Singles Spotlight:
Prettier Now –
“Beaming”

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I’m excited to discuss another NYC-based artist making some great music, this time the project of Christian Monte, who releases music under the name Prettier Now. The project debuted in 2020 with the Warmer EP, followed by their first full-length album Perfect Crush (2024), and earlier this year by the Born on a Cross EP. I recommend checking out those releases after you finish today’s Spotlight.

Last week, Prettier Now announced via press release: “the upcoming release of their second full-length, Miracle Charm, and shared the bruising new single ‘Beaming’. Anchored by swirling layers of grunge hooks, ascendant vocals, and a locktight rhythm section, ‘Beaming’ sees Prettier Now returning in triumphant form. Miracle Charm …finds Prettier Now returning to collaborate with producer Noah Sullivan at Little Hollywood studio in Howell, New Jersey.” Matteo Debenedetti mastered the song.

Of the single, the press release provided us with the following insight from Monte: “With ‘Beaming,’ he explores some of his most personal and unvarnished emotional territory yet as the years go by and the regrets start to pile up on his doorstep. In this case, Monte cites ‘my skewed priorities and an inability to consistently show up that torpedoed a relationship before it could even get going.'” Relationships are the source of many songwriting sessions that get recorded and released for us, the public, to hear. Some songwriters and songcrafters are better at sharing exactly how they’re feeling at that moment than others. Sometimes these songs are more abstract and allegorical; other times they are blunt, and our hearts are torn right there with them, as if we’re feeling it all as well. After listening, I think Monte’s song lives somewhere in between. In a moment, you’ll get to listen and form your own opinion.

That quote from the press release had me intrigued enough to listen. I did, and I liked the song enough to share it with y’all as an entry in our Singles Spotlight series here at SWT. I think you will like the song and the project as a whole, too. The intro to “Beaming” hooked me, as did the hard-charging melody from the usual rock instrumentation, and when paired with Monte’s vocal delivery, it created a wall of sound emotionally. The lyrics repeat to drive the melancholy mood home. Kudos on the decision to craft the song that way, as it truly adds depth and layers and makes the song even better.  “Beaming” is a song I think that’s relatable on some level, and you’ll definitely leave feeling Monte’s pain. A nice introduction to the project Prettier Now. Be sure to follow up with the project to hear the full album, Miracle Charm, when it is released.

Press play and take a listen to “Beaming” on Bandcamp for yourself and tell us what you think:

And now for some artwork.  First take a look at the singles artwork:

Here’s a sneak peek at the cover art for the album, Miracle Charm:

Alex M Theel

Co-Founder, Reviewer, Content Creator, Business side, Editor at Scummy Water Tower Productions | Web

Scummy Water Tower Productions co-founder, reviewer, business manager, and editor. Thank you for visiting this site, scummywatertower.com, and YouTube for Water Tower Sessions and SWT Interviews. And all of our socials.
Questions, feedback, or more? Contact me: alex@scummywatertower.com