Since breaking into the music industry as a country artist, Malin Pettersen has proven she can’t be put in a box. Weaving in and out of bluegrass soundscapes and pop melodies, she blends the two into a genre of her own. Paired with honest and personal lyrics that put universal experiences into words, her music is both experimental and comfortable — the perfect balance.

Her new single, “Crying”, is a perfect example of this. A duet with R&B artist Stefanos Yowhannes, the song feels nostalgic yet fresh. Featuring both of the artists’ enthralling vocals in a perfect rhythm with one another, the track builds and builds with layers and details, feeling both intimate and expansive all at once.

It nods to the late 90s/early 2000s R&B that shaped Pettersen’s coming of age, yet remains firmly placed in today’s musical landscape. “I found solace in these songs when I was young,” the artist explains about the music that raised her. “I have a huge respect for all the fantastic pop and R&B music I was raised on, and especially how the songs managed to really capture the emotions I was dealing with.”

It’s easy to say that “Crying” will do the same for listeners today.

Stream “Crying” now…