Emerging London alt-pop artist Gretel Hänlyn, known simply as Gretel, is back after a year of quiet with her debut single "Unbloom," released through Breadcrumb Records and AWAL. What began as a rough demo that seemed likely to be forgotten has transformed into one of her most striking works.
"Unbloom" beautifully captures a mix of heavy emotions while also providing a sense of freedom. Co-written by Danio Forni and Madeleine Haenlein, the song shines with skillful production by Seth Evans and Margo Broom. The recording happened quickly in just ten minutes at London's RAK Studios, where Gretel hadn't even practiced with the band beforehand. Instead of turning into a simple test run, it turned into a powerful moment that felt fresh and alive.
Gretel explains that "Unbloom" dives deep into exploring darker emotions and encourages listeners to embrace their openness. It's about letting yourself fall apart to discover what's genuinely inside you, she shares. This theme resonates throughout the song, echoing a kind of honesty that lingers long after the music stops.
The story behind the song adds to its charm. Although Gretel's team initially was unsure about her idea for "Unbloom," her bandmates inspired her to chase the creative moment while they were recording. The result is a song that feels spontaneous and complete, as if it were always meant to be heard.