Habits (Stay High) by Tove Lo – Target Audience

Picture a downtown cafe full of people on a typical Saturday afternoon. Among the customers, you spot several groups and individuals who might identify with the emotive lyrics and rhythm of Tove Lo’s song, “Habits (Stay High)”.

At a corner, there’s a table filled with what seems like college students, tasting their first true bearings of adulthood. Heavy books lay sprawled on the table, shuffled amidst empty coffee cups, and their faces alternately reflect the stress and occasional laughter. These bright minds inching into adulthood, grappling with late night study sessions and the concept of independence, would find resonance in the raw honesty of Tove Lo’s lyrics.

In the queue for fresh brews, there’s a woman around her mid-thirties. The lines on her face capture the years of resilience and hardship, whispering tales of her endurance. She, like Tove Lo’s portrayed character, might have sought solace in habits that veer away from the conventional norms. The song’s theme of emotional vulnerability could strike a chord with her.

Closer to the entrance, an artist sits alone, sketching the bustling scene around him. He freezes moments in time with his charcoal, creating a narrative with his strokes. The bohemian spirit and the craving for deeper understanding of human emotions might draw him to Tove Lo’s anthem.

Between the humming espresso machine and the occasional tinkling of mugs, if the song “Habits (Stay High)” were to play, many heads would subtly bob or toes would tap – acknowledging the rhythm and the relatable narrative.

Instruments and Vocals in “Habits (Stay High)”

• Vocals: Tove Lo
• Main Instrument: Synthesizers
• Effects: Reverb, Delay, Compression
• Additional: Drum Machine, Bass Line

Main Instrument and Style

The song relies heavily on synthesizers which enhance its electropop style. The synths provide a lush and atmospheric feel, creating a spacious and emotive backdrop.

Key and Pitch

Key: F major

Pitch: Moderate vocal range

Prevalent Notes and Their Play

The prevalent notes in the song are:

• F, A, C, Dm, Bb

The notes are played sequentially and repeated across verses and choruses. Synth pads and bass lines emphasize these notes, supporting the vocal lead.

Elise stumbled down the dimly lit street, the sounds of the city thick around her, mingling with the bass in her head. Neon reflections wavered in the rain-soaked pavement beneath her feet. She was caught between the hum of traffic and the weight of silence waiting at the end of each step. Breathing in sharp, she pulled her jacket tighter, though it wasn’t the cold she was trying to shut out.

The club door swung open, releasing a burst of music and laughter like a tidal wave. Elise moved toward it, drawn by the promise of forgetfulness. Inside, the light played tricks, casting shadows that hid faces, made strangers out of friends. Her eyes darted from one flickering light to the next, seeking anything to catch her attention, to drag her away from the persistent ache of memory.

“Elise!” A voice reached her somewhere above the chaos. It was Jenna, grinning, clutching two drinks. “This one’s for you,” she said, pushing one into Elise’s hand. Without a second thought, Elise downed the liquid, feeling the immediate thrill of warmth spreading, dulling the sharp edges of everything else. Jenna disappeared into the crowd, and Elise followed.

The music pounded through her, matching the rhythm of her heartbeat, drowning out the insistent whispers of doubt. Ghost-like faces moved in peripheral vision, familiar yet distant, flickers of what was once real. She danced until she could no longer distinguish where her movements began and ended, losing herself to the sway of bodies and beats.

Later, she found herself on the rooftop, the city sprawling in a sea of lights below. The cool night air helped clear the fog that had settled in her mind, though the hollowness remained. Elise’s phone buzzed, echoing the vibrations she felt in her chest. She saw his name flash across the screen. She hesitated, then silenced it. Instead, she lit a cigarette, inhaling deeply, watching the night consume her exhaled secrets.

The stars above were indifferent, just like she craved to be. But she stayed, wrapped in the comfort of her disillusioned solitude, letting habits carve their space in her heart, keeping her high above the past, just for a moment longer.

AABB Rhyme Pattern

The song predominantly follows an AABB rhyme scheme with strong end rhymes that create cohesion:

• “I eat my dinner in my bathtub” (A)
• “Then I go to sex clubs” (A)
• “Watching freaky people gettin’ it on” (B)
• “It doesn’t make me nervous, if anything I’m restless” (B)

Key of the Lyrics

The lyrics are primarily sung in the key of F# minor, contributing to the song’s moody and introspective vibe.

Singing Rhythmic Patterns

The rhythmic pattern is syncopated with a mix of off-beat and straight eighth notes. Key focuses include:

• Use of triplet feels on emotional phrases.
• Contrast between longer notes on significant words and quicker delivery on transitional lines.

Tips for Writers

To emulate the lyrical style of “Habits (Stay High)”, consider the following:

• Embrace vulnerability; expose raw emotions without reservation.
• Incorporate mundane activities to ground your themes in relatability.
• Utilize strong imagery and metaphor for deeper emotional resonance.
• Experiment with syncopation to create a dynamic flow within your phrases.
• Play with contrasting moods and scenarios to enhance lyrical depth.

Habits (Stay High) – Tove Lo

Verse 1: Describes indulging in self-destructive behaviors to forget an ex-lover. Pretty raw.

Pre-Chorus: Questions the healing process, feeling stuck. Quick despair.

Chorus: Highlights addiction to certain habits as a way to stay high and numb the pain of loss. It’s straight to the point.

Verse 2: Continues with unhealthy ways to escape reality. A blunt depiction of trying to move on.

Pre-Chorus: Repeats the earlier sentiment, emphasizing a cycle of hurting and questioning. Same punch of reality.

Chorus: Again, the chorus emphasizes staying high to deal with heartache. Repetitive but effective.

Bridge: Moment of clarity, accepting the self-destruction but also recognizing its futility. Short but powerful.

Chorus/Outro: Recap of the main hook, reinforcing the main theme of coping through unhealthy habits. Drives the point home.

Music Analysis of Habits (Stay High) by Tove Lo

Melody

The melody of “Habits (Stay High)” is memorable yet straightforward. It revolves around a limited range of notes, which makes it catchy but not overly complex. The verse uses descending melodic patterns, creating a somber tone that reflects the song’s themes of heartache and coping mechanisms. The chorus lifts slightly in pitch, introducing more vocal flourishes and giving a sense of release. The use of repetition in the melody makes the hook stick in listeners’ minds.

Harmony

Harmonically, the song is built on a basic chord progression typical of pop music. It uses a combination of major and minor chords to create contrast. The verses lean towards minor chords, enhancing the melancholic feeling, while the chorus shifts to more major chords, providing a sense of hope against despair. This interplay between dark and light creates emotional tension that aligns with the lyrical content.

Rhythm

Time Signature

The song is set in common time (4/4), which is standard for pop music. This allows for a straightforward rhythmic feel that is easy to follow and dance to.

Tempo

The tempo is moderately paced, around 90 BPM. This gives the song a laid-back but insistent pulse, allowing the listener to absorb the lyrics while still feeling engaged. The slower tempo contrasts with the urgency of the lyrics, reinforcing the theme of trying to cope with emotional pain.

Overall Structure

The song follows a typical pop structure: Intro, Verse 1, Chorus, Verse 2, Chorus, Bridge, and Outro. This familiar outline helps create an accessibility that draws in listeners. The bridge acts as a reflective moment, pulling back from the upbeat moments, allowing for development of the emotional intensity. This structure is effective for storytelling.

Lyrical Content

Tove Lo’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of heartache and escapism. They are raw and confessional, making the listener feel the weight of her emotional struggles. The repeated lines in the chorus emphasize the cycle of coping through fleeting highs and lows. The language is straightforward, avoiding poetic embellishments yet delivering a powerful message. This directness resonates with listeners who can relate to the themes of loss and the search for comfort.

Instrumentation

The instrumentation features a mix of electronic and traditional instruments. Synths dominate the background, creating a modern soundscape. The beat is driven by electronic drum patterns, providing a steady foundation. Occasional piano lines add emotional depth, particularly during the chorus and bridge. This blend supports the lyrical themes of vulnerability and escapism.

Vocal Delivery

Tove Lo’s vocal delivery is emotional and gritty. She alternates between a soft, almost whispered quality in the verses and a more powerful vocal projection during the chorus. This contrast mirrors the song’s emotional swings, effectively communicating the struggle in her lyrics. She employs a conversational tone which makes her relatable and engaging.

Production Techniques

The production is polished but retains a raw edge, particularly in vocal processing. Effects such as reverb and echo are used sparingly, adding depth without overwhelming the main vocal lines. The balance between the instruments and vocals is well-crafted, ensuring that the emotional core remains the focal point. The overall mix enhances the song’s themes, contributing to its successful emotional impact.

Conclusion

“Habits (Stay High)” by Tove Lo is a well-crafted pop song that skillfully combines melody, harmony, rhythm, and lyrical depth. The effectiveness of its straightforward structure allows for emotional resonance that many listeners find relatable. The balance of electronic elements with a human touch in both vocals and instrumentation creates a captivating soundscape. The song’s exploration of heartache and escapism resonates deeply, solidifying its place in contemporary pop music.

AI Clamshell Tote Bag

The production of “Habits (Stay High)” exemplifies a polished yet raw aesthetic that enhances Tove Lo’s vocal performance. The mix captures a significant dynamic range while maintaining clarity through layered instrumentation. The recording setup likely included high-quality digital audio converters, which are essential for crisp sound reproduction.

• Sample Rate: 44.1kHz, typical for pop productions.
• Bit Depth: 24-bit, allowing for extensive headroom.
• DAW: Logic Pro or Pro Tools, popular in high-end pop productions.

A blend of live instruments and programming gives the track its unique sound. Drums were likely recorded with a mix of direct input and room mics, allowing for punchy transients mixed with ambient textures. Vocals were recorded in a treated room, reducing unwanted reflections.

The mix employs parallel compression on the vocals for presence without losing dynamics. The use of sidechain compression with the kick creates that pulsing effect, making the track groove-heavy. Mastering involved multiple stages, likely including both digital and analog processes to ensure a balance between punchy lows and smooth highs.

Effects are pivotal in shaping the sonic landscape of the track. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

• Reverb: A bright, short reverb on vocals adds space without muddying the mix.
• Delay: A rhythmic delay on the chorus enhances the hook, creating a sense of depth.
• Compression: Drums are heavily compressed to provide a tight, punchy character. The vocal rides are subtly compressed to maintain a natural feel.
• Modulation: Subtle chorus on synth pads gives width and richness, placing them in the background.

Microphones

Dynamic and condenser mics likely used for vocals. Consider a Neumann U87 for rich tone vs. an SM7B for a more raw character.

Preamps

High-end preamps like Avalon 737 or SSL provide warmth and clarity.

Effects Pedals and Processors

Likely used Eventide or TC Electronic units for studio-quality effects. Ableton Live plugins could be prominent in post-production for versatile sound design.

Tove Lo

Tove Lo, a Swedish singer-songwriter, co-wrote the song. She gained recognition for her raw lyrics and dark pop sound. Her personal experiences often fuel her writing. “Habits (Stay High)” reflects her struggle with heartbreak.

Gottfried Helnwein

Gottfried Helnwein, a Swedish producer and songwriter, played a crucial role in crafting the song’s production. He has collaborated with various artists across genres. His knack for blending electronic beats with emotional depth enhances Tove’s vocals.

Alexander Kronlund

Alexander Kronlund is another key figure in the writing process. As a seasoned songwriter, he has a history of penning hits for numerous well-known artists. His expertise in creating catchy hooks is evident in “Habits (Stay High).”

• Every creator has their own journey. Tove Lo’s authenticity resonates through her work.
• Collaborations can elevate your music. Seek out talent that complements your style.
• Draw from personal experiences. Honest stories connect with audiences.
• Keep experimenting. Different sounds and genres can lead to unique creations.
• Stay persistent. The music industry is tough, but passion and hard work pay off.

Deconstructing “Habits (Stay High)”

Tove Lo’s “Habits (Stay High)” is a study in contrasts—glossy pop production meets raw emotional honesty.

Lyrics: A Dual Reality

The lyrics unfold like a diary—confessional yet universal. They capture the emptiness of drowning out heartache with reckless behavior.

Isolation vs. Escape

There’s a tug-of-war between feeling isolated and the temporary escape through partying. That juxtaposition isn’t just thematic; it’s palpable.

Imagery

• Vivid characters: Ex-lovers, friends, and nightlife.
• Descriptive landscapes: Clubs vs. empty rooms.

Chorus: The Highs and Lows

The chorus is catchy but resonant—the relentless pursuit of high moments clearly highlights an underlying desperation.

Production

The synths are upbeat but layered with a somber undertone. It creates a bittersweet listening experience.

The Emotional State

Tove Lo’s delivery is raw and unfiltered. She doesn’t shy away from vulnerability, making listeners connect deeply even in the party vibe.

Conclusion

“Habits (Stay High)” is not just about partying; it’s a reflection on coping mechanisms and the complexities of modern love.