In what might be one of this year’s most relatable collaborations, electronic music producer Brainheart and vocalist Michael Shynes released their latest single, “Living in My Headphones,” on January 10, 2025. Clocking in at just over three minutes, the track beautifully weaves together electronic dance music (EDM) elements with heartfelt pop sensibilities, striking a chord with listeners who understand what it means to find refuge in their playlists.
The song’s production bears all the hallmarks of Brainheart’s masterful touch, building layer upon carefully crafted layer of electronic textures. It’s a natural progression from his 2019 breakthrough single “Explore the World” – a track that didn’t just make waves but created a tsunami on social media, racking up millions of Spotify streams and becoming the soundtrack to well over a million Instagram reels. Not bad for an independent artist’s debut.
Enter Michael Shynes, whose voice could probably make a shopping list sound soulful. Known for effortlessly sliding between R&B, pop, and blues genres, Shynes brings raw authenticity to the collaboration. Behind his rugged, Midwest lumberjack appearance (complete with the requisite beard and plaid shirt), lies a storyteller whose musical journey took on new meaning after losing his father to pulmonary fibrosis when he was 25. “Watching my dad go through that, I realized time is the only thing that billionaires can’t buy any more of,” Shynes once shared during an intimate home studio interview.
‘Living In My Headphones’ by Brainheart and Michael Shynes
The track’s lyrics hit particularly close to home in our always-connected world, with lines like “Hiding from the pressure of a real-life” and “Crossing the bridge that goes over the river” resonating with anyone who’s ever used music as their personal escape hatch from reality. Brainheart’s production mirrors these emotional ebbs and flows, creating a sonic landscape that feels both vast and intensely personal.
For Brainheart (aka Roei Zoar), this release represents another milestone in a musical journey that began surprisingly early – at age four with classical piano lessons, of all things. Who could have guessed those early classical foundations would evolve into a production style that seemingly knows no bounds, effortlessly crossing between EDM, cinematic scores, acoustic arrangements, and pop productions?
“Living in My Headphones” now takes its place in Brainheart’s growing repertoire, alongside fan favorites like “I Finally Feel Alive,” “Dear Mother Nature,” and the stripped-down gem “Close to You – Acoustic.” Each release has helped build a loyal following that continues to grow with every new track.
The collaboration feels like a perfect storm of talent – Brainheart’s electronic wizardry meeting Shynes’ vocal prowess (which The Huffington Post praised for combining “R&B, pop and blues into awesomely immediate melodies, evocative lyrics and contagious rhythms”). The result is something that feels both timely and timeless.
Keep up with Brainheart’s latest releases and updates on Instagram and follow Michael Shynes’ journey on his Instagram, where he continues to share his authentic artistry with fans worldwide. Meanwhile, Shynes keeps crafting his distinctive sound from his home studio, tucked away in a small town about an hour outside Minneapolis, proving that sometimes the most universal messages come from the most unexpected places.
For many listeners, “Living in My Headphones” will likely become more than just another track in their playlist – it might just be the anthem they didn’t know they needed for those moments when the world feels a bit too loud and music becomes their only sanctuary.
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