Exclaim!'s Staff Picks: corook and Olivia Barton's "if i were a fish" Finds Depth in the Twee

BY Allie GregoryPublished May 5, 2023

Even if you're not a TikTok user, you probably already can't avoid corook (a.k.a. Corinne Savage) and their (former Exclaim! Staff Pick) partner Olivia Barton's super catchy new single "if i were a fish" after its viral spread over the last few weeks.

The story goes that the couple wrote the song in 10 minutes to cheer Savage up after a bad day, posting it online where it immediately garnered duets, stitches and millions of views from fans endeared by heartwarming lyrics about catching a heavy, shimmering, rare fish, and not being mean to people on the internet.

While its initial 50-second clip bordered on too-cute, the subsequently released full recording adds depth in its ensuing verses, switching up its imagery to skipping rocks that are the "perfect shape" and coupled-up socks, spreading a subtle message of queer love and acceptance. Both artists have been enjoying the sudden acclaim, with Barton supporting Lizzy McAlpine on tour through mid-month, and corook booking their first-ever headlining gigs in L.A. and New York City. 


(Atlantic)

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