User:Leftperson99right89all9898/sandbox/Lena/One Day

One Day is the first EP by American singer-songwriter Lena, released on August 29, 2025, through Deep End Records via Republic Records. The EP was a surprise release and was recorded in just 24 hours at a cabin in the wilderness of Montana.

Background
Lena and her partner, Chipp, wanted to challenge themselves artistically and decided to write, record, and finish a full-length EP in 24 hours. They rented a cabin in the wilderness of Montana and set to work on July 23, 2025. They recorded all five tracks live, with no overdubs or edits, capturing the raw energy of their performance.

The EP was produced by Lena and Chipp. The duo drew inspiration from their surroundings and the challenge they set themselves, resulting in a collection of songs that showcase their songwriting and musical abilities.

Writing and production
The writing process for the EP was very collaborative between Lena and Chipp. They both contributed to the lyrics and the music, with Chipp playing guitar and Lena singing and playing various instruments such as piano and ukulele. The EP has an overarching theme of love and relationships, with a mix of both joyful and melancholic songs.

The EP was produced entirely by Lena and Chipp. They used a minimalistic approach to the production, recording most of the instruments live to capture the rawness and authenticity of the music. They also incorporated natural sounds from the surrounding wilderness, such as birds chirping and leaves rustling, to add to the rustic atmosphere of the EP.

Lena and Chipp mixed and mastered the EP themselves, with Lena handling the mixing and Chipp taking care of the mastering. They wanted to keep the sound of the EP very organic and true to their vision, so they avoided adding too many effects or post-production elements.

Music and lyrics
24 - The opening track of the EP, "24" is a fast-paced, upbeat folk pop song that revolves around the idea of making the most of the hours in the day. Lena's lyrics encourage listeners to seize the day and use every moment to achieve their goals.

Cabin Fever - A melancholic indie rock track, "Cabin Fever" explores the feelings of isolation and restlessness that can arise when spending extended periods of time in seclusion. Lena's haunting vocals and evocative lyrics create a sense of longing that is both poignant and relatable.

Wilds - With its driving guitar riffs and catchy chorus, "Wilds" is a foot-stomping country-inspired song that celebrates the untamed, adventurous spirit within us all. Lena's lyrics urge listeners to take risks, explore the unknown, and embrace their inner wildness.

Right Hand Man - A soulful, introspective ballad, "Right Hand Man" showcases Lena's impressive vocal range and lyrical prowess. The song explores themes of loyalty, devotion, and the importance of having someone by your side through life's ups and downs.

One Day - The final track on the EP, "One Day" is a bittersweet folk pop song that reflects on the experience of creating and completing the EP in just 24 hours. Lena's lyrics capture the excitement, pressure, and sense of accomplishment that comes with pushing oneself to the limit and achieving something truly remarkable.

Overall, "One Day" showcases Lena's ability to write and perform across multiple genres, while still maintaining a cohesive sound throughout the EP. The lyrics explore universal themes of youth, love, and hope, and are accompanied by lush instrumentation and catchy melodies.

Art direction
The album art for Lena's One Day EP was designed by renowned artist and designer John Smith. The artwork features a hand-drawn illustration of a cabin in the woods with the words "One Day" written above it in a whimsical font.

The art direction for the EP was centered around the concept of simplicity and nature, reflecting the rustic setting in which the EP was recorded. The color scheme was earthy and subdued, with muted greens, browns, and blues. This was meant to evoke the natural beauty of the Montana wilderness, where Lena and Chipp recorded the EP.

In addition to the album art, the physical version of the EP included a booklet with additional illustrations by John Smith, depicting scenes from the recording process and the Montana wilderness.

Release and promotion
One Day, the surprise EP from Lena and Chipp, was released on August 29, 2025, with no prior announcement or promotion. The duo opted for a surprise release in order to allow the EP to speak for itself.

Despite the lack of promotion, the EP quickly garnered attention from fans and critics alike, with many praising Lena and Chipp's experimentation with new sounds and styles.

To promote the EP, Lena released "24" as a promotional single, which was well received by fans and music critics. The song's introspective lyrics, combined with its catchy melody and stripped-down production, showcased Lena's ability to create emotionally resonant music with a simple yet effective approach.

To further promote the EP, Lena embarked on an intimate small venue tour, performing the songs from "One Day" in an acoustic setting. The tour was a departure from Lena's previous stadium tours, allowing her to connect more intimately with her fans and showcase her versatility as a performer.

Critical response
Critical reception for "One Day" has been generally positive, with some reviewers praising Lena's experimentation with different genres and the EP's raw and authentic sound. With an average score of 79 out of 100 on Metacritic. Critics praised the EP's experimental nature, seamless blend of genres, and raw emotional quality. However, some reviewers felt that certain tracks lacked cohesiveness and were less memorable than others. Overall, One Day has been deemed a strong addition to Lena's discography and a promising continuation of her artistic evolution.

Writing for Rolling Stone, critic Alex Johnson gave the EP a positive review, stating that "Lena's ability to create music that is both introspective and relatable is on full display on 'One Day'. The EP's mix of folk, indie rock, and country influences, coupled with Lena's honest and vulnerable lyrics, make for a refreshing and memorable listening experience."

Similarly, Jenna Wilson from NME praised the EP, writing that "Lena's decision to challenge herself by creating an EP in just 24 hours has paid off in spades. The raw and unpolished sound of 'One Day' adds to its charm, with Lena's poignant lyrics shining through on each track."

Conversely, some reviewers had mixed feelings about the EP. Tom Adams from Pitchfork gave the EP a 6.5 out of 10, saying that while "Lena's voice and songwriting are as strong as ever, the EP's lack of polish can sometimes hinder its overall impact."

Music blog Indie Shuffle also had mixed feelings about the EP, writing that "While Lena's attempt to create an EP in just one day is commendable, the lack of polish and refinement in the tracks can sometimes make them feel unfinished. However, the EP still shows off Lena's range and potential as an artist."