Carolyn Hunter Walks Listeners Through the Full Scope of Romance in “Hardest Part”

Folk-pop singer-songwriter Carolyn Hunter dazzles listeners with her dreamy new single “Hardest Part,” out now. “Hardest Part” is the artist’s crisp follow-up to her December 2021 album, Lovelight, which came together with the same dynamic team of collaborators. Julian Peterson (Producer, Wolf Den Records) and Micah Tawlks (drummer, mixer, additional production, Peptalk Studio) shine on this funky, synth-pop arrangement and Brian Kesley (Bass, Maggie Rogers) completes the 4-piece with a steady, hypnotic bass line.

At its core, this track examines the less romanticized part of the journey people go through in a relationship; the part that isn’t defined by butterflies or a happy ever after, but everything in between. The sometimes mundane familiarity experienced in long-term relationships can ultimately be the thing that causes folks to go their separate ways. With Hunter later choosing to stay in her marriage, choosing the “Hardest Part” of romance, she says:

“I’m so grateful and happy that I did. I have a new perspective on the time that my husband and I share together. I respect our history. I feel lucky to have a partner who was brave enough to let me figure out some of my deepest questions on my own. I’m also lucky to have someone who I love doing all the nothingness with.”

“Hardest Part” hooks listeners at the head of the track with blossoming synths and fluttering delay-kissed electric guitar. The pristine, intimate soundscapes that gleam with a captivating sparkle on “Hardest Part” come to life with the rich layers of emotion Hunter managed to capture through her songwriting and performance. The artist delivers a unique synth-pop sound with pockets of inspiration from icons like Maggie Rogers and HAIM.

“I couldn’t be happier with how these songs turned out, but the expression took its toll on me. I’ve been working with an amazing coach, Amy Harris. I’m learning how to separate fantasy from reality. I’m starting to finally land where I am in this world and be able to take in what is REAL. That doesn’t mean I don’t imagine and fantasize, as I do in these songs, but I am better able to not get lost in it. I like being in my life, really being in it. Spending time in nature helps.”

Cover art for “Hardest Part” by Carolyn Hunter