Searching for a somatic release? Her On Record has the answer.

By Grace Koennecke, Editor in Chief

As I sat down to write this, it took me several tries even to start the first sentence. I’ll admit, this summer I’ve been experiencing the weirdest writer’s block I’ve had in a while. Maybe I can blame it on working full-time and not having the energy or inspiration to sit down and click-clack away after hours of doing the same at my job. 

Maybe I can blame it on feeling endlessly tired and burnt out from not just work but trying to keep up with friends and family and this publication. The list could go on and on, but I’ve noticed that lately I also have felt really emotional when it comes to writing and listening to music.

Since I started writing more seriously in high school, I have always enjoyed writing about music that has been cathartic for me. I think as someone who has always bottled up their feelings to present themself as a “put-together” person, some of my favorite artists and songs have allowed me to put my headphones on and let many emotions escape me. And trust me, I’m very aware this is a pretty universal experience for most music enjoyers.

Recently, I discovered the phrase “somatic release,” which means your body releases stress, anxiety, or any other negative emotion when paired with something that relaxes you. For me, it’s obviously music, but for some it could be exercising, reading their favorite book, or cooking a meal.

I find when I put my headphones on, go to a concert, or dance to even a Top 40 hit at a bar with my friends, I instantly release any negativity that has been trapped inside me. It’s a very spiritual experience to let go of my stress and anxiety in this way, and I think for a long time women in particular have been conditioned by society to let these trapped emotions stay within them.

The notion to push down your feelings to subscribe to the heteronormativity that surrounds us is absurd to me as a woman, as I’ve learned it’s actually very healthy to let out whatever is bothering you emotionally or mentally.

While I could go on and on about this issue, I wanted to write about a few songs, all of course written by women, that I believe provide the ultimate cathartic release, and hopefully ones that you can add to your playlist.

Listen to these songs if you need your own cathartic, and maybe even spiritual, release:

“Loud Bark” by Mannequin Pussy

Some of you who have followed along with my writing are probably thinking, ‘Grace, we know how much you like this song because you’ve written about it a million times.’ Okay, but this song is truly one that I’ve returned to since its release in 2024 because it's just that good. I always put “Loud Bark” by Mannequin Pussy on when I’m feeling angry or frustrated, as lead singer Marisa Dabice’s screams throughout the chorus allow me to sympathize with her.

This song means a lot of different things to me, but I think at the moment it’s about owning your power as a woman. “I’ve got a loud bark, deep bite,” is repeated over and over in this song, and it’s a statement that all women should embrace and use to move forward in a society that is rapidly becoming more hostile towards women. We shouldn’t bite our tongues or appease others just because we’re worried about what they’ll think if we speak up, wear an outfit that matches our personality, or ask for a pay raise. 

Instead, this song advocates that women should be loud and unapologetic in whatever way we feel comfortable. Whether it’s through shouting into a microphone, writing a poem, or even talking with friends, I think this song has always stuck with me because it has given me strength in times where I have felt powerless or upset with my place in this world.

I love this song and band so much that I have another piece dedicated to them if you want to learn more about Mannequin Pussy here. 

“Parachute” by Hayley Williams

Almost a year ago, Hayley Williams, the iconic frontwoman of Paramore, released her third solo album, “Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party.” Since its release, this album has gained traction in my opinion because of how sure of herself Williams sounds on it, not only as an artist, but as a woman who has been very open about her trauma and mental health.

In particular, “Parachute” is a track that I first listened to and immediately felt an emotional connection to. Every time I listen, I cry, and it’s always for a different reason. This song details the erasure of a relationship and the life Williams thought she would have with the person she loved, and it is extremely painful to hear her vocals crack in certain moments where the hurt is felt the most.

“Tell me what was the moment you decided to give up? / You could’ve told me what you wanted, I would’ve done, I would’ve done / Anything / I would’ve done anything,” is one of the most heartbreaking lyrics Williams has ever written, and her delivery allows for the feelings of hurt, anger, confusion, and grief to wash over you in a way that is bone-chilling. 

I return to this song whenever I’ve felt my own personal heartbreaks, whether it be romantic or platonic, creep up on me in the quieter moments. I also return to it when I just feel angry and need to release that anger in a healthier way.

“Pop Sound” by Kim Petras

On a lighter note, “Pop Sound” by Kim Petras has been my favorite release of the year so far because it’s a hyperpop tour-de-force, in my opinion. After a quite tumultuous year with her label ahead of her newest album release, May’s “Detour,” Petras was finally able to drop this track and remind us that she really is an artist that is pushing the pop genre forward.

If you love to dance, this song is the perfect one to sweat out whatever is on your mind. Its loudness alone can drown out any negativity. I also think while this song is more upbeat, there’s an undertone to it that calls out the injustice and frustrations Petras has faced as a woman in music: “Made for the masses, made for the money / Made for the thrill, factory girl / It’s an illusion, it’s an oasis / Shoot at the ground, just for no reason.”

To me, this song is about letting go of past versions of yourself and embracing who you are in this current moment, even if it’s messy or complicated. “Pop Sound” is an unapologetic dance-floor anthem that gives the listener an opportunity to start fresh and dance away the insecurities they may be feeling, and that’s why it’s an incredibly structured, cathartic pop song.

“Everybody Scream” by Florence + The Machine

If you don’t know who Florence Welch is, you should. Arguably one of the most underrated voices in the music industry since her debut in the mid 2000s, Welch’s sound is unique in that it pierces through you and stops you in your tracks. 

Her ability to do this has been heard throughout much of Florence + The Machine’s discography, with honorable mentions like “Shake It Out” and “What Kind Of Man” as proof that she has always had total control over her delivery and sound.

Recently, the band released their sixth studio album, “Everybody Scream,” a haunting and timely display of songs that perfectly encapsulate Welch’s experience as a woman after undergoing fertility and mental health struggles. The title track has become one of my favorites because it’s witchy and raw and vulnerable while also containing instrumentation that is grungier and more industrial for the band.

Welch’s screams alongside other background singers give one permission to do the same in a way that feels healthy and organic, and the release that is heard within this song is so beautiful. It’s a ferocious anthem for women who have felt betrayed not only by others, but by their bodies and minds, and I love how Welch doesn’t shy away from talking about the female experience on this track that is actually realistic and emotional.

“Michael” by Remi Wolf

Some of the best cathartic songs in my opinion are ones centered around vulnerability, and “Michael” by Remi Wolf is a perfect example of wearing your heart on your sleeve. This song was one of my first introductions to Wolf, and since then it’s become my favorite of hers since her voice is so emotional and distinct.

Her vocals, along with the rise and fall of bashing drums, make this song feel like a wave of emotion is washing over you, and you can clearly hear all of her pent-up anger, remorse, and jealousy towards someone she wants to love her. If you’ve ever experienced unrequited love, then you’ll understand where Wolf is coming from as her wails intensify within every chorus.

I think this song is so cathartic because you can hear all of Wolf’s internal struggles when she thinks of this person. She goes from wanting this person to love her properly to growing frustrated with their lack of awareness to beating herself up for being paranoid and anxious that this person doesn’t care for them. It’s so relatable as a woman, as I think many are placed in relationship dynamics that are difficult, lackluster, or careless because we’re conditioned to be complacent in order to avoid confrontation or criticism from men.

Instead of subscribing to this sentiment, Wolf uses this song to normalize the wave of emotions women feel, as well as the highs and lows of being young and trying to find the right people.