Thavoron Finds Self-Love through Trauma on “Struck” (Music Video) 1 Feb 2023

Thavoron releases “Struck,” available February 1st on Digital Formats via Trailing Twelve Records.

Seattle, Washington-based Thavoron (Tav-er-on) shares his new single & music video “Struck” set for digital release on February 1st through Trailing Twelve Records. Following the release of his single “Twin Sized Bed”, Thavoron returns with “Struck” - an understated ballad about falling in love too hard too fast, beautifully presented with a lush string section and gentle vocals.

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, “Struck” pulls from his personal experiences, this time focusing on a period of time when he became infatuated with a potential partner before getting to know them.

Do you feel the same now? / I shouldn’t be this nonchalant / But it's the only way how / I can keep you in my arms / Wrong enough for me to feel this strong

Thavoron crafts labyrinthian environments that necessitate multiple listens to fully appreciate. The production on “Struck” is liminal and eerie, yet beautiful and enticing, mirroring the inner turmoil present in the lyrics. Thavoron enlisted Phillip Peterson to play cello on the track, adding a layer of elegance to the production. The cello carefully dances with the finger-plucked guitar, before flourishing into a climactic solo in the final act. Thavoron goes into more detail on how the instrumentation of “Struck” adds emotional meaning to the song below.

Sonically, I guess more near the end of the track, with the guitar, it’s one of the more “abrasive” songs on the project. I wanted to display the callousness I learned to grow into after past relationships (and grew out of) and how it trickled into every other facet of my life, while simultaneously holding on to my past perceptions of interpersonal relationships.

In the music video for “Struck" directed by Maddie Ludgate, Thavoron completes the thematic through-line featured in the song. We find Thavoron dancing and posing in the dimly lit dusk of suburbia, creating an isolated, mildly eerie, and deeply emotional atmosphere.

Thavoron’s “Struck” is out February 1st, 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

TTR-024
© & ℗ 2023 Trailing Twelve Records. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized Copying, Reproduction, Hiring, Lending, Public Performance, And Broadcasting Strictly Prohibited.

THAVORON - Struck
TTR-024
Release Date: 1 February 2023
Length: 3:35

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