Reading Time: 2 min read

3.5 out of 5 stars

Martin Garrix & Troye Sivan, There For You © Epic AmsterdamRising DJ Martin Garrix and alt-pop sensation Troye Sivan collaborate on “There for You,” a pleasant, if ‘lite’ EDM single. 

Another year, another slew of electronic dance music singles, right? Right.  This time, 21-year old Dutch DJ Martin Garrix collaborates with 21-yeard old alt-pop standout, Troye Sivan.  The result? “There for You.” The record begins with a light synth that sort of floats on air with a warmth.  It’s somewhat predictable but provides the desired effect.  Sivan delivers the goods with clear vocals.  He retains the distinct sound that worked superbly on his critically-acclaimed debut, Blue Neighbourhood.

Sivan starts off with a bang, showcasing his emotion:

“I woke up pissed off today / and lately, everyone feels fake / Somewhere, I lost a piece of me / Smoking cigarettes on balconies”

On the pre-chorus, he begins to articulate the point of the song:

“But I can’t do this alone / Sometimes I just need a light / If I call you on the phone / Need you on the other side.”

The lyrics are sort of cheesy, but successful.  That cheesiness continues on the chorus:

“So, when your tears roll down your pillow like a river / I’ll be there for you / I’ll be there for you / When you’re screaming, but they only hear you whisper / I’ll be loud for you / But you gotta be there for me too.”

The bridge is a pro, specifically towards the end. Sivan sings, “Running, running, just to keep my hands on you…”

Final Thoughts 

As for the star, Martin Garrix, he provides nice, electro-, pop-oriented touches.  It’s nothing brand new or particularly groundbreaking, but successful.  Again, the lightness of the sound stands out. All in all, “There for You” is lite on the calories, but a pleasant dance cut courtesy of Garrix and Sivan.

Martin Garrix & Troye Sivan • There for You – single • Epic Amsterdam / Sony Netherlands • Release: 5.26.17
Photo Credit: Epic Amsterdam / Sony Netherlands

the musical hype

the musical hype (Brent Faulkner) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.