IOTA Discusses Negative Effects of Social Media in “Take It”
Words by Hannah Kozak
Hailing from Bristol, five-piece rock band IOTA releases a new, energic single titled “Take It.” Written/produced alongside Lee Kiernan (Idles) and Ben Johnson (Skindred, Chaouche), the song takes inspiration from shoegaze, early 2000s rock, and grunge.
Singer Jodie Robinson has a softer voice that juxtaposes the heavy inspirations behind the instrumentals. “Take It” details the negative feelings that sometimes come along with social media and media consumption. In a world where we are constantly exposed to media and highlight reels of people’s best moments on social media, it is difficult at times to not compare yourself to those on your screen. Robinson sings “I feel this holding onto me / Like there’s no fucking release / Oh and please just set me free,” showing how much she longs to escape this constant cycle of media consumption that seems to follow her everywhere. She later describes the difficulty in seeing others have so much fun online and have these experiences she longs for, singing “You see people having fun / The tyrants sleep with a loaded gun.”
When talking about the single, IOTA said the meaning behind the song applies to media, but it also applies to many other aspects of life like relationships, work, and more.
“‘Take It’ was inspired by the fight with yourself in a multitude of circumstances, work, relationships, socially and mentally,” began IOTA. “...The persistent reminder of how well everyone else is doing, social media controlling us and having a huge effect on us mentally. Constantly taking that push back and battling with your own mind as if it is a whole other person inside of you.”
IOTA formed in 2019 and has gone on to sell out hometown shows in Bristol and play festivals such as The Great Escape and 2000 Trees. Their critically acclaimed debut single, “My Enemy,” caught the attention of Kerrang!, Classic Rock Magazine, and many more. IOTA are still early on in their career, but they show they are only growing and going further with every release.
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