Released on May 9th, 2025, “Cigarette” by Katie Belle is a gentle yet jarring reminder of loves past. The song evokes a sense of nostalgia, like the musings of a faded diary. Katie’s voice is the first thing that stands out. Crisp and emotive, it wraps around each note with a certain vulnerability. The lyrics themselves are a tribute to past lovers. The kinds of loves that have likely fizzled out, but are constantly in the back of your mind. That lingering feeling of thinking about someone, even years down the line is what “Cigarette” touches on. It’s a soft-spoken and airy song that doesn’t demand your attention. It simply is, wispy and calm.

In terms of sound, Katie’s voice remains the star of the show. Fabio Campedelli’s production style is sparse, as to not take away from Katie’s vocals. There’s nothing to overcomplicate or add fluff to the song. Instead, the melody itself is simple and relaxed, with low-key percussion and smooth instruments to add where necessary. There’s a sense that Katie and Fabio are very much in sync with each other and their sound. The collaboration itself began in 2022 and since, with every single release, their dynamic is evidently more in tune than the last. “Cigarette” was recorded at Fabio’s Los Angeles-based studio, and mixed by Lukas Cuman and mastered by Sanjeeve Easwar, both in LA as well. This lends itself to a very modern but cozy sound, blending the singer-songwriter and indie pop worlds Katie exists in so gracefully.

The beauty of “Cigarette” is its raw and unadulterated truthfulness. It’s not manufactured and it doesn’t feel like she’s overproduced the sound. It’s a quiet admission, the type of song you play when you’re thinking of an ex, or when you haven’t thought of an ex in a while. Katie Belle is taking her place in the world of music not by being loud, but by being herself. 2025 is a big year for Katie Belle. From a packed tour schedule, an upcoming EP and shows like Virginia Highlands Porchfest, Katie Belle and her music are going places, so long as she continues making music from the heart.

Follow Katie Belle on Spotify, Sound Cloud, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok. Also Visit her Official Website