William Locks, the Rotterdam-based singer-songwriter also known as Willem van der Sluijs, emerges with a deeply personal and emotionally resonant single, “If I Could Say”. Released on November 7, 2025, the track offers listeners a rare glimpse into the artist’s journey through grief, self-discovery, and the longing for closure. Crafted in the intimate setting of his living room, transformed into a makeshift studio, the single exudes authenticity and raw emotion that draws the listener in from the very first note.
At the core of “If I Could Say” lies a poignant story. William Locks reflects on a tragic event from his past: the untimely death of his ex-girlfriend in a car accident. Years later, having grown and changed as a person, he grappled with the realization that he could never verbally express his remorse or apologies to her. This unresolved emotional tension became the seed for the song, which ultimately serves as both a personal catharsis and a universal meditation on love, regret, and the fleeting nature of life. As Locks poignantly states, “Tomorrow is not a certainty. Make peace before you go to sleep.” This sentiment permeates every chord, lyric, and vocal inflection in the track.
Musically, the single combines a minimalist yet evocative approach, with delicate instrumental arrangements that allow Locks’ heartfelt vocals to shine. The sparse, intimate production mirrors the song’s reflective themes, creating a sense of closeness, as if the artist is speaking directly to the listener. The homemade recording environment—with mattresses lining the walls and curtains softening the space—adds a tactile, human quality to the sound, enhancing its emotional impact.
What makes “If I Could Say” stand out is its sincerity. Many songs explore loss or regret in abstract terms, but William Locks’ single is anchored in lived experience, making it both relatable and profoundly moving. Listeners are invited to confront their own unspoken words, missed opportunities, and unresolved emotions, finding solace in the knowledge that art can provide a space for healing. This is music as emotional therapy, offering both the artist and the audience a chance to process grief and embrace acceptance.
William Locks’ songwriting reflects maturity, honesty, and an ability to translate deeply personal experiences into art that resonates universally. The rawness of the living room recording, paired with the universal theme of closure and introspection, ensures that “If I Could Say” is not just another single—it’s a statement of emotional courage and human vulnerability.
In the vibrant music scene of Rotterdam, William Locks is carving a niche for himself as an artist unafraid to confront life’s hardest truths through music. “If I Could Say” is more than a song; it is an intimate dialogue between past and present, loss and growth, silence and expression. By sharing this deeply personal work, Locks offers both a tribute to love lost and a message of hope: to find peace within oneself, even when words cannot be spoken.
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