Rising singer-songwriter Daniel Arison has released his poignant new single, “i used to say”, accompanied by an evocative music video that dives deep into themes of heartbreak, regret, and the bittersweet acceptance of letting go. The track marks a powerful new chapter for the independent artist, whose ability to turn raw emotion into melodic storytelling continues to set him apart in the pop and alt-pop landscape. This acts as the follow-up to the acoustic version of his song “Selfish”, the original of which also saw him collaborate with Leah Kate when it was released as an official remix single.
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Through “i used to say,” Daniel Arison explores the aftermath of a love story that never found its fairytale ending. Opening with haunting honesty, the track reflects on promises made but never kept, revisiting memories of what once felt destined to last. His soulful vocals glide over a delicate production of atmospheric melodies and guitar rhythms, gradually building to a chorus that lays bare the pain of moving on from something that once felt eternal.
Co-written by Daniel Arison alongside Nicki Adamsson and Sayak Das, with Adamsson acting as producer, the song captures his signature vulnerability, weaving vivid imagery and heartfelt confessions into every lyric. The pre-chorus offers a glimpse of the spiritual connection he once felt, with lines that blur the boundary between love and loss, before the chorus delivers the song’s emotional centrepiece: an admission that love alone can’t always conquer the passage of time.
The accompanying music video, directed by Nicholas Lam with Doug Porter as cinematographer, follows Daniel Arison as he performs the song while moving through his home, reflecting on a past relationship. It opens with his on-screen love interest placing a vinyl record on the turntable and inviting him to slow dance—a tender memory intercut with present-day scenes of Arison alone, singing to the camera as he makes his way from room to room. The visual narrative shifts between timelines, contrasting the hazy warmth of the past with the clarity of the present, before concluding with Arison stepping out through the front door, symbolically leaving those memories behind.
This visual storytelling beautifully mirrors the emotional core of “i used to say”, a song rooted in reflection, regret, and release. The contrast between the two timeframes deepens the sense of longing and closure that runs throughout the track, creating a powerful balance between heartbreak and healing that lingers long after the final note. The second verse, in particular, resonates even more strongly when paired with the music video, as the present-day visuals show Daniel Arison walking into the same room where the past scenes are set. This moment adds a new layer of emotional depth, with Arison’s acting skills shining through as he reflects on the memory of that intimate slow dance.
Following his collaboration with Leah Kate on “Selfish”, which has already attracted more than a million streams and views, Daniel Arison continues to build on his growing success with “i used to say”. His catalogue now exceeds 2.5 million Spotify streams, a testament to how his blend of honesty, vulnerability, and melodic storytelling continues to resonate with listeners around the world. As an independent artist, Arison is steadily proving that authenticity can still cut through the noise, connecting deeply with audiences who value emotion over perfection.
“i used to say” is more than just a heartbreak anthem; it’s a deeply personal reflection that many listeners will find themselves in. For Daniel Arison, the track serves as both closure and connection, capturing the universal struggle of coming to terms with what could have been.
Having grown up surrounded by creativity, Daniel Arison’s artistry stems from a lifelong passion for music and storytelling. His background in acting and his talent for multiple instruments have helped shape his multifaceted approach to songwriting, allowing him to blend emotion and introspection with cinematic precision.
As Daniel Arison continues to prepare for his upcoming debut album release, “i used to say” stands as a reminder of what makes his work so compelling—an unfiltered honesty that turns personal heartbreak into shared healing.
“i used to say”, by Daniel Arison, is available to download and stream, right now, across all platforms, via Bal Bay Records and Create Music Group. Look out for his forthcoming debut studio album release; it’s bound to become one of our favourite music collections if this single is anything to go by.
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