by kaylee pickens
In 2022, Unclear had the pleasure of speaking with the rising artist to discuss tour, new music, and the evolution of Ber. The singer-songwriter is best known for “Feels So Easy,” “Meant to Be,” and “Superspreader,” and we’re excited for new music. With the release of her anticipated EP, Halfway, your favorite Minnesota native is back at it again. Berit Dybing, AKA Ber, is here to claim her spot as praise rains in about her latest body of work. With tracks like, “Boys Who Kiss You In Their Car” and “Slutphase,” fans are in for a treat as Ber bares her emotions in this 6-song EP.
“Is it a slut phase or is it a Band-aid?” We’re off to the races with the opening track, “Slutphase.” The 2-minute anthem takes you for a ride as you go through Ber’s stream of consciousness, where she’s reliving memories and questioning her reality. “As if I’m getting over / All of the things that I’m not really over,” Ber holds a mirror to herself in the chorus, calling out her inconsistencies in her healing. As the track continues, Ber takes us on her dates with men like, Jonah, Jacob, and Jackson. She tells herself, “Everybody needs a slut phase,” as she finds herself missing her ex. In a fun-loving video where she’s baking and dancing around her kitchen, the “Slutphase” music video is everything you’re looking for. The opener fades and pushes you into, “Boys Who Kiss You In Their Car.”
Need a feel-good song to unapologetically dance around to? “Boys Who Kiss You In Their Car” is just the thing. Your new favorite track begins with a rhythmic guitar that immediately grabs your attention. The track debuted late 2022, with critics crediting Ber’s “feisty side” and her “creativity,” this song is one for the ages. Ber paints quite the picture with, “It’s always the boys with the beanies / It’s always the ones with the broken hearts,” emphasizing that it’s not just the guy, but the type of guy he is. “They only type in lowercase / They never take you to their place / They tell you they could love you,” Ber’s criticism flows effortlessly, reminding us that they’re just the boys that kiss you in their car.
We know that “Superspreader” made its way into your library last year. The 3-minute track, released in early August, was accompanied by a short film music video just shortly after. The plucking of guitar strings is melancholy as the song opens. With lyrics like, “Because I’m selfish / It’s true / I’m holding on, I’m holding on to you,” Ber gets transparent with heartache and needing closure. Ber got real about the inspiration behind this song, noting her move from the U.K. back to the States, and being ghosted during that time. “Superspreader” garnered immense praise upon its release, where fans and critics were applauding her vulnerability.
The title track of the EP (and, the mid-point) is notably the hidden gem of this project. “Halfway good, halfway bad / Halfway really f**king mad,” Ber lets it out in this bare-it-all track. With lyrics like, “I’m fine / But I’m also really not,” the well-versed songwriter highlights that healing isn’t a linear process. “Halfway” acts as a moment of hope, with lyrics like “Halfway back to myself,” Ber reminds herself that she’s almost there. With a “glass half full” mentality, the fourth track leads us into “Your Internet Sucks.”
“I know it’s been nine months since we’ve spoken,” Ber pens this open letter so effortlessly as she breaks her silence. People always tell you to take the high road, but Ber has had enough, and we don’t blame her. With a resounding “And when you’re playing Fortnite / I hope your internet sucks,” she doesn’t look back as she gives a virtual middle finger. The short, not-so love letter, is painted with painful memories of him texting his ex and missing the way things were. From wishing he’d burn his lips while drinking coffee to getting cold take out, Ber holds nothing back. And we’re soon on to the next with the final track, “Over You.”
Has it felt like you’ve been on a 6-step healing journey? While it may not be as easy as singing along to these songs, Ber’s got just the thing for when you’re ready to move on. “I don’t wanna know what you’re listening to / I don’t wanna know that you bought some new shoes,” Ber starts her final track feeling cutthroat. With lyrics like, “No hard feelings, none of that s**t,” Ber emphasizes that not only does she want to be over the heartbreak, but she also wants to be over him. The track weaves through Ber incessantly being reminded of her ex and ends with her repeating, “I just wanna be over you.” Relatable, right?
We can’t get enough of Halfway and we hope you can’t either. Perfectly arranged, this EP showcases Ber’s unbeatable talent as a singer-songwriter. Ber’s Halfway Across America tour kicks off March 15th in Chicago, IL. Featuring special guest, Max Leone, tickets to Ber’s upcoming tour are available now! You can find her on Instagram (@HeyThereItsBer) to stay up to date on new music, tour, and much more! Halfway is available now where you stream music!