West Chester’s alt-funk rockers Flavor Wave have kicked off 2025 with their dynamic new single, Motivation, a high-energy anthem that speaks to the battles of self-doubt and the determination to rise above. Recorded at Little Brother Audio in West Philadelphia and masterfully produced by Tyler Ripley, this track bursts with vibrant instrumentation, raw emotion, and a powerful message about taking charge of one’s life.
At the heart of the song is the interplay between vocalists Josh Speaker and Kyle Loedel, whose back-and-forth delivery gives the track an invigorating edge. Singer and drummer Josh Speaker shared how the song emerged from a period of personal creative stagnation:
“I wrote this when I was in a real creative pit. I wasn’t where I wanted to be in life, and I could feel myself getting complacent. Change was happening, and I was afraid of it. But I realized that the only way to make things better was to get up and make the change myself. One day, I had a random burst of creativity and finally put words to this song.”
This burst of inspiration led to what Speaker describes as his first lyrical venture beyond romance and heartbreak, resulting in a track that resonates with listeners on a universal level.
Singer Kyle Loedel echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the duality of self-motivation and external encouragement. “I feel like the way Josh and I bounce off each other in the verses shows that while others can believe and motivate you, you have to first believe in yourself.”
The song’s funky, infectious groove is a testament to Flavor Wave‘s tight-knit musicianship. Rhythm guitarist Patrick Blair highlights the track’s uplifting spirit:
“I’ve always felt that the song is about self-motivation and not being afraid to change yourself for the better, even though it takes effort and time. It’s inspiring, and I think listeners can take something positive away from it.”
Bassist Noah Montgomery underscores the track’s relatable theme. “To me, this song is about getting yourself out of a rut where you keep getting stuck on the same things over and over.”
The instrumental energy kicks off with a bold, funky guitar riff that immediately hooks the listener. Lead guitarist Matthew Stretch recalls how this defining moment came together during recording:
“The guitar riff was the first thing that came to fruition when we were jamming. It was important to me that we keep it and make it feel full in a recording setting. Live, it worked well, but it lacked something in the studio. Once we added an envelope filter, it felt perfect.”
With its infectious rhythm and poignant lyrics, Motivation is the perfect anthem to charge into the new year. Flavor Wave‘s passion and authenticity shine through every beat, reminding listeners that change begins with a single spark of self-belief.
As the band looks ahead to 2025, they’re ready to embrace every challenge and celebrate their evolution. With Motivation, they’ve delivered a powerful reminder that growth and transformation are worth the hustle—and it’s a message that will resonate far and wide.
