For someone who’s been in the limelight her whole life, it’s truly beautiful to witness WILLOW blossom in her identity and be her freest self. Her creative spirit shines through on empathogen , a work that expresses the most current and authentic version of her artistry. I’ve always loved the way WILLOW can sing with a sense of urgency, able to morph into the real-life personification of anxiety itself. “the fear is not real” is a perfect example of this on the album, embodying the very real emotions of paranoia and self-doubt, as well as the feeling of what it’s like to have nonstop voices fighting in your head. WILLOW’s spiritual release and expression on empathogen is cathartic even for listeners - and if you haven’t experienced it yet for yourself, it’s never too late.