Sam Plascencia

20-year-old Hana Eid is Nashville’s latest emerging indie rock gem. The artist packaged six vulnerable tracks into her debut EP, I Exist Because You Say So. The project is nothing short of confessional lyricism and melodic vocals that fully encapsulate the force of Hana Eid. “The project follows my introspection as I staggered through the ups and downs of early adulthood, preoccupied with self-discovery and forming beliefs about the world around me,” Eid said. 

Kicking off the debut with “Weird” sets the theme for the project, often a combination of gut-wrenching and introspective memories of the past. Slowly building to the explosive bridge, the track is a euphoric longing of a crush. Ultimately, the heavy-depth guitar alongside Eid’s driving vocals blends a striking introductory track. 

“Taller Than Me” continues to focus on storytelling scenes of Eid’s recollections. As she belts “covered in blood, covered in dirt,” listeners can take notice of the emotive theme of the track. With her heart on her sleeve, the singer-songwriter draws from wounded experiences in a way that crafts a melody of self-realization.  

Previously released singles, “Between Your Teeth” and “Pitbull,” stress the duality of revelation and acceptance when it comes to romantic relationships. The themes involved in the tracks accentuate Eid’s stunning vocal performance and the depth in which her experiences lie. Drawn directly from her thoughtful mind, the relatable lyricism is paired seamlessly with the heavy rock elements. 

“Avoid The News” slowly cuts into a profound memory of someone who is slipping away. The recurrence of the question, “When did you realize you didn't love me?” is a piercing flashback to a daunting realization. Eid’s voice is joined alongside a dreamy guitar solo at the end of the track—preparing for an impactful wrap-up of the EP. 

Taking a step back and slowing down, the closing track, “Austin Song,” pulls from Eid’s stream of consciousness. The delicate vulnerability and broken-down sentiments carry a story worth listening to. The blunt yet universal themes of the EP as a whole are captivatingly brilliant. Front to back, I Exist Because You Say So takes listeners through a passionate capsule of time abundant with grit and transparency.  

Listen to I Exist Because You Say So here!