MMM PREMIERE: Kyle Stockman - Sweet

A live preview of a new tune, get ur mind blown and pre-save

My god is this an honor. Kyle Stockman (i s2g you better follow) first came into my orbit in late 2022 - his song Petrified was captivating (and remains so), writing about it in December for MMM. I fell for Stockman’s voice instantly and the more I’ve gotten to know his work, I’ve really come to appreciate his approach to music. A jack of all trades, he’s incredibly talented. All of his songs feel unique and exciting, and full of raw emotion.

He’s someone I’ve been eager to write about more, and this is a beautiful chance to do just that. Stockman’s new single, Sweet, drops tonight at midnight. But folks we got the live premiere here RIGHT NOW. I’m beyond excited. Means so much to get to share it <3

y’all better pre-save right now… https://ffm.to/nepvnpd

Ok, buckle up, it’s time to enjoy.

Kyle Stockman with a live performance of Sweet

The initial moment is beautiful, this atmosphere building around us, Kyle here in his kitchen, a perfect curtain, a beautiful cactus. Much like the song, appears simple but made with great taste and intention.

As soon as the guitar gets going, Stockman dives in, the storytelling feeling alive and urgent. He moves from that whisper to the full belt so quickly and effortlessly. Mesmerizing. Two people driving north, hoping for better days. The scene ends quickly, letting the guitar open up a bit more. A mountain is said in his silence, you can feel the thoughts and feelings swirling inside. It’s one of the things that drew me to the song initially - a bold structure, a song that dares to find a new shape.

The second verse… the second verse!!!! You don’t care how you treat me any more / I tried being sweet / I bit my cheek / tried everything, tried everything!

It’s painful, honest, and tugs on those damn heart strings. The moment building fast to this explosion, softly catching itself on the other side, this tender but devastating Last night I dreamed that you touched me. These two people drifting so far away, the love is only available in dreamland. Stockman reaches out for the sweetness, remembering a happier time. The guitar appearing like a friend to catch him and his emotions, giving him something to lean on, to keep moving forward.

In this live version, you hear that ghostly, airy, flute of a synth that fills the song out so well. Having heard the final song, which you’ll love, complete with layers of guitars, drums that go truly crazy, I wondered how Stockman would approach a live version. And this synth adds such a haunting and heartbreaking sound, it’s amazing.

We hit 1:40, another verse starting to spill out in front of us. But just two lines manage to get through, Stockman feeling foolish and there’s nothing else to say. It’s exciting to feel Kyle lean into the music instead, expressing every feeling in full within these repeated riffs and progressions. And it’s got me leaning in too, hoping the track will catch me. And boy does it ever. Finding strength again, this time in acceptance, realizing that he did all he could - I was sweet / you will turn me / and baby you spread me out so thin that it makes no difference when you hurt me now. </3 oof! Again, nothing else to say, riding this guitar all the way home.

I love the version that’ll drop tonight (I wasn’t kidding, you HAVE to presave!!! Please!!!), Stockman is a wild producer and brings so many gorgeous elements to the song. The drums, vocal stacks, this warm bass used perfectly, some slide guitar, and even ending on a perfect moment as he reveals more and more of the foundation. But here in this live version, I’m really charmed. It feels so personal, this intimate song being sung to us directly, these feelings that needed to come out shared so plainly. It’s a special one.

Can’t wait for y’all to hear the final tune, I really think you’ll freak.

And a big thanks to Kyle for trusting me with this one!! I’m so excited about the music he’s making and cannot wait to play this song WAY too much <3

I hope you enjoyed this new format! I’ve been thinking about doing premieres or something like this for a while and was so excited to put this one together. Let me know what you thought - of the song and the premiere style post - I’d love to do more of these if you’re into it :)

Be sweet,

Max