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Photo by David Dickenson

With so many options on what to listen to today, it’s hard to cut through the noise as an artist. The solution? Create a lane entirely your own. Introspective popstar on the rise, Presley Regier, clearly knows this. By tapping Luka Kloser, one of the brilliant minds behind Addison Rae’s debut album, Regier's sound and artistry takes on a whole new form. The result is Sensitive to the room, 5 dynamic tracks that showcase Regier’s range of emotion and sound, propelling him closer to reaching main pop boy status. 

We open with angelic high vocals singing over a dark, industrial synth: “Why Am I Here?” It’s the perfect preface for the internal questions being posed throughout the body of work, and immediately captivating from a sonic perspective. When the beat picks up, we’re transported to synth heaven as Regier sings about the pressures of being good enough for the person he desires. It’s rare to hear men openly sing about the vicious nature of comparison in such an honest way, making the track relatable for all. The pre-chorus is a highlight, with Regier’s vocal inflection adding so much to the vibe and delivery of his envy. The chorus is lighter, inviting listeners to dance away their sorrows and marking a worthy entry into the “crying in the club” subgenre of pop music. 

The open-wound continues to be explored in “Buy Me A Car”, this time with instrumentation that brings a heightened cool-factor to Regier’s vulnerable state. A groovy bass sets the tone for this completely singular track, dark and nonchalant under lyrics that are quite the opposite. “Buy Me A Car” has the atmosphere of an 80’s underground hit and the specificity in its lyrics of one too. On the making of the track, he shares: "I wrote 'Buy Me A Car' about wanting to be wanted. Luka Kloser and I started this one together and we both thought the chorus line being 'can you buy me a car?' felt oddly vulnerable. Ironically this is absolutely a driving in your car type of song and I hope people relate to the desperate tone it has."

What makes this project so unique is Regier’s willingness to come off desperate. Having those emotions (which are not the easiest to offer up to listeners) drive the storytelling sets him apart from other male popstars, creating a bond between the music and its listeners in exchange for the vulnerability. 

The third track, “Audacity”, is a turning point in the storyline. Regier asks, “Do you know how hard it is to look past all the hurt you’ve caused?” over a subdued hip-hop inspired beat. The track is about realizing your worth and preventing yourself from continuing to be the victim of someone’s audacity. There’s an entrancing key change towards the end of the song, simulating the freedom of breaking free from the cycle and a welcome switch in the narrative. In “Never Want Me Back”, Regier is looking back on the relationship and reflecting with clarity. The production is melancholic and nostalgic, creating the perfect universe for the key question being posed, “Why do I only want the ones who never want me back?” 

Sensitive to the room finishes on a hopeful note, one that takes the lessons learned and puts them towards being a better partner. “If I Was With You” has the most energy out of all of the previous tracks, both sonically and lyrically. Regier sings promises of respect and adoration, which ring more valuable as someone who has also been taken for granted in love. Over the catchiest hook, he makes a promise of devotion from a place of understanding. He’s making a strong case, furthered by his impressive ability to put it all into such an addicting pop banger.  

The outro may be the highlight of the whole project. Sonically, it sends listeners off on a high note that will encourage them to immediately run the whole EP back again. Lyrically, Regier is putting it all out on the table. It’s where desperation meets confidence, blending together to make an endearing offer to his lover of a quiet life together that he can already envision down to the specifics. This moment shows his personality in a new light, highlighting how he truly is someone who isn’t afraid to be Sensitive to the room.

Presley Regier isn’t a newcomer. He’s been making rap beats since he was 13, making beats for Roddy Rich at 15, and opening for Tate McCrae at 21. Now, at 23, he’s coming into his own as a sensitive popstar, redefining the modern male perspective. This project is a true gem and we surely hope there’s more on the way from this perfect songwriter/producer duo. 

Listen to Sensitive to the room below: