TiGER’s New Single ‘Corset Me Free’ — A Soulful Exploration of Friendship and Vulnerability

Emerging from the vibrant music scene of Auckland, New Zealand, TiGER is an R&B, Soul, and Jazz artist whose sound is deeply rooted in the legacy of sultry sirens like Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughan, and Nina Simone. Blending nostalgia with contemporary sensibilities, TiGER crafts music that resonates with emotional depth and timeless style. Their latest single, ‘Corset Me Free’, is a poignant and personal reflection on the complex dynamics of male friendships, both gay and straight.

Written in a moment of raw vulnerability on a floor mattress during the throes of a hangover, ‘Corset Me Free’ is essentially a love letter to friendships often defined by unspoken expectations and imbalance. The track delves into the power struggles and emotional distance that can characterise these relationships, blending a nostalgic intensity with an honest and sensual delivery.

TiGER explains, “Left out in the sun for too long that’s how I felt writing this song. I’m just a person with needs and desires like anyone. As a human being, there’s generally always an inherent need to feel accepted, and we often turn a blind eye to those we care about when they treat us incorrectly in exchange for what we think is acceptance.”

The song confronts the uncomfortable truths about the inequities in how bodies and boundaries are treated within friendships. TiGER observes, “There is a double standard when it comes to what a straight man feels they can do to a gay body, versus what a gay man can do to a straight body. This song is about that inequity, the way we see our bodies, and the way our bodies sometimes shape the way we see ourselves.”

Produced in collaboration with Bray Jeffrey and expertly mixed and mastered by Rāwiri Waters, ‘Corset Me Free’ unfolds over atmospheric R&B soundscapes that complement TiGER’s soul-stirring vocal delivery. The poignant lyricism and rich instrumentation make the track a compelling listen, especially for anyone who has felt misunderstood or sidelined in friendships they hold dear.

TiGER’s ‘Corset Me Free’ is not only a musical expression but also an invitation to reflect on the intricacies of human connection, vulnerability, and the yearning to be truly seen and accepted.