Thavoron Embraces the Awkward on “Nervous” (Music Video) 15 March 2023

Thavoron releases “Nervous,” available March 15th on Digital Formats via Trailing Twelve Records.

Seattle, Washington-based Thavoron (Tav-er-on) shares his new single & music video “Nervous” set for digital release on March 15th through Trailing Twelve Records. Following the release of his single “Struck”, Thavoron returns with “Nervous” - a gentle exploration of the beginning phases of a relationship, and the various, and oftentimes contradictory, emotions associated with it.

Growing up as a Cambodian-American and writing songs about queer relationships, 22-year-old Thavoron approaches the alternative and indie rock genres with a distinctive and refreshing perspective. Much like Thavoron’s previous releases, “Nervous” is intensely personal. The lyrics reference past relationships and awkward encounters, made more poignant when told by Thavoron’s wailing vocals.

I feel nervous / But I try to get close to you when you want / I don’t do this, do I turn you on? / And inside are you thinking, what you want?

Thavoron crafts labyrinthian environments that necessitate multiple listens to fully appreciate. “Nervous” begins with Thavoron’s hushed voice, urging the listener to let down their walls and engage with the song on its level. Thavoron’s voice dominates the mix throughout, even as the strings and percussion build to an unexpected crescendo. Thavoron goes into detail on the unique structure of “Nervous” below

I tried really hard to replicate a light-hearted/airy/effortless feel with “Nervous.” I wanted to convey the feeling of when you’re in the talking stage with someone and it’s supposed to be super fun, but it ends up just being unsettling. I was inspired by that first breath of fresh air after closing yourself off from others. Pushing past feelings of anxiety and nervousness to embark on something new is exciting because it's proof of the desire to love and be loved.

In the music video for “Nervous" directed by Maddie Ludgate, Thavoron leans into the nostalgia of the song, with a retro VHS aesthetic. The visuals are blown out and overexposed, creating a picturesque landscape, all the while Thavoron keeps direct eye contact with the camera, connecting the viewer to the passionate center point of the piece. Thavoron further explains the meaning of video below.

The inspiration behind the video for ’Nervous' is the feeling of keeping it light and cool. I wanted to embody warmth to replicate the feeling of starting something new, regardless of past reservations. We wanted to go for a collage-type feel with the video to add touches of familiar imagery and nostalgia, reminiscent of a care-free summer while also ridding yourself and changing for the better…or so you think.

Thavoron’s “Nervous” is out March 15th, 2023 on Digital Formats via Trailing Twelve.

Watch the official music video below.

LIVE DATES:

5/5 & 5/6 - Seattle, WA @ Belltown Bloom Festival

Directed by Thavoron and Maddie Ludgate
Shot and Edited by Maddie Ludgate

Written, Performed, and Produced by Thavoron
Mixed by Rory Hurley
Mastered By Steve Kitch at Audiomaster UK
Visuals by Maddie Ludgate
Press Contact: info@trailingtwelve.com

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© & ℗ 2023 Trailing Twelve Records. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized Copying, Reproduction, Hiring, Lending, Public Performance, And Broadcasting Strictly Prohibited.

THAVORON - Nervous
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Release Date: 15 March 2023
Length: 3:48

Socials: spotify / instagram / tiktok / twitter / website

BIO

Thavoron is a 22-year-old Cambodian American artist based in Seattle, Washington. Layering angelic vocals and intimate lyricism over heart-breaking sonic progressions, Thavoron pulls inspiration from contemporaries such as Frank Ocean, Faye Webster, and Bon Iver.

Growing up as a Cambodian-American and not feeling represented in the music industry, Thavoron hopes to help pave the way for Southeast/Asian American and queer artists alike looking for a sense of creative community:

“..being surrounded by people I couldn’t fully relate to resorted to me locking myself up in my bedroom to just write to try and make sense of all my differences as a person.”

With coverage including METAL, Ones To Watch, and Before The Data, Thavoron’s music has been described as deeply reflective, vulnerable, and increasingly rare. Tackling themes like cultural identity, grief, and strained relationships, Thavoron crafts hauntingly melancholy songs that leave a lasting impression.

ACCOLADES

“It's become increasingly rare for us to find songs that hit with enough force to give us goosebumps, but Seattle-based artist Thavoron has provided just that with standout cut “bend, or” off his debut album, Ugly.” - Before The Data

“Thavoron writes the words every tired heart has longed to speak and delivers it in the most painfully romantic way possible.” - Ones To Watch

“Alternative and indie rock meet in the creative vision of Thavoron, who adds his personal touch by flooding his creations with emotion and reflecting inner debates in his lyrics.” - METAL

“His recent release “bend, or” is a perfect example of tackling grief, with its minimalistic yet visually soothing music video, and lyrics that tackle identity crisis in correlation with love.” - Rice Spice Magazine

“Thavoron makes his way in and tells a story of passion and vulnerability. While wearing his heart on his sleeve and drenching us in his breathy and whispery vocals, Thavoron offers a deeply reflective and detailed lyrical portrayal that anyone can relate to.” - Buzz Music LA 

“a swirling tapestry on youth, lust, and the emotional scars of traumatic relationships” - When The Horn Blows

“By masterfully fusing elements of dream pop with indie, jazz and rock, this artist creates songs that are conceptually refreshing in tone, yet deeply personal and rich in emotion.” - Alfitude