Austin Willacy – “Man Up” [Song Review]

On Father’s Day, award-winning singer-songwriter Austin Willacy released his new single, “Man Up,” a song about the double-edged aspect of masculinity and what it means to truly be a man.

Willacy explains, “It was inspired by a blog post I wrote about identity and intersectionality.  As a cis-male, I recognize the privilege that comes with it and continue to learn about the ways in which it creates opportunities for me that wouldn’t exist if I was not a cis-male.”

Co-written by Willacy, Patricia Bahia, and Caley Rose, “Man Up” rolls out on emerging tones, revealing flavours of gritty blues, retro-soul, and hints of gospel. The gospel savours lift the lyrics from one realm to another, from the analytical to the philosophical, imbuing the song with an air of raw spiritual simplicity.

A dense, heavy rhythm and groaning, vibrating textures provide a dark sonic matrix for Willacy’s heartfelt, soulful voice, with its aching vulnerability and poignant intimacy.

Tumescent with an array of emotions, “Man Up” simultaneously simmers, smoulders, and burns with the evocative vocals of Austin Willacy.

Run Time: 3:30
Release Date: June 18, 2023
Record Label: Independent