In today’s age, technology has flooded our lives with content. Caught in the mire are modern musicians who champion an art form more widely distributed than any other throughout human history. And we, more often than not, overlook the music created by unfamiliar faces because it’s challenging. We’d rather have an easy listen, a known quantity to skim through while we think about something else.
Hearing is easy, but listening is difficult. Welcome to “Why We Like It,” where we rebuke the trends in favor of thoughtful analysis and underknown sounds.
“One Step Closer (feat. Young Wabo)” — Diz
Listen On:
How We Found It
Following my coverage of his last single, “Rest,” I have been keenly anticipating the next release from Boston wordsmith Diz. “One Step Closer” comes a few months after his June album release entitled All In Due Time.
Why We Like It
I wonder if everyone contemplates purpose as much as the artist. Documenting the hyper-awareness of one’s own existence comes with the job description, sure, but I think there is something about the artist that forces contemplation of purpose specifically — they are lucky enough to know what it is. Most of us would be lucky to catch a glimpse of our purpose, a morsel of information hinting towards our cosmic significance. “One Step Closer” is Diz’s discovery of his artistic purpose, an expression of newfound confirmation of his path.
Cause I been slaving away / And I finally got a taste of what I’m waiting here for / All these nights of staying late stressing how I get my foot in the door / Wrong or right did some shit I really shouldn’t disclose / But imma fight for this shit till I got nothing left” – Diz on “One Step Closer” (2020)
Diz hints towards this moment being one he had been waiting for, a sentiment that connects deeply with anyone fearing their own wasted potential. It’s easy to imagine the euphoria that comes with the validation that you are meant for more. The idea of waiting for a moment of clarity is also delicately expressed by the song’s instrumental. “One Step Closer” welcomes you with calm, a soulful sample that feels like a Sunday afternoon is kicked into the upper reaches of the atmosphere as soon as Diz’s voice enters the fray. A barrage of drums creates a tempo you could never imagine the song having. A calm, slow false start followed by a lively ballad basking in the knowledge of purpose is the exact journey Diz paints on “One Step Closer.” I’m left with the feeling that the stress, the struggles, the pain and anxiety will be worth it once confronted with my own glance towards significance.
From Diz
I think chasing purpose and societal expectations are all the same thing. I believe that I can find stability through music. Music is my life plan.” – Diz for CentralSauce (2020)
More From Diz
As mentioned previously, Diz dropped his second full length project in June 2021, do check out All In Due Time if “One Step Closer caught your ears. Also be sure to check out Black Water, Diz’s 2020 effort. Stay up to date with Diz’s releases by following him on Twitter and Instagram.
More to Discover
Subscribe to the CentralSauce mailing list so you never miss out on the freshest sauce. Check out this continuously updated playlist of songs Ryan has added to our Discovery section! Each track or artist has been featured in our “Why We Like It” section, so be sure to check out the page here on the site.
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