Breaking Down ButterflyTiger’s debut single: Love Me (Like You Do)

Vanessa Merrell and John Vaughn make their debut as musical duo, ButterflyTiger

“The musical collision of Vanessa Merrell and John Vaughn.”

This is how the duo describes themselves on Spotify, and it suggests notably creative music to come. For those that don’t know, Vanessa is one of the Merrell Twins — who work to “make people laugh and inspire others to never give up” [Merrell Twins on YouTube] through their videos some of which are original songs, covers, and music parodies. John is the lead vocalist and guitarist of PUBLIC THE BAND — a “pop-rock three-piece” [PUBLIC on YouTube] group that was formed in Cincinnati, Ohio after meeting in their high school jazz orchestra. Now, the two artists have come together as ButterflyTiger.

Without further ado, let’s break down their debut single Love Me (Like You Do):

You’re welcomed into a picturesque soundscape. For a brief moment, it feels like you travel back in time thanks to the production resembling a retro radio or vintage movie. As a sense of nostalgia starts to sink in, you’re brought back to modern day by gently lilting guitar chords.

Vanessa’s vocals are the first to come in, and she’s conversing through song. Soon after, John does the same. The catch? They’re not in the same place, but they’re having the same feelings [you can watch the whole story unfold in the official music video]. Their alternating lyrical dialogue gives the song a timeless feel, and the narrative they tell hooks you in. An example of this is when Vanessa sings, “Did you look at my picture? And did you fall in love?” John then sings, “I looked at your picture… and I fell in love.”

The chorus is the first time that the duo harmonizes, and their voices blend beautifully to create catchy and mellow melodies:

“You will never find someone

who will love you like I do oo oo 

and I will never find someone

who will love me like you do oo oo

oo oo

oo oo”

Later, the lilting of the guitar evolves into an electrifying solo that adds a rich texture to the song. Before the piece ends, the playful and familiar chords return along with more warm harmonies and a cappella vocals to close it off.

ButterflyTiger has surely made a delightful first impression with their debut single. I love the small instrumental details, especially the piano touches sprinkled in. I believe these two have an exciting musical story ahead, and I’m looking forward to it.

You can find ButterflyTiger on Spotify, YouTube, and other streaming platforms.