Etoile’s, Selenophile, is a mystical, genre-defying track that explores the power of self-acceptance through the metaphor of werewolf transformation. With each full moon, the protagonist embraces her “wild and dark” traits rather than resisting them, transforming what could be perceived as freakish into the very source of her strength. The song, taken from the B-side of Etoile’s concept album, LOUVE, is a celebration of inner empowerment—a vivid, moonlit anthem of liberation.
Recorded and produced in Etoile’s home studio just outside of London, Selenophile, weaves an intricate sonic landscape that pulls from her history as a circus performer. The use of playful, circusy elements like the xylophone and big top organ lend a whimsical and slightly eerie atmosphere to the track, echoing the magical, unpredictable nature of the full moon’s pull. These components are balanced by husky vocal harmonies and a rich blend of synths, crafting an entrancing, dreamlike quality. The song feels like a potion: intoxicating, layered, and cinematic.
Etoile’s voice is at the heart of the experience, simultaneously smoky and soulful, guiding listeners through the transformation narrative. The hushed yet commanding delivery mirrors the duality of the werewolf metaphor, conveying both ferocity and control. The production, too, is meticulous; the lush synth arrangements create a hypnotic rhythm, making the listener feel enveloped by the moon’s transformative powers. At moments, the track borders on funky, with subtle grooves peeking through the otherworldly haze, giving the song a sensual, urban twist.
Lyrically, Etoile’s fascination with obscure language shines, infusing, Selenophile, with a sense of the mystical and arcane. Her songwriting delves into the internal conflict of accepting the parts of ourselves that society often teaches us to hide, with the moon serving as a symbol of empowerment. The transformation from human to werewolf reflects the ultimate realization that true fulfilment comes from embracing one’s authentic self—flaws, shadows, and all.
As the second single from the B-side of her, LOUVE, album, Selenophile, continues the she-wolf narrative, preparing fans for what promises to be an adventurous and deeply personal exploration of womanhood and wildness. With her next album project slated for 2025, focusing on obscure language, Etoile is carving out a unique path that blends linguistic exploration with genre-blurring, cinematic soundscapes.
This track is not just a piece of music—it’s an experience, a night journey under the full moon, led by a master of both sonic and emotional transformation. Whether you’re drawn in by the rich storytelling or the enchanting, almost alchemical production, Selenophile, is a testament to the beauty of embracing one’s wild, untamed side.
