GENRE; Indie Pop/ Rap/ Alternative Indie R&B/ Hip-Hop
RELEASE DATE; 09 February, 2026
RATING; 4/5
There’s something quietly arresting about “Still Alive,” the latest original single from Apollo1. Hailing from Raleigh, NC, the rising artist steps forward with a track that feels less like a calculated release and more like a personal confession set to music. Dropping on February 9, 2026, the single marks an important moment in his journey, especially following his recent signing with SoundPulse Record Label. It’s the sound of an artist ready to be heard, but determined to remain genuine.
“Still Alive” is rooted in real experience. Written and composed by Apollo1 himself, the song reflects a time when love became a source of survival. One of the song’s most hard-hitting moments arrives when Apollo1 confesses, “You’re the only reason why I’m still alive, without you I would have took those drugs and died, but I saw my future all up in your eyes.” The line captures the emotional core of “Still Alive,” revealing just how pivotal that relationship was during a dark chapter of his life. It’s a raw acknowledgment of how close he felt to losing himself, contrasted with the clarity and hope he found in love. Rather than glorifying the struggle, the lyric underscores the power of connection, how seeing a future reflected in someone else’s eyes can spark the will to keep going. The imagery of paradise and destiny doesn’t feel exaggerated; it feels earned, like the memory of a chapter that changed everything.
The track carries that same emotional honesty. The production is clean and thoughtfully balanced, allowing the lyrics to take center stage while still delivering a strong melodic presence. There’s a satisfying cohesion between the vulnerability in the writing and the steady confidence of the arrangement. Apollo1 has shared that hearing the finished version match the vision he had from the start was one of the most rewarding parts of the process and that sense of fulfillment comes through in the final cut.
What makes “Still Alive” stand out is its openness. Apollo1 doesn’t hide behind metaphor or persona; he speaks directly from experience. As he looks toward future opportunities, including hopes of performing at AthFest in Athens, Georgia, this release feels like a statement of intent. He’s listening to feedback, but staying true to himself and that balance may be his greatest strength yet.
