Montreal's Stoylov Presents "Hold Me Inside" | 'Malvina' LP Out Nov 10th

Montreal’s Stoylov today presents their latest single “Hold Me Inside”, taken from their sophomore album, Malvina, set for release on November 10th 2023. Exploring the themes of uncertainty and spirituality, “Hold Me Inside” reflects one’s attempts to find peace and quietness in order to lull an inner emotional turmoil. Stoylov’s music, led by singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Nicolas Dubé, has always been characterized by a cinematic musical approach, and the video for “Hold Me Inside”, beautifully encapsulates that with its Wes Anderson undercurrents.

Watch/Share: Stoylov “Hold Me Inside”

“During the time I was writing that song I had a kind of spiritual experience,” explains Nicolas. “I took psilocybin and stared at the waves of a lake. In its movements, punctuated with such ease and harmony, settled a stillness which, on one hand, was deeply fulfilling and meaningful, but on the other hand, blurred the line between me and the natural world. That moment sparked the sea imagery in Hold me Inside’s lyrics, portraying my struggle with feelings of disorientation, self-obsession and emotional distress.”

“I’ve read somewhere that water to us humans symbolizes a means of purification, a centre of regeneration. I believe that the movement of water can appease the mind, fill the human heart with joy and quench the exaggeration of our self importance, especially when narcissism holds sway in nowadays western culture.”

The upbeat drums, catchy and pungent basslines, toy-like synth layerings and earworm vocal melodies give an uplifting tone, although melancholy dwells at its core. The use of obsolete tape recorders and the immoderate indulgence in reverberations that permeate the song give the impression of being on a boat, swayed by the movement of water.

Nicolas devoted countless hours over the last two years to the crafting of Malvina with an obsession to details in chord progressions, melodies, rhythms, arrangements, tones and atmospheres. Co-produced by Joe Grass (Elisapie, Patrick Watson, The Barr Brothers), mixed by Howie Beck (Feist, River Tiber, Milk and Bone) and mastered by Philip Shaw Bova (Andy Shauf, Bahamas, Devandra Banhart).

Stoylov’s Malvina is out November 10th 2023.