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“Commodity” is the new laid back, but soulful song from Duel Native. Nestling itself into the listener with a wistful blend of folk and roots rock – “Commodity” pitter patters along a forward path. The rhythm is simple, but poignant enough to feel energized. Duel Native, the moniker of Stephen Choi, elevates the sound with a sweet tenor. His melody is endearing and interesting. Coupled with the song is a fun, vibrant music video that reveals just as many layers and colors as the song itself. What unfolds for the listener, and in the case of the viewer, is an experience that easily connects on several artistic levels.
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/duel.native/
Duel Native lives and works in the ‘stolen Aboriginal lands’ of the Kulin Nation in Australia. In the music video, the warm guitar arrangement in “Commodity” is perfectly paired with the city’s colorful shops and streets. You get an immediate feel from the song and the music video that the vibe is laid back, and philosophical. Duel Native sings as if he were observing it all, and he’s inwardly expressing his emotions. His voice is captivating, albeit modest. He’s friendly sounding and I found myself humming along to his charm.
As the song continues, you can almost touch the bridgework and scaffolding he’s created. The layers, like onion peels, come off and reveal different sweet, honest sounds. I found the music video to be a wonderful representation of the curiosity and the viewpoints of the wonders all around us. In the lyrics, I gleaned that this track is about how some people bull and sell our emotions – just like commodities. I had to wonder if this is truer with younger generations and their fascinations with social media influencers. Are we missing out on the real point of life, the true connection if all we think of ourselves is that of being brands? Duel Native, who took the name to reflect his half Trinidadian and half Hong Kongese background, is philosophical about it all. In a world with so much at our fingertips and all that we take for granted, we must not take each other for granted, he seems to silently whisper into the listener’s ear.
In the first few moments of the music video, Duel Native goes to pour milk into his morning bowl of oatmeal. The look on his face said it all to me – the disappointment and discouraged look that we get when we’re annoyed. It’s like really – we’ve all been there. If we just stop and smell the roses and really see the beauty in all of it, we shouldn’t be so put out. Frankly, that’s where the saying ‘don’t cry over spilled milk’ probably comes from. Lesson learned. It’s also good to know that the future of indie music is in great hands with Duel Native. I like his pallet, and his vibe. “Commodity” had me curious about more of his music, and I’m anxious to see what’s next for him in the coming months. He’s a charismatic singer and wordsmith. High praise indeed for “Commodity”.
by Kim Sullenberger
