In a world where many artists chase perfection, Licity Collins soars in the opposite direction—toward truth. Described by NPR as “courageous… writing and singing full-frontal,” Collins stands as a multidimensional, genre-defying creator whose art transcends boundaries. Her music, writing, and visual work are woven with one purpose: to ignite fearlessness in the blood of those who encounter them. With an artistic résumé as rich as her sound—spanning her role as the inaugural Music Fellow at the Sitka Center for Art and Ecology, her inclusion in the Portland Art Museum’s “Black Artists of Oregon” exhibition, and her pioneering work with the Women’s Prison Theatre Project—Collins’ creativity doesn’t just reflect life; it transforms it.
Her recent release, “Dragon,” is not merely a song — it is an invocation. Though an instrumental track, it breathes with the intensity of lived experience, carrying you through waves of vulnerability and resilience. From its opening notes, “Dragon” feels deeply human — its melodies tremble with honesty, courage, and transformation. There’s a quiet heroism in its structure; each layer of sound feels like the unfurling of wings, a sonic embodiment of self-discovery and release.
The production of “Dragon” is minimalist yet cinematic. The recording captures space and silence as instruments in themselves — moments between notes linger like deep breaths, inviting reflection. The guitar work is beautifully restrained, its tones warm and organic, resonating with an intimate immediacy that feels almost tactile. Subtle rhythmic undercurrents move like a heartbeat — steady, grounding, and profoundly human. Every sonic element serves the greater emotional architecture of the piece, giving the listener room to feel rather than forcing them to react.
Though wordless, “Dragon” communicates more than language could. Licity Collins’ performance radiates emotional clarity — her phrasing and pacing evoke an inner dialogue between courage and tenderness. There’s a palpable vulnerability in her delivery, one that mirrors the dual nature of the dragon as both protector and creature of fire. The track feels like a meditation on the act of becoming — facing one’s inner shadows, breathing through the fear, and finding liberation in authenticity.
What makes “Dragon” so compelling is its balance between intimacy and quiet power. It never shouts its message; it whispers it with conviction. The result is a soundscape that feels at once personal and universal — an invitation to sit with emotion, to honor transformation, and to emerge braver on the other side.
With “Dragon,” Licity Collins once again proves that her artistry is fearless, tender, and transcendently human. This is music not just to hear, but to feel deep in the soul — a reminder that even in silence, our inner fire still burns.
Listen to “Dragon” on Spotify
