MULAHBAE - HATE TO HATE ME

On Rotation: HATE TO HATE ME by MULAHBAE

Mulahbae, a rising Lebanese dark-pop artist, released their latest single, "Hate to Hate Me.” Co-created with Austin Weller and Jad Kas, the track was recorded and produced in BOOMBOX Beirut, with additional contributions from Lyra's home studio. Lyra’s description of the song as “the ending scene in a movie where the car crashes into the water and the bridge burns down” is an apt metaphor. Notably, the track uses its instrumental and vocal elements to embody the chaos and push-pull tension of a toxic, on-again, off-again relationship.

Lyra's lyrics cut to the bone, focusing on love, self-worth, and the emotional contradictions. Lines like "When you shame me for being who I wanna be, If you know me it doesn't mean you own me" serve as a cry for individuality, while others reveal the vulnerability behind the bravado: "Feels like my self-worth has almost hit the ground." These lyrics capture the balance between chaos and independence. Comparisons to dark pop icons like Nessa Barrett are inevitable, particularly with the noted influence of Barrett’s album “AFTERCARE” evident in the production.

The production of "Hate to Hate Me" mirrors its lyrical themes of tension and release. The song features innovative techniques, such as sudden distortions, metallic and "boxy" vocal effects, and dramatic shifts in vocal proximity. These effects mimic the emotional tug-of-war central to the narrative. Lyra’s insistence on precise creative control, down to adding seven vocal harmonies and manipulating pitch at the outro, results in a layered, immersive listening experience. This attention to detail elevates the track, making it a standout example of dark pop's capacity to mix storytelling with sonic experimentation.

While the track’s inspiration draws from Barrett’s haunting Pins and Needles and Babydoll, Lyra carves out their own space. The song’s success, already earning spots on major playlists like Anghami's "Fresh Pop Discovery" and "Dark Pop", underscores its rising popularity. Like other dark pop icons, Lyra transforms pain into art. With "Hate to Hate Me," they show they are a powerful voice in the genre, setting the stage for the release of their album Mythomania in 2025.