Music Crowns is proud to premiere the debut collaborative album from dream-pop duo Jordan Whitlock and Matt Bauer of Memory Spells, This Is What It Feels Like. The album marks a remarkable convergence of two distinct creative worlds: Whitlock’s soulful, introspective songwriting and Bauer’s cinematic, orchestral production. Together, they craft a collection that is at once intimate and expansive, a sonic exploration of human emotion that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant.
What makes this release particularly compelling is its unconventional creative process. The album was written and produced entirely remotely, with Whitlock in San Diego and Bauer in Los Angeles. The duo only met in person after completing more than half of the tracks, a fact that imbues the album with a rare tension and intimacy. This distance-driven collaboration is evident in the music itself—airy synths drift alongside minimalist guitar, vintage drum machines pulse under haunting strings, and Whitlock’s crystalline vocals glide effortlessly over Bauer’s lush arrangements. The result is a soundscape that feels simultaneously near and far, mirroring the unique dynamics of the artists’ partnership.
Lyrically and thematically, This Is What It Feels Like navigates the defining moments of human relationships. Tracks like “Do You Think of It Sometimes?” capture quiet ache and reflective longing, while “All I See Is You” swells with tidal devotion. Meanwhile, “Bloom” and “A Flower Blooming For No One” meditate on the small, fragile moments that shape our emotional lives. Each song invites the listener into a world that is both cinematic and intimate, where every note, every pause, and every breath feels intentionally placed. It’s an album that asks you to feel deeply, and rewards those who do.
Whitlock and Bauer’s collaboration also highlights the transformative potential of artistic dialogue across distance. Whitlock’s vocals, at times delicate and vulnerable, at times commanding and expressive, find their perfect counterpart in Bauer’s intricate arrangements, which draw from indie folk, post-rock, and vintage film-score influences. The synergy is palpable: each track feels like a conversation, a negotiation, and ultimately a shared discovery. It’s a testament to what can emerge when artists trust the process and one another, even from miles apart.
This Is What It Feels Like is more than a debut collaborative album; it’s a study in connection, longing, and creative courage. From start to finish, Whitlock and Memory Spells craft a dream-pop experience that lingers in the listener’s mind long after the final track fades. Music Crowns is thrilled to be the first to share this release, offering a glimpse into the emotional landscapes of two artists who have found their shared voice and, in doing so, created something unforgettable.
“This album is a rare kind of intimacy, crafted across miles yet brimming with closeness. Memory Spells and Jordan Whitlock have captured the moments between longing and connection, creating a sound that feels like a conversation you can’t forget. This Is What It Feels Like isn’t just a collection of songs, it’s a shared space where distance becomes part of the music, and collaboration transforms into something deeply personal,” notes music publicist Danielle Holian, Decent Music PR.
Connect with Jordan Whitlock: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Spotify
Connect with Memory Spells: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Spotify
