Her popular EP, The Rite of May, was released in March 2018 on NUXXE, a London-based label. Stand-alone single "Forever" was released in October 2019, with singles "SGSY", "Toyota" (featuring Flavien Berger) and "entertnmnt" (produced with Mura Masa) following it.
In July 2020, she announced her debut mixtape, Galore, due to be released in September 2020. A video for the lead single, "unearth me", directed by Parisian Kevin Elamrani Lince was shared upon announcement.
Working with computers, drum machines, synthesizers and found sounds, she makes music that has been described as "hazy R&B" by Pitchfork. She has previously released some of her self-released work on home-dubbed cassette tapes.
Mayniel grew up in the French countryside, then relocated to Paris and eventually moved to London, where she currently resides. In her Q&A with Dazed, she revealed that her biggest vocal inspirations are Frank Ocean, James Blake, Justin Bieber, SZA, the singer of Wu Lyf, Jhené Aiko, Drake and Palmistry.
She composed an original soundtrack for a computer game called Zone W/O People, created with Parisian artist Krampf, and performed it live with styling by Prada. She has also performed as a DJ as part of the Parisian all-female collective TGAF.
Fall
Oklou Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yet its friend has been here all along
I will fall, oh oh oh
Fall, oh oh oh
Like a howling beast into the night
Running away from its final fight
I will fall, oh
Fall, oh oh oh
Hold my hand, let's go
On a wild goose chase, where the bliss remains
Yes I've been waiting, waiting for this time
When all the seasons change
As the rain falls, ooh
Ooh
It's not a blessing and it's not a curse
But a whisper saying that I just
Need to fall, oh oh oh
Fall, oh oh oh
Hold my hand, let's go
On a wild goose chase, where the bliss remains
The first verse of Oklou's "Fall" begins with a metaphor expressing hesitation and vulnerability. The image of a dancing fawn on frozen land creates a sense of instability and fear of inevitable downfall. However, the second line of the verse reveals that the singer is not alone in their fear - their friend has also experienced this chill and struggles that come with the uncertain and unpredictable future. This juxtaposition creates a sense of reassurance and support.
The chorus "I will fall" is repeated twice. This repetition emphasizes the inevitability of the singer's downfall or struggle, but also reflects their acceptance of this fate. The second half of the chorus begins with a powerful metaphor - "Like a howling beast into the night, running away from its final fight." This line conveys a powerful sense of urgency and desperation.
The second verse of "Fall" brings a shift in tone. The previous metaphors of instability and fear are replaced with a sense of adventure and longing for change. The singer yearns to escape on a wild goose chase where the bliss remains. This shift in tone creates a sense of hope and determination in the face of inevitable struggles.
Overall, "Fall" by Oklou explores the complexities of human emotion and the struggles that come with uncertainty. The metaphors utilized throughout the song provide vivid images of fear, desperation, and hope. The final message of acknowledgement and acceptance of one's own struggles is both powerful and comforting.
Line by Line Meaning
Like a dancing fawn on frozen land
I feel unsteady and vulnerable, yet I try to move forward despite the difficult circumstances.
Yet its friend has been here all along
I realize that I have support from someone close to me, even if I couldn't see it before.
I will fall, oh oh oh
I am accepting that failure is possible, and that it's okay to stumble and fall sometimes.
Fall, oh oh oh
I am acknowledging that falling down is not the end, and that I have the strength to get back up again.
Like a howling beast into the night
I am full of intensity and emotion, and I'm not sure where it's all going to lead me.
Running away from its final fight
I am trying to avoid facing a difficult challenge, but I know that I can't escape it forever.
Hold my hand, let's go
I am asking for someone to accompany me on this journey, and I am hoping that we can support each other along the way.
On a wild goose chase, where the bliss remains
I am chasing after something that may be elusive, but I am certain that it will bring me happiness if I can find it.
Yes I've been waiting, waiting for this time
I have been preparing myself for this moment, even if I didn't know exactly what it would look like.
When all the seasons change
I am ready for a new chapter in my life, where things will be different than they were before.
As the rain falls, ooh
I am being washed clean of my past mistakes and doubts, and I am ready to move forward with a fresh perspective.
It's not a blessing and it's not a curse
I am trying to see the situation objectively, without putting a value judgment on it.
But a whisper saying that I just
I am being guided by an inner voice or intuition that is urging me to take a certain path.
Need to fall, oh oh oh
I am coming to terms with the fact that falling down is part of the process, and that it will ultimately lead me to where I need to be.
Fall, oh oh oh
I am embracing the idea of falling and getting back up again, knowing that each time I do so I am growing stronger.
Contributed by Eva R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@COLORSxSTUDIOS
Lyrics
like a dancing fawn on frozen land
yet its friend has been here all along
i will fall
like a howling beast into the night
running away from its final fight
i will fall
hold my hand let’s go on a wild goose chase where the bliss remains
yes i’ve been waiting, waiting for this time when all the seasons change
as the rain falls
It’s not a blessing and it’s not a curse
but a whisper saying that I just
need to fall
hold my hand let’s go on a wild goose chase where the bliss remains
@COLORSxSTUDIOS
Lyrics
like a dancing fawn on frozen land
yet its friend has been here all along
i will fall
like a howling beast into the night
running away from its final fight
i will fall
hold my hand let’s go on a wild goose chase where the bliss remains
yes i’ve been waiting, waiting for this time when all the seasons change
as the rain falls
It’s not a blessing and it’s not a curse
but a whisper saying that I just
need to fall
hold my hand let’s go on a wild goose chase where the bliss remains
@zilla227
I don't think Oklou ever realize how many lives she's saved by making this song.
@ilya8132
Such skill to keep the piano rhythm while singing!
@chocovanilla3305
their aren't so many musical instruments in this song, just her synth/piano and her voice but yet the music is full.. it's so simple yet so beautiful.. what i don't like about it is that it's 2 mins :< i can listen to her for an hour.. she's ethereal <3
@XxQueenChristinaxX
Simple productions are often the best.
@baldbeardedbassist
Good news - the album's out and it's amazing <3
@MikhailDaken
Her understanding of harmonic space is genius while her voice is an incredible instrument. Spectacular artistry. In awe.
@kymber1047
The sound makes me feel like I’m chilling on my porch but in 2060
@leroyMXII
so true!
@vaughnfit5709
Get out my head!