will hyde & Stephanie Poetri join forces for collaborative single 'better without me' — listen

In a border defying collaboration, will hyde joins forces with Stephanie Poetri in the vulnerable track 'better without me'.

Produced by acclaimed US artist Flawed Mangoes, the track is the perfect blend of heartfelt lyricism with glistening, guitar-led indie soundscapes. The track carries a raw emotional edge. It brings together Western and Southeast Asian artists as they blend their musical prowess, culminating in a shimmering expression of love and heartbreak.

The song opens gently as will hyde begins with the searing authenticity of the first verse setting the tone for the rest of the track. Each lyric that he delivers carries the depth of yearning and longing to cling on to the lingering memories that the one special person you can't seem to forget left behind. Stephanie chimes in with her own verse that echoes the same sentiment that explodes into the chorus of the song. With a shuffling drum rhythm and drifting guitar lines, the track builds a light, floating mood that mirrors its emotional tension.

will hyde explores the inspiration behind the track as he shares, "I wrote ‘better without me’ as an acoustic song about feeling like a burden in a relationship. You can love someone and also realise that feeling like a burden isn’t healthy for either person. Sometimes the most loving thing you can do is walk away so you can both grow. Working with Evan Lo (Flawed Mangoes) and Nick Cassidy made it feel like you’re floating, which is exactly how the song feels emotionally."

The visceral nature of how self-aware the track is gives it a refreshing sound, making it even more relatable. Stephanie Poetri adds "When I first heard the demo, I immediately understood why will thought I’d be the right collaborator. I could already hear myself harmonising with him, writing my verse felt really organic."

'better without me' unites two complementary voices in modern indie-pop, creating an intimate cross-border collaboration for global listeners, blending heartfelt lyrics with shimmering, guitar-driven production. The track lingers long after the first listen, showcasing the power of emotional vulnerability and the universal language of music in connecting artists and audiences worldwide.