Cape Town’s genre-defying alt-pop artist Mikhaela Faye is back with a fiery new single, “Gaslighter” — a bold, punk-inspired breakup anthem for anyone who’s ever been manipulated into believing they were the problem. Cathartic, catchy, and just the right amount of petty, the track marks a new high in her musical evolution.
“I dated a narcissist for almost two years of my life that I’ll never get back,” she says. “I’d tried writing about it before, but the songs always came out too angry. This one isn’t about them — it’s about the moment you realise you’re not the problem.”
Mikhaela Faye’s New Track is a Nostalgic Nod to Pop Punk Icons
Inspired by the early-2000s angst of Avril Lavigne, Blink-182, and Sum 41, “Gaslighter” fuses pop-punk attitude with hyperpop energy. The result is a defiant track about taking your power back and reclaiming your voice.
A Collaborative Spark With Josh Berry
Produced in collaboration with Josh Berry (honeymoan), “Gaslighter” was born from a creatively playful process. “I’d record a rough demo, Josh would add to it, then we’d workshop it together,” Mikhaela explains. “I even started making bold choices by pretending I was Josh — which he still thinks are mild!”
The production process saw Mikhaela letting go of her perfectionist habits, opting instead for bold experimentation that gave the track its punchy, rebellious spirit.
Lead Single From Upcoming EP “I’m Bored”
“Gaslighter” is the lead single from Mikhaela’s upcoming EP I’m Bored, which she describes as “hyperactive escapism.” While “Gaslighter” may be the most “traditional” song on the project, the rest of the EP is “fast, frenetic, and unfiltered” — with one track reportedly too fast to perform live.
“Instead of letting the internet overwhelm me, I decided to create the chaos myself,” she says of the EP’s concept.
From Lockdown Beginnings to Full-Time Producer
Since releasing her debut EP Not Now Later during lockdown, Mikhaela has transitioned into full-time production work — from commercials and functional music to melodic house and techno toplines. But Mikhaela Faye remains her creative outlet: passion-fuelled and free from commercial pressure.
“Back then, I was juggling teaching and session gigs. Now I produce full-time,” she says. “This project is where I get to follow the feeling — not the formula.”
A Growing Legacy of Fearless Collaboration
With collaborations including PHFat, Shimza, Majozi, and Moonga K, Mikhaela has earned a reputation for genre-blending innovation and emotional honesty. “I love working with artists who stretch me creatively. I don’t stick to one sound — I follow the feeling.”
And that feeling — of catharsis, control, and a little cheek — is exactly what “Gaslighter” delivers.
“Gaslighter” is available now on all major streaming platforms. Stream/download it HERE.
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