoland's affecting vocals to shine through.

McPoland has a special way of connecting with his listeners through his voice. He sings with a powerful authenticity that is rare to come across these days. You can feel his emotion through each inflection, especially during the chorus, "Maybe it all might make sense / When I’ve learned to mean what I meant / Well everything ends."

Watch the "String Lights" lyric video below:  

Related Articles

Chloe Qisha Transforms Heartbreak Into a Statement Accessory in "So Sad So Hot"

Chloe Qisha Transforms Heartbreak Into a Statement Accessory in "So Sad So Hot"

October 16, 2025 "I like to think that this song is an assertive reminder that you're still that bad bitch even if you've had your heart broken."
Author: Alessandra Rincon
pop
London Afro Fusion Riser, PapaRaZzle, On Soulmates, Patience, Heartbreak and New Album [Q&A]

London Afro Fusion Riser, PapaRaZzle, On Soulmates, Patience, Heartbreak and New Album [Q&A]

October 15, 2025 PapaRaZzle is a London-based, Nigerian afrofusion artist reshaping the global music landscape with his original and layered blend of afrobeats, R&B, soul, dancehall, rap, and pop music.
Author: Daniela Waizel Rule
pop
rap
R&B
GALE Brings The Heat on 80s Pop Single, "Ciao!"

GALE Brings The Heat on 80s Pop Single, "Ciao!"

October 15, 2025 The Puerto Rican pop powerhouse's whistle-laden hook pulls listeners into her world
Author: Alessandra Rincon
pop