Premiere: “Take Up Space” by Katie Lynne

Despite being soothing in sound, memories and mistakes tear at Katie Lynne’s sense of self in “Take Up Space,” which serves as a snapshot of the challenges of mental health.

Cottage weekends, horses, hydrangeas, apple juice, roller skates, slumber parties. Though the words Katie Lynne Sharbaugh uses to describe her music are relaxing and nostalgic, “Take Up Space” tackles a much more serious topic. The song seems to address tension between Lynne and another person, but in fact, Lynne is holding a conversation with her own anxiety. “Cause I don’t like the way you take up space when we’re alone / No I don’t like the games you play to make me so afraid of the unknown,” she sings. 

Based in Boston and a recent graduate of Berklee College of Music, Katie Lynne’s musical journey began at her summer home in Ireland, where she learned to play traditional Irish fiddle tunes by ear. The dominant instrument in “Take Up Space” is piano but viola plucks are dropped in, which Lynne explains are meant to emulate the sound of falling rain or snow. Other less traditional sounds are also used to add texture—like the sound of pool balls breaking at the very start of the track, or a swell of galloping horses. Those flourishes are also what bring the song closer to where Lynne took inspiration: Phoebe Bridgers. The ethereal section, a little over a minute in, shares the dreamy feel of “Punisher” and the sample of galloping horses are similar to the rapid drum builds of “ICU.”

“I throw my self control away / sank into the saddle while I handed you the reigns,” Lynne sings; she’s overwhelmed and controlled by intrusive thoughts. And yet, with the soft piano and clear, strong vocals reminiscent of London Grammar’s Hannah Reid, the track is like a balm to soothe the issue at hand. It’s an interesting approach, because Lynne is capable of creating grittier, louder tracks more aligned to rock, as evidenced by “My Level” later in the EP. Instead, listening to (and perhaps, writing) “Take Up Space” is like part of the healing process itself.