Remi Wolf’s “Cinderella” is a vibrant single from her upcoming album Big Ideas, set to release on July 12 via Island Records. The song, recorded at Electric Lady Studios at the beginning of 2023, draws from vintage funk and disco influences, perfectly aligning with Wolf’s unique style. Wolf collaborated with Solomonophonic initially, and later enhanced the track with horn sections to complete its rich, dynamic sound.
The lyrics of “Cinderella” are described as a “lyrical collage” by Wolf herself, reflecting on the myriad emotions and challenges she faced while working on her album. These included feelings of insecurity, mood swings, and the search for stability amidst constant travel and change. Through this song, Wolf channels her own fairy godmother, empowering herself to take control and find balance. She aimed to blend ’70s nostalgia with contemporary sounds, creating a track that encourages listeners to dance and feel uplifted.
“Cinderella” explores concepts of self-identity, empowerment, and resisting conformity. The song uses the transformation of Cinderella as a metaphor for personal growth and freedom of expression, contrasting fairy-tale imagery with the realities of modern life, such as the struggle for recognition and authenticity.
The stunning music video for “Cinderella” adds a visual layer to the song’s themes, featuring Wolf performing funky dance moves in a park accompanied by a brass ensemble, with a humorous cameo by Mac DeMarco as a subpar ice cream vendor. The video, co-directed by Wolf and Ragan Henderson, underscores the song’s playful yet reflective tone.
“Cinderella” stands out as an anthem for embracing one’s true self, navigating the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with life’s ups and downs, and celebrating individuality against the backdrop of societal expectations.