Declan McKenna Is the Gift That Keeps Giving With "Champagne" and "That's Life"

Photo: Laura Jennings

Declan McKenna is free! After leaving his record deal and starting his path under his new label Miniature Ponies, the singer-songwriter who first captured our hearts with the breakout single "Brazil" continues to wow us with his latest work, "Champagne" and "That's Life." The two new singles, impressively released while he's spent most of the year touring, are vibrant psych-pop offerings that hint at the artist's penchant for exploration, leaving fans anticipating what's to come in this new era.

"Champagne" is a fun yet sophisticated effort lined with retro-inspired synths and glittering grooves. McKenna exclaims, "Not again! This is just wrong…" before the 25-year-old admits, "Of course, I didn't mean what I said; I just wanted them to laugh." McKenna reflects and resonates with listeners in a world where success increasingly seems to come from "relatable" social media imagery rather than the merit of releasing excellent music. The track then spirals into a starry, trance-like sequence where the indie-pop-rocker echoes, "You can't celebrate without Champagne…"

McKenna's second a-side, "That's Life," reveals his melancholic side, making the track an accepting yet unruffled piece when paired with cheery piano chords. He croons, "Before I turn you into Angel Delight / Mix it up and call it dessert." The cheeky metaphor equates life's disappointments to expecting a lovely cake for dessert and staring bleakly as something less appealing is put in front of you instead.

McKenna has also blessed fans with the release of a music video for "Champagne." The zany visual features the artist and company trying to survive a chaotic night in a classic American-style diner. Shenanigans ensue, resulting in McKenna slipping and tragically spilling an entire champagne chandelier.

As McKenna moves into his new, independent era, it sounds like he's going in prepared to face whatever challenge is thrown at him. He's currently running a tight schedule in the US as he embarks on his own tour and supports Sabrina Carpenter on eleven of her 'Short n' Sweet Tour' dates.

Listen to "Champagne" and "That's Life" below: