Popstars winner Christabel is taking charge. Not only is her latest single a story of confrontation with an abusive past, it's an independent release and sound that reflects the new-found power she has found in her artistry.
Ankle Deep is Christabel's first single since she took out the ground-breaking television show, one that emphasised artist development over drama and pageantry; and it fully justifies the accolades she received.
It's a strikingly mature sound and story that was first teased as part of Popstars and comes to us now fully formed, revealing a dark depth to its lyrics.
"Ankle deep was written about a time where I found myself stuck in a physically abusive relationship," Christabel says. "'If the water’s only ankle deep, why are we still drowning?' translates to 'If it’s so easy to walk away from the abuse, why couldn’t I?”
Beyond these lyrical reflections are calls of hope and freedom within the melody and music, leaving listeners sure that Christabel has emerged stronger for the experience.
Following on from the success of If You Ain't Looking, a number one on the Hot NZ Singles Chart, Ankle Deep is yet another impressive step towards an inevitable and highly anticipated album from this rising star.