In his new single “Defenceless,” UK singer/songwriter Cormac steps away from expectations, finding his voice in a vulnerable, honest pop sound that reflects the uncertainty and strength of forging your own path.

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Stream: “Defenceless” – Cormac

Cormac Thompson is rewriting his own story in real time.

With his latest single “Defenceless,” the Lancashire, UK based singer/songwriter steps into his own lane, deciding to take the reins on his music. His catchy, contemporary pop sound, accompanied by lyrics that talk about his own experiences, results in something that feels like he’s finally landed in a space that matches where he’s actually at in his life. This is especially evident in “Defenceless,” where the 16-year-old captures the headspace of being a teenage boy who doesn’t quite know where he fits yet. His lyrics circle around self-doubt, fear, and that constant feeling of being on the edge. This never-ending cycle of wanting to be ‘ok’ and wanting to be strong, but not really knowing how to get there, emphasizes the sense of being stuck in your own thoughts. It’s vulnerable and raw, and also completely relatable.

I′m not alone, but I always feel it
I hide myself cos’ I′m scared of feeling
What I’m really thinking
I feel defeated
I start to feel like I wanna be here
To see the scars when I look in the mirror
Even though I’m waiting for a moment
Now I′m caught in a storm tonight

Can I be alright just a second,
just a moment, just a day
It′s not a lie when I’m turning fire to ice
‘Cause I’m defenseless, I′m just a wreck, yeah
Waiting to rise, it’s on my mind
Every second, every moment of every day
I′m on the line, but I’m always terrified
‘Cause I′m defenseless, I′m just a wreck yeah
Lost in the tide…

Independently released January 16, “Defenceless” is led by gentle acoustic guitar, subtle atmospheric touches, and a delicate vocal that feels open and honest. Co-written with Henry Maybury and producer Jon Cohen, the production stays deliberately understated, keeping the focus on the vocal and the lyrics.

“‘Defenceless’ is a pop song about being a teenager and feeling exposed while you’re still figuring out who you are,” the artist shared upon the song’s release. “There’s a lot of pressure to appear confident, strong and in control – even when you don’t feel any of those things yet. This song comes from being in that space: unsure, exposed, but still moving forward.”

Cormac’s story didn’t start with “Defenceless,” but the single marks a moment where he stopped following a path others assumed for him and started trusting his own instincts.

Having previously been known for classical crossover songs, as well as covers, he signed a one-album deal with Decca when he was just 11 years old, and by 12 he was releasing music independently. With that came expectations that he’d stay in a classical lane, but as he grew up, he felt this just didn’t fit anymore. Now with the release of “Defenceless,” it’s fair to say that Cormac’s huge shift is one that’s paying off.

it feels to me that I always say this
Stay or go should I really be here
Am I faking or just mistaken
When I’m caught in the storm tonight

Can I be alright just a second,
just a moment, just a day
It′s not a lie when I’m turning fire to ice
‘Cause I’m defenseless, I′m just a wreck yeah
Waiting to rise, it’s on my mind
Every second, every moment of every day
I’m on the line, but I′m always terrified
‘Cause I’m defenseless, I′m just a wreck yeah
Lost in the tide and I wanna fight
But I’m caught in the storm tonight

In life, plenty of us feel that pressure to follow a certain route because it’s what people expect, even when it doesn’t feel right. Often, when you decide to step away from that path, people might think you’re being reckless. But following your gut, even when it means starting over, is often the bravest thing you can do and that’s exactly what Cormac did with “Defenceless.”

It’s proof that following your own path, even when it’s risky, can lead to something real.

Could I be right just a second,
just a moment, just a day
It′s not a lie when I’m turning fire to ice
‘Cause I’m defenseless
I’m just a wreck, yeah
Waiting to rise

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Stream: “Defenceless” – Cormac

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