Malachi Gagnon’s ‘Without You’: A Deep Dive into Emotional Pop and His Diverse Musical Inspirations

In a raw display of emotion, rising pop artist Malachi Gagnon opens his heart with the poignant music video for his latest single, “Without You.” The track, a powerful ballad from the teenage sensation, encapsulates the universal fear of loss and the profound appreciation for cherished relationships. “I don’t want to know what life would be like without you,” Malachi sings, delivering a sentiment that resonates deeply with listeners. The newly released music video expertly channels this yearning, translating the feeling of “losing someone we love” into a visually heartfelt narrative. Malachi shared his vision for the song, stating, “My dream is that [‘Without You’] will bring hope and words to hearts facing that struggle or be a song that confirms the love that strong relationships already have! We all have someone we don’t want to do this life without.” This message of connection and vulnerability underscores Malachi’s emerging artistic identity, positioning him as a voice that understands and articulates the complexities of human emotion through his music.

The launch of this evocative music video marks another significant milestone in Malachi Gagnon’s rapidly unfolding musical journey. Hailing from a modest town in New Hampshire, Malachi has since relocated to Tampa, Florida, where his passion for music has blossomed into a burgeoning professional career. His vocal talents were first honed through regular performances in church, providing a foundational understanding of melody and connection with an audience. The unexpected solitude of the pandemic era presented Malachi with a unique opportunity to expand his musical repertoire, leading him to learn to play the guitar. Armed with a six-string and a naturally dynamic voice, he quickly began cultivating a dedicated following across online platforms. This organic growth paved the way for his official debut single, “Psychopath,” which immediately captured attention and amassed over one million streams, signalling his arrival as a serious contender in the pop landscape. Following this initial success, Malachi continued to build momentum with subsequent releases, “Craving Me” and now the deeply personal “Without You,” further cementing his place as an artist to watch.

Reflecting on his rapid ascent, Malachi humbly shared, “I didn’t think anybody would listen, really. It’s a hobby that has become a dream.” This genuine surprise at his own success only highlights the authenticity that defines his artistic approach. To offer fans and aspiring musicians a deeper understanding of his creative process, Gagnon provided HollywoodLife with an EXCLUSIVE glimpse into the pivotal songs that have shaped his musical identity. This insider perspective reveals how Malachi meticulously cultivated his distinctive vocal style and developed his remarkably vulnerable songwriting capabilities, offering a roadmap of the influences that have guided his unique sound. Each track on this curated list represents a chapter in his musical education, illustrating the diverse inspirations behind his heartfelt pop anthems.

Morgan Wallen, “Warning”

Morgan Wallen, a prominent figure known for seamlessly blending contemporary country with pop sensibilities, deeply resonates with Malachi Gagnon’s artistic vision. Malachi specifically admires Wallen’s ability to infuse a modern “chill-pop” feel into a country sound, a unique fusion that he strives to achieve in his own music. This genre-bending approach allows for broader emotional appeal and a distinctive sonic signature, something Malachi clearly demonstrates in tracks like “Without You.” Wallen’s masterful execution in bringing this hybrid style to life serves as a significant blueprint for Malachi, guiding him in crafting songs that are both innovative and widely relatable. His influence extends beyond just sound, touching upon the storytelling aspects often found in country music, presented through a fresh pop lens.

Shawn Mendes, “Stitches”

Shawn Mendes’ “Stitches” holds a special place in Malachi Gagnon’s playlist, a song he has revisited countless times. What particularly captivates Malachi is Mendes’ incredibly vulnerable writing style, which he finds profoundly appealing. He notes how Shawn Mendes’ songs often tell compelling stories, much like country music, but expertly packaged within a contemporary pop framework. This narrative depth, combined with an authentic emotional delivery, has significantly influenced Malachi’s own approach to songwriting, encouraging him to weave personal experiences and raw feelings into his lyrics, creating a powerful connection with his audience that goes beyond just catchy melodies.

Post Malone’s “Circles”

Post Malone’s “Circles” stands out to Malachi Gagnon for its sophisticated blend of simplicity and complexity. He adores the song’s effortlessly cool vibe and its intricate musicality. Malachi specifically highlights the track’s use of his favorite chord, Cmaj7, noting how it contributes to a chord progression that is both “super jazzy and vibey.” This appreciation for subtle yet impactful harmonic choices demonstrates Malachi’s keen ear for production and arrangement, aspects he aims to incorporate into his own work to create songs that are not only catchy but also rich in musical texture and depth, offering listeners a compelling sonic experience.

Jordan Davis, “Singles You Up”

Jordan Davis and his team of writers possess an extraordinary talent for perfectly articulating specific feelings, a skill Malachi Gagnon profoundly admires. “Singles You Up” serves as a prime example of their prowess, showcasing their ability to distill complex emotions into relatable and memorable lyrics. This track has had a significant impact on Malachi’s own writing style, inspiring him to strive for similar clarity and emotional precision in his compositions. He seeks to craft lyrics that not only tell a story but also evoke a palpable sense of empathy and understanding in his audience, much like the masterful storytelling found in Davis’s work.

Olivia Rodrigo, “Traitor”

Olivia Rodrigo’s “Traitor,” from her critically acclaimed album *Sour*, exemplifies the kind of profound vulnerability in songwriting that deeply resonates with Malachi Gagnon. He notes how Rodrigo’s entire album feels like a series of raw, unfiltered journal entries set to incredibly polished and impactful tracks. This candid, confessional style of lyricism has left a lasting impression on Malachi, reinforcing his belief in the power of authenticity in music. He aims to infuse his own songs with a similar level of emotional honesty, making his personal experiences relatable to a broad audience and creating a deep, resonant connection. “That album is fire,” he enthusiastically states, highlighting its significant influence.

Justin Bieber, “Love Yourself”

Justin Bieber, an undeniable global pop icon, has profoundly influenced Malachi Gagnon’s musical style, particularly through his hit “Love Yourself.” Malachi identifies this track as his absolute favorite from Bieber’s extensive discography, captivated by its audacious lyrical approach. He particularly appreciates the song’s direct address to the person it’s about, right within the lyrics, describing it as “pretty savage.” This bold, no-holds-barred honesty in conveying complex emotions and moving on from a relationship appeals to Malachi, encouraging him to embrace a more direct and assertive voice in his own songwriting, adding layers of authenticity and strength to his vulnerable narratives.

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Harry Styles, “Late Night Talking”

Harry Styles’ music, often described as an acquired taste, holds a special appeal for Malachi Gagnon. He expresses immense admiration for Styles’ unique artistry, finding his sound to be unlike anything else he has encountered. Among Harry’s extensive catalog, “Late Night Talking” stands out as one of Malachi’s many favorites. He emphatically states that it’s nearly impossible to listen to the upbeat and infectious track without feeling compelled to dance, even just a little. This appreciation for distinctive musicality and the ability to evoke an immediate, joyful physical response has clearly influenced Malachi’s own pursuit of crafting songs that are both innovative and irresistibly engaging.

Sam Hunt, “Make You Miss Me”

In Malachi Gagnon’s estimation, Sam Hunt’s “Make You Miss Me” is nothing short of lyrical genius. He has listened to the song hundreds of times, and with each listen, he remains thoroughly impressed by the brilliance of its lyrics. This profound admiration for Hunt’s masterful storytelling and clever wordplay has significantly impacted Malachi’s own approach to lyricism. He strives to achieve a similar level of depth and wit in his songwriting, aiming to create narratives that are not only emotionally resonant but also intricately crafted, ensuring that his words leave a lasting impression on his audience, much like the enduring power of “Make You Miss Me.”

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The Kid Laroi, “Thousand Miles”

The Kid Laroi’s “Thousand Miles” is a song that perfectly blends an acoustic pop sensibility with an edgy trap beat, a combination Malachi Gagnon particularly loves and frequently incorporates into his own productions. Malachi praises The Kid Laroi’s exceptional execution on this track, recognizing him as one of the most innovative and original artists currently making music. This fusion of raw, melodic acoustic elements with modern, rhythmic trap influences offers a dynamic sonic landscape that appeals to Malachi’s desire for contemporary yet emotionally rich music. The song’s success in marrying these diverse genres serves as a strong inspiration for Malachi to continue pushing boundaries in his own creative endeavors.

Charlie Puth, “No More Drama”

Last, but certainly not least, “No More Drama” by Charlie Puth from his latest album *CHARLIE*, is a song Malachi Gagnon is utterly obsessed with. Malachi is particularly fascinated by Puth’s innovative approach to music creation, specifically how he developed all the songs on this album publicly through social media, primarily TikTok. Witnessing Puth craft songs from everyday sounds—like a light switch for one track, and a door creaking for “No More Drama”—has profoundly inspired Malachi. This unique process has opened his ears to the musical potential in ordinary objects and sounds, from random items producing drum-like rhythms to the distinct sound of a glass shattering. For Malachi, Puth’s genius lies in demonstrating that “Music is everywhere!” This realization empowers him to seek inspiration in his daily environment, enriching his creative palette and encouraging unconventional sound design in his own compositions.

As Malachi Gagnon continues to evolve as an artist, his journey is clearly informed by a rich tapestry of musical influences, from the genre-bending narratives of Morgan Wallen and Jordan Davis to the raw vulnerability of Shawn Mendes and Olivia Rodrigo, and the innovative production techniques of Charlie Puth and The Kid Laroi. These inspirations, coupled with his innate talent and dedication, position Malachi as a promising voice in the pop scene, ready to share his heartfelt stories and unique sound with a global audience. His dedication to emotional honesty and musical exploration ensures that his future releases will continue to captivate and connect with listeners on a profound level.