Music has the power to entertain, but the best songs do more than just sound good—they make you think. Michael Vettraino, the Louisville-based artist redefining the boundaries of genre, has crafted exactly that with his latest single, “Chasing the Sub Lime,” released on February 20, 2025. A fusion of synth-pop, indie groove, and jazz-influenced instrumentation, the track is both an auditory adventure and a social commentary, urging listeners to step outside their comfort zones and engage with the complexities of modern life.
Right from the first note, Chasing the Sub Lime feels like a fever dream of sound and thought, pulling from an eclectic mix of influences that stretch from the silky smooth jazz guitar work of Wes Montgomery to the futuristic pop sensibilities of L’Impératrice, Mk.Gee, and Jean Dawson. The result? A song that glows with warmth and nostalgia while pushing the boundaries of contemporary sound design.
Vettraino‘s production is lush and immersive, layering hypnotic synths, intricate bass lines, and a groove-heavy rhythm section that makes the track feel effortlessly dynamic. But while the music itself feels almost euphoric, the message beneath it demands deeper attention.
Lyrically, Chasing the Sub Lime is a call to self-reflection and social awareness. Vettraino doesn’t just observe modern culture—he dissects it. The song explores themes of consumerism, misinformation, and the tension between personal happiness and systemic challenges, urging listeners to take a step back and question the structures that shape their daily lives. This duality—vibrant, danceable music juxtaposed with weighty introspection—makes for a song that feels both urgent and timeless.
But perhaps the most striking aspect of Chasing the Sub Lime is how it refuses to be just a song—it’s an experience. The accompanying music video amplifies the track’s themes, offering a visually rich and politically charged narrative that confronts some of the most pressing issues of our time. Through striking imagery, Vettraino touches on money in politics, the opioid epidemic, and the whitewashing of history, presenting a surreal yet uncomfortably realistic reflection of the world we live in. It’s an artistic statement that forces engagement—there’s no passive listening here.
Yet, for all its weighty themes, Chasing the Sub Lime never feels preachy or heavy-handed. Instead, it invites listeners into its world through movement—through the kind of grooves that demand to be danced to, even as the lyrics plant seeds of contemplation.
This ability to balance thought-provoking lyricism with infectious, genre-blurring instrumentation is what makes Michael Vettraino a standout artist in today’s landscape. He’s not afraid to challenge expectations, blending past and present into a sound that feels as familiar as it is groundbreaking.
In a time of political uncertainty and cultural saturation, Chasing the Sub Lime is a breath of fresh air—a track that proves music can spark dialogue while still being deeply enjoyable. Vettraino’s message is clear: Don’t just consume—question. Don’t just exist—engage.
And with this release, one thing is undeniable: Michael Vettraino isn’t just chasing the sub lime—he’s creating something truly sublime.
