A relationship can be the most transformative thing that can happen to a person. It can unlock elements of our personality we didn’t even know existed, like a flower unfurling in the dark. But it goes two ways, and we can also be left reeling from the devastation of a negative experience for years in the aftermath. One artist who knows all about the latter is Seattle-born artist, songwriter and producer ALITA, who is here with her raw and frank observations of everything from modern day relationships, to young adulthood, and feminism – and her newest release, groove-filled breakup anthem “It Takes Two” is no exception.
Inspired by her disappointing college relationship, the track – which blends an undulating R&B bassline with funk reverbs, mellifluous pop melodies and the powerful vocals of the artist – takes the listener on an empowering journey which, rather than play the victim card, sees ALITA takes responsibility and agency for how both sides of a couple can be embroiled in the chaos. At its heart, it’s a song about maturity, coming of age and cutting your losses. We hear you loud.
“‘It Takes Two’ is a coming of age song at its core,” explains ALITA. “It’s about recognising that in every relationship, there are always two people participating and deciding to give it their time and energy. I took inspiration from my college relationship that left me feeling empty and alone and resentful. For so long I was so angry about the way it ended, and I really pigeon-holed myself into this victim mindset. That made me even more miserable and unable to take responsibility for my own part in the chaos.
Over the last few years, I’ve gotten a little smarter and more self-aware, and that’s helped me realise how much I allowed that toxicity to exist in my life. It’s not to make excuses for other people’s poor behaviour, but it’s a reflection on my own participation in people and situations that have hurt me. I’m really proud of ‘It Takes Two’ because it’s a song that was written and finished quickly and effortlessly, and it takes a look at the common theme of a break-up from a little wider angle. I hope it encourages people to look at their own relationships and what they participate in from a different perspective.”
Listen to “It Takes Two” below…