Sophie Coran and Bria Lee's “i’m here but i’m not here” Is the Smooth R&B Anthem for the Distracted Soul

We’ve all been there—physically in a moment, but mentally, we’re somewhere else entirely, tangled in the echoes of the past. Sophie Coran’s latest single, “i’m here but i’m not here”, perfectly captures that feeling of being caught between two worlds: the present, where you’re supposed to be, and the past, which still has a way of influencing your every move. Featuring the silky vocals of Bria Lee, this smooth R&B track blends soul, vulnerability, and a touch of experimental energy to create a song that hits deep on an emotional level.

If you're familiar with Sophie Coran’s work, especially her noir & b sound that shines through on her 2021 album S P A C E, you’ll recognize the honesty and rawness she brings to every track. With “i’m here but i’m not here”, Coran is back at it again—writing and producing a piece of music that feels like a personal confessional wrapped in lush melodies and atmospheric beats. This time, however, she adds a bit of an experimental twist that makes the track feel like a sonic journey, as though it’s shifting and moving with the ebb and flow of her thoughts and emotions.

The song explores that all-too-familiar experience of pretending you’re okay when, in reality, your mind is consumed by past experiences that continue to cast a shadow over your present-day feelings. The lyrics speak to the quiet desperation of wanting to be fully present but struggling to escape the ghosts of the past. Sophie Coran’s voice delivers this emotion with understated power, like she’s speaking a truth that’s too heavy to say out loud—yet it’s there, on full display in every note. It's the kind of song that feels like a conversation with yourself, when you’re trying to convince the world you’ve got it together, while inwardly, you’re anywhere but here.

But what makes “i’m here but i’m not here” even more captivating is the collaborative magic between Coran and Bria Lee. Lee’s voice complements Coran’s perfectly, adding an extra layer of soul to the track. There’s a seamless balance between the two vocalists, each adding their own flavor to the song while never overshadowing the other. Their voices weave in and out of each other like a soft embrace, making this track feel like a slow burn—smooth, but with an underlying intensity.

The experimental energy of the track comes through in its production, which strays just a little bit from the classic R&B formula. It’s subtle, but you can feel the tension in the music—tiny shifts in tempo, unexpected instrumental choices, and atmospheric textures that make the song feel like it’s in constant motion. The result is a track that doesn’t just sound good—it feels like it’s telling a story with every note. It’s the sound of being trapped in your own head, trying to move forward but constantly pulled back by the weight of unresolved feelings.

Sophie Coran has built a career on crafting songs that make you feel something—whether it’s heartbreak, longing, or nostalgia—and “i’m here but i’m not here” is no exception. With her classical training and ability to mix symphonic elements with pop sensibilities, Coran has a way of transforming her emotions into music that feels cinematic in scope. It’s no wonder she’s been named an NPR Slingshot Artist to Watch and has earned accolades from the likes of EARMILK and Ones to Watch. Her music continues to draw listeners in, and this track is just another example of why she’s become one of the most exciting voices in alternative R&B.

Whether you’re reliving old memories or trying to escape them, “i’m here but i’m not here” is the kind of song that makes you feel seen. It’s a raw, introspective track that takes you on an emotional journey, all while keeping you grounded in its smooth rhythms and experimental vibe. Sophie Coran and Bria Lee have created something that speaks to the heart of anyone who’s ever felt disconnected, making this track an anthem for those of us trying to stay present while carrying the weight of the past.

So, hit play, let the melodies wash over you, and remember—sometimes it’s okay to not be completely here.

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