Taking inspiration from the likes of Snail Mail, Lucy Dacus, and Mitski, Cosial charts the struggles of growing up in a small town and fighting to make yourself heard. Having spent the best part of her teen years quietly transforming inner monologues into indie-pop choruses, she’s developed a songwriting style which blends astute observation with a sprinkling of wit, all recorded without fanfare from the depths of a Hartlepool garage.
Her 2023 debut EP Sports teemed with the ruthless markers of adolescent life; from the acute jealousy of watching popular friends bask in attention, to superimposing a fake smile onto your face so your crush doesn’t see you cry. Choosing a playing field as the EP’s backdrop wasn’t a nod to victories or trophies, but to that feeling of always being picked last for the team. It was a record about being overlooked, and veering between feeling like a “psychopath” or “bridesmaid number two”.
Sports also pushed back against the teenage pressure to conform, reaching the healthy conclusion that “sometimes there’s power in not being chosen at all.” Latest single “In View” picks up this baton and runs with it; Cosial breaking away from the faceless crowd to forge her own path.
