‘Call Me,’ overflowing with glaring guitar chords and Stef Pesic’s inimitable voice, is the newest indie-rock addition to his genre-hopping repertoire.
This single ‘Call Me’ combines forceful guitar strums with an unyielding grunge backbeat, hinting at an indie come back with an entirely new viewpoint. Unlike the thrashy guitar-laden home for teenage angst of the noughties, ‘Call Me’ is propelled by Pesic’s whimsical nonchalance and vernacular poetry bedded on lofi-production, diverting him into his own domain of indie hip-pop. The tune addresses the difficulties of the lower classes as well as the struggle of leaving the assistance system and entering the working, employed world, while still bearing themes of anguish.
Stef Pesic is a singer/songwriter residing in London. He typically uses the guitar to accompany himself, and he frequently genre-hops with songs that include indie rock, bedroom pop, and jazzy sounds, but always have a powerful melody driving through. A lo-fi production technique, as well as subtle synth and guitar effects, lend colour and a dreamlike ambience. His songs are nostalgic and deal with the ups and downs of being in your twenties, whether it’s the joys of falling in love or the sleepless nights coping with worry and loneliness. He effortlessly transitions from delicate, sensitive voices to passionate and aggressive vocal delivery while singing introspective songs with minimal chords – communicating his darkest and most personal ideas with ephemeral ease.
Speaking on ‘Call Me’, Stef Pesic explains; “A song about being jobless and having to go to the jobcentre regularly, feeling frustrated and wanting to “get off the doll”. At the same time, feeling stuck, the song touches on loneliness and wanting someone to fill the lonely hours, not quite knowing if you’re worth their time or vice versa.”
Stef Pesic delivers a zany yet relatable music video – with references to Talking Heads and Peter Gabriel’s Sledgehammer as influences – directed by Louis Judkins and bringing the notion of ‘Call Me’ to life. Pesic’s expressive gestures take us through the tune, hinting at the thought of travelling to a jobcentre; wearing a two-piece striped suit, he seeks to integrate into society as a sonic build-up rumbles beneath the surface. Overlapping video on video, we can see Stef Pesic’s escalating impatience with being worked up.
Pesic is on a mission, with his vast understanding of genres and unwavering desire. He is in a good position to relate his story because of his experience of being in his twenties and the ups and downs that come with it. Stef Pesic is now working on his upcoming EP ‘Now Would Be Good,’ which will be released later this year and includes the single ‘Call Me.’
Photo credit: Ethan Porter