Electrifying, nostalgic, and dance-floor ready—that’s “Trauma,” the latest single from Ryal, the alt synth-pop duo composed of Jacque Ryal and Aaron Nevezie. Known for pushing sonic boundaries, Ryal continues to redefine what modern synth-pop can be.
“Trauma” is a pulsating track about breaking free from a toxic friendship in a world flooded with shallow self-help slogans and Instagram therapists. With raw lyrics that strike a chord in today’s social media age, calling out performative wellness and self-proclaimed online gurus who reduce real emotional struggles to trendy buzzwords.
All I wanna
Escape from all of your damn lies
I’m in this trauma
I just wanna
Feel safe without you in my life
“This song is about escaping a friendship gone south,” says Jacque Ryal, the band’s lead singer and songwriter. “When someone drowns in their own self-importance and starts manipulating those around them, it’s time to cut the cord.”
“Trauma” follows the release of Skyscraper (Remix)—a high-energy dance track that, along with the original version, has already racked up over 120,000 streams on Spotify.
Ryal has steadily built a sound that bridges retro and futuristic—fusing lush synths, introspective lyrics, and an unmistakably 80s sonic aesthetic. Jacque Ryal’s voice balances sweetness and strength, while Aaron Nevezie’s production expertise brings texture and depth. The result is a chemistry that’s not just heard but felt.
In “Trauma,” you’ll catch echoes of Robyn, Depeche Mode, and Chromatics—but there’s something unmistakably Ryal about it. Their deep musical knowledge and artistic instinct shine through, making each track an innovative, personal experience.
What makes “Trauma” truly stand out is its duality—a heart-wrenching message wrapped in a beat that makes you want to dance. It’s a song that invites you to move while quietly guiding you toward emotional reflection.
At its core, “Trauma” embodies Ryal’s mission: to bring synth-pop into 2025—and they’re not alone. Alongside a wave of like-minded indie artists, Ryal is proving that nostalgia, when paired with artistry and intention, can be a powerful tool for connection and change.
Photos Briana Balducci
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