Neil Haverty Explores Autonomy and Obligation on Brooding New Single “What I Don’t Need”

Toronto songwriter and composer Neil Haverty (frontman of alt-folk ensemble Bruce Peninsula, and composer of the Wildhood soundtrack) returns with “What I Don’t Need,” a contemplative indie single that grapples with the tension between personal autonomy and the responsibilities we carry toward others.

Written and performed by Haverty and produced by long-time collaborator Leon Taheny (Owen Pallett, Weaves), “What I Don’t Need” builds from pensive, isolated verses into a cathartic chorus explosion, echoing the songwriter’s own struggles to balance quiet reflection with outward expression. Dark synths underscore the mood, while dynamic drums and guitar riffs deliver moments of intensity, mirroring the push-and-pull between independence and interdependence.

“The title/refrain are intentionally cagey and avoidant,” Haverty explains. “I’m resistant to being told what to do even if it’s born of love and care for me. When you struggle with decision paralysis, you don’t want to re-litigate the decisions you already managed to make. That said, there’s a lot about oneself that is hard to see personally, but that friends and loved ones can easily spot. This song is about trying to listen to those voices, trying to see yourself as you’re seen and the responsibility to act that sometimes comes with that.”

“What I Don’t Need” arrives with a beautiful accompanying music video from director/animator Luca Tarantini (aka AOK), who is known as a driving force behind cinematic videos for Andy Shauf and Tanya Tagak, and secret weapon of the Nirvanna the Band the Show universe.

Stylistically, Haverty and Taheny adopted a quiet/loud format reminiscent of classic alternative tracks to evoke a topsy-turvy emotional landscape. Minimal, dark synths in the verses represent introspection, while the crashing chorus captures the moment personal opinion bursts forth. “This song travelled with me for many years and took on a few shapes before Leon and I pinned it down,” Haverty shares. “I wanted it to loudly proclaim what I didn’t want even though I’ve been quietly surveying the other side of things, too.”



Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3FlaVqlkLg&feature=youtu.be