How does a self-professed queerdo and comic book nerd with a heart of gold make it onstage at Carnegie Hall? Practice! Practice! Practice!
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2025 is shaping up to be Brooklyn-based musician Ian Abel’s year! Last month, he unveiled his latest track, “Not Our Song,” a lively and irreverent ode to leaving behind a toxic relationship. It blends drum-and-bass rhythms with retro ’90s synths with Abel’s signature airy vocals. The result is an energetic, high-tempo pop track that perfectly encapsulates the frustration of a romance long past its expiration date.
Penned by Abel and produced by multi-instrumentalist Carey Clayton, “Not Our Song” offers a witty yet heartfelt take on breakups. “I wanted to write about how a tired relationship can be like getting a song stuck on your head,” Abel remarks, “and sometimes the best way to get it out is to play that song one last time.” This clever analogy, combined with the song’s electrifying sound, makes for a breakup anthem that resonates.
The title itself is a bold statement—this is one track no couple will be slowly dancing to anytime soon. Abel’s playful lyrics, set against a backdrop of dynamic production that fuses modern pop with nostalgic synth textures reminiscent of Bruce Hornsby, create a listening experience that is both entertaining and emotionally charged.
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Clocking in at just the right length, “Not Our Song” may sound choatic, but it is perfectly controlled pop brilliance and packed with Abel’s signature blend of humor and sincerity. The rapid-fire drum-and-bass foundation drives the track forward, making it a must-have for any post-breakup playlist.
Accompanying the single, Abel also dropped an offbeat music video, a polished radio-friendly version, and a lineup of performances across Brooklyn, starting with a launch show at C’mon Everybody on January 17th. With its irresistible beat and clever yet heartfelt message, “Not Our Song” is the ultimate farewell anthem we didn’t realize we needed—but we won’t resist playing again.
