How Hard Can It Be?

Slowe's 2023 debut, Where The Mind Wanders, felt like a breath of fresh air and one of my highlights of that music year. Welsh-born, Bristol-based self-taught producer and singer occupies a groovy space at the cross-section of alternative soul and jazz music, and truth be told, I've been longing for more of her sound.

Today, my wish came true because of "How Hard Can It Be?", Sophie's brand-new single, which came out yesterday. Groovy, bubbly, and anchored by some thoughtful existential lyrics, Slowe uses sound as plasticine to tell her story. I felt an instant connection - both because of what she sings about and the minimalistic yet alluring instrumental. It has a Jungle meets Cleo Sol kind of vibe, right?

Written in 2023, shortly after completing her debut album, the new track emerged during a deeply transitional moment in her life. It was one of the first songs she penned in that period — and one she felt she had to write to move through what she was experiencing. For years, Slowe has quietly navigated anxiety, a struggle that intensified during the isolation of the pandemic. Spending extended time indoors amplified her hermit tendencies and gradually made even the simplest, most joyful activities feel overwhelming. The everyday things that were supposed to be joyful felt heavy, which left her pondering with the endless question, "How hard can it be?"

I think many of us went through something similar after COVID. I still don’t feel quite the same as before, but I’m grateful that music like this exists and has found a place in my life.