This Is Your Sign To Listen To “Give Me A Sign (feat. Caroline Kingsbury)” By MARIS
Pop divas MARIS and Caroline Kingsbury teamed up to create the 80s-inspired anthem “Give Me A Sign (feat. Caroline Kingsbury)” that declares summer is now. They may be considered small artists, but they have cemented themselves as musical icons with loyal fanbases. The duo, known for their vulnerable lyricism and joyous instrumentals, tackled the topic of navigating queer relationships.
The first sparkling notes and breathy intro hook the listener and prepare them for the ethereal ride ahead. Lyrics like “I’m not just one of the girls / Can’t you see I’m thinking about your lips” and “ ‘Cause it’d be social suicide / If I crossed the little line” explore the giddiness and anxieties associated with figuring out if one reciprocates your feelings. A deep bassline and repeating guitar lick complement the swinging melodies and fill the track with danceability.
The song explores the emotional tension of wanting your love interest to make the first move. The added dynamic of queer relationships can make this moment even more nerve-racking. “Growing up and starting to have romantic feelings in Missoula, Montana meant a few things. One of them being, a slight nervousness around accidentally making the first move on a girl who may not be into me, let alone queer! Because not only does that rejection sting—the potential social ridicule of being gay and making a straight girl feel gross is terrifying,” shared MARIS in a press release.
MARIS directed the gorgeously kitschy lyric video, premiering it on Paper Magazine. There are playful and cheeky elements, such as having a “Give Me A Sign” cardboard sign serve as an outfit. MARIS shared on Instagram that she hoped to make it a “cocomelon type vid.” Their larger-than-life confidence and chemistry was electric and keeps viewers glued to the video. The visuals perfectly match the punchiness of the track, with an endless cycle of neon backdrops jumping out of the screen. The frenzied colors and organized chaos perfectly convey the overwhelming yet hopeful nature of pursuing a crush.
The duo teased that more collaborations are in the works, with Kingsbury sharing, “I’ve never felt so seen by another artist!!!!! SOOOOOO our collaboration on ‘Give Me A Sign’ was just a matter of time… and the first of many.”
MARIS is currently on tour with pop princess Maude Latour, a true match made in heaven due to their matching cosmic aesthetics.
