New EP, NETHERWATER By idkraeven, Shares The Emotional Abuse Subjected By Her Foster Parents

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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, idkraeven’s debut EP, NETHERWATER, is a deeply personal collection of songs that explores her traumatic childhood spent in foster care enduring emotional abuse, culminating in a powerful reflection on her journey of healing.

idkraeven

Haunted by an emotionally abusive childhood in West Covina, California, idkraeven, who once believed life ended after youth, found solace in songwriting. Isolated in the barn behind her adoptive parents’ home, she began to write, a practice that continued even after she was tragically homeless at 17. During this period, she shared her music on SoundCloud and cultivated a loyal following on TikTok.

Her raw talent caught the attention of TAG music, leading to a record deal at just 19. Drawing inspiration from artists like Lil Peep, Brakence, and Twenty One Pilots, idkraeven injects a distinctly feminine perspective into the emo scene, fusing emotive lyrics with melodic rap vocals, trap drums, and acoustic guitars.

Unapologetically sharing her deeply personal story, idkraeven has amassed a devoted fanbase, including fellow artists like Lil Xan, Goner, and TikTok star Carrington AKA $wag Nightmare, who have publicly praised her debut single, “myskinisraw.” Her poignant TikTok storytimes have resonated with millions, garnering over 18 million likes and solidifying her online presence. For idkraeven, childhood may be over, but her journey – and her music – are just beginning.

NETHERWATER

Collaborating with producer Devin Corey (tiLLie, McCall, Cassie Marin), idkraeven’s debut EP, NETHERWATER, emerges as a testament to her resilience, showcasing a newfound sense of calm amidst the chaos that once defined her life. This poignant collection of songs chronicles her journey, offering a raw and unflinching reflection on the struggles and eventual triumph over the dysfunction that marked her childhood.

Idkraeven’s harrowing story begins in foster care at the tender age of three, where she endured years of emotional abuse at the hands of her adoptive parents. NETHERWATER, a title inspired by the River Styx – the mythical gateway to the Greek Underworld – delves deep into this traumatic past, exploring themes of inescapable torment and the enduring impact of childhood trauma.

The EP opens with the defiant “BLEED OUT,” a visceral anthem that serves as a powerful “fuck you” to her abusers. This track poignantly captures the internalized pain of a child outwardly appearing unscathed while grappling with deep-seated trauma, while also exposing the systemic failures of the foster care system.

NETHERWATER unflinchingly explores a range of deeply personal themes, including the devastating impact of sexual abuse in “myskinisraw” and “shit,” the complexities of relationships and breakups, and the ongoing struggles with mental health and insecurity in “soul spillage” and “STR8FRMHLL.”

The EP concludes with the haunting “monotony,” a reflection on the pervasive sense of despair that permeated idkraeven’s creative process throughout the making of this profoundly personal and impactful project.

Metaphorically, I feel as though I am sitting amidst the waters of the Styx, physically unscathed and protected, but mentally tormented by the surrounding view of hell. The title encapsulates the dichotomy of feeling physically invincible but mentally damaged.

I call them out in the first line, asking if they’re satisfied with the havoc they wreaked on my life, after they kicked me out at 17. In this song, I speak about the struggle, pain, and mental torture it’s taken to slowly claw my way up to stability. This song was also made with the intention of holding Christian parents accountable not to cherry-pick the Bible when trying to raise their “good Christian kids”. You can’t hate me for being a bisexual stoner and then turn around and claim that you make a conscious effort to display Jesus’ love to others. Jesus thinks I’m cool as fuck.

I was sleeping on couches, in garages, at various friend’s houses, just shuffling around and chasing highs all while “trying to find myself”. I was constantly searching for new distractions and ways to meander around my dreams while blaming it all on my financial and mental instability. Everything HAS been the fucking same for too long. But I’ll change that. You’ll see.

-idkraeven

Find more from idkraeven now:

https://www.tiktok.com/@idkraeven

https://www.instagram.com/idkraeven/

https://x.com/idkraeven

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