British wonderkid MNEK drops “If Truth Be Told” music video
Way back in early 2009 when I was still blogging off of Blogspot, I did an introductory post on a kid called MNEK. Since then, the writer/producer/singer/everything-er has gone on to work with the likes of Xenomania and Frankmusik, was named by NME as one of the “20 Hottest Producers in Music Right Now“, made a virtually identical list by The Guardian, and is now riding high on the charts after co-writing the best song of The Saturdays’ career, “All Fired Up”.
All this, and the little brat only just turned 17!
Now that MNEK’s career as producer is taking off, he’s decided to step out from behind the scenes to release his first single “If Truth Be Told”. Funnily enough, I’ve had the original demo version of “Truth” on heavy rotation for years, and it’s the first track that I ever ‘loved’ on Last.fm, way back in April of 2009. Fast forward to the present day, and the song is now getting an official release through London indie, Moshi Moshi Records, who put out all the coolest British alt-pop like Friendly Fires, Florence + the Machine, and Bloc Party. This is probably some secret plan to get MNEK a tonne of hipster cred before slaying the general public with a major label debut album.
Smart.
“If Truth Be Told” is a funky slice of bass-heavy urban-pop. It’s absolutely drench in autotune, which I totally love, but if the vocal distortion turns you off, then the song’s harsh subject matter about a one night stand that was written by a 13-year-old MNEK during detention might be enough to recapture your interest. Yes, the booming 80′s production is a certified wig snatcher, but it’s the barely-decipherable lyrics that are the real catch for me: “One way love / ain’t gon’ cut it / *inaudible due to excessive autotune* / If truth be told / stay for the night / not forever / this is not real love / *more autotune* / By tomorrow morning / I’ll find someone else / I’ll find someone new.”
It’s nice to see that womanizers are getting younger and younger these days. I blame Pixie Lott, because I hate her, and MNEK is way better.
“If Truth Be Told” will be out in the UK on November 7. Check out the music video and a little something extra below the cut.
