Vera Mist – “Poolside” ft. Broken Spear

NYC-based pop artist Vera Mist has just released “Poolside”, the second single created in collaboration with Broken Spear, the music recording arm of Charleston gender-fluid creative Seb Choe’s multi-faceted platform. According to Seb’s recent post on Instagram, this song was written when Seb and Vera were living together in Hawaii. It follows the release of “Grayzone” earlier this month, and is Seb’s first time contributing vocals as Broken Spear.

“Poolside” starts out innocently enough, with atmospheric synth and vocals, and nothing but snaps in the rhythm section. But the first chorus introduces a well-timed bass drop that transforms the tune into a certified banger, and the lyrics are simple and catchy enough to grab you just as much as the beat: “Sippin’ Chandon by the poolside / kick it with you but I’m too shy”. I’m picturing a rainbow pool party with disco lights and mid-tier champagne spraying everywhere, and that’s exactly where I want to be right now.

In addition to producing bangers such as “Poolside”, Seb is also involved in a number of other creative and activism projects, including the Charleston-based femme, trans, nonbinary DJ & electronic music collective, Rave Salon. The collective was founded in 2019 and focuses on creating opportunities and spaces for the LGBTQ+ community to thrive in Charleston. Rave Salon hosted several events in 2019 and early 2020, but naturally the pandemic has put a halt on most things having to do with fun and friends this year. Artists on the Rave Salon roster include Audrey, Auntie Ayi, Broken Spear, DJ Dijon, DJ Floret, DJ Sola, and Niecy Blues.

In the activism sphere, Seb is prominently involved with the Charleston-based Friends of Gadsden Creek, which opposes the proposed plan to fill Gadsden Creek, located near Brittlebank Park and standing as the last tidal creek that remains in downtown Charleston. The plan to fill the creek was put forth by housing developers WestEdge, who want to build luxury housing in the area. The plan will not only have a negative environmental impact on the area, which is already prone to serious flooding, but it will also continue the city’s historic disrespect and disenfranchisement of the African American community. Learn more about the issue with the Gadsden Creek development plan here.

Listen to “Poolside” by Vera Mist and Broken Spear below.