Listen to “Rise” by Bitter:Sweet
Today, Bitter:Sweet makes a poignant return with their latest single, “Rise,” an intimate and deeply personal track written by Shana Halligan in the final days before the passing of her father, GRAMMY-winning musician and Blood, Sweat & Tears founder Dick Halligan.
Reflecting on the song’s origins, Halligan shares, “I wrote it for my father shortly before he passed away. We were very close, but toward the end, he withdrew and hid his struggles from me, which was heartbreaking. He lost his identity without music and distanced himself at a time when I couldn’t reach him. I was traveling to Italy to see him but didn’t arrive in time, leaving our goodbye unfinished. I sent him this song as a way to connect.”
Beyond its deeply personal roots, “Rise” took on new meaning for Halligan as she witnessed the devastation of the Los Angeles wildfires, offering a universal message of resilience. “I hope that after all the heartbreaking devastation caused by the fires, the song can give people the strength to be the phoenix that will rise from the ashes.” The track’s dramatic effect is heightened by an orchestral string arrangement from longtime friend and System of a Down’s Serj Tankian.
For nearly two decades, Bitter:Sweet has masterfully blended bold beats with lush melodies, carving out a signature cosmopolitan fusion that has captivated fans worldwide. Their 2006 debut album, ‘The Mating Game,’ became a defining moment in trip-hop and electronic pop, with tracks like “Dirty Laundry” and “The Mating Game” dominating KCRW airwaves. Now, nearly 20 years later, the project—led by Halligan—ushers in a new chapter with the release of their upcoming album, ‘Baby Is Back’ (out April 25), featuring “Rise” and the previously released title track, “Baby Is Back.”
Drawing inspiration from Portishead’s cinematic drama, Gilberto Gil’s tropical rhythms, Morcheeba’s downtempo elegance, and Serge Gainsbourg’s lyrical sophistication, Bitter:Sweet continues to transcend genres with a sound that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking. With over 315 million streams across Spotify, Apple Music, and Pandora, their impact remains undeniable.
Beyond their own releases, Bitter:Sweet’s music has become a staple in film, television, and global brand campaigns, with placements in The Devil Wears Prada, Entourage, Desperate Housewives, and high-profile commercials for Victoria’s Secret, Coach, and Range Rover. Halligan’s distinctive voice and artistry have also led to collaborations with Thievery Corporation (“Depth of My Soul”), Nouvelle Vague, and now, Serj Tankian.
With ‘Baby Is Back’ on the horizon, Bitter:Sweet is poised to redefine their legacy once more, delivering an album that blends cinematic storytelling with the timeless allure that has made them one of electronic music’s most enduring acts.
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