"Trying" is a single by the American singer and rapper Midwxst, released on November 20, 2020, through Geffen and Simple Stupid Records as the lead single from his second extended play (EP) Summer03 (2021). The song went viral online and gained attention on social media platforms such as TikTok, which significantly helped Midwxst rise to fame and helped him sign to Geffen Records. Production for the song was handled by Elxnce and Thislandis.
The song was released as the lead single from Midwxst's second extended play (EP) Summer03.[1] A music video for the song directed by Daniel Jordan was released on the Overcast channel and has since then surpassed over 1 million views.[1] Following the success of the track gaining virality online,[2] which was considered a turning point in his career.[1]Midwxst had later signed a record deal with Geffen Records.[3] The song currently sits at over 31 million streams on Spotify.[1] "Trying" explores themes of mental health.[2][4]
Critical reception
Alphonse Pierre of Pitchfork gave "Trying" a generally positive review, writing, "Melodrama strengthens Midwxst, he vents on 'Trying'. On this single, the Indiana 17-year-old balances a blank sense of humor with his relatable blend of frustration, disappointment, and apathy. Midwxst's vocals "liquefy" into both sides of the production—the acoustics soft hearted enough to be comparable to a Rylo Rodriguez ballad and the anarchic festival-ready drop—but he always sounds on the brink of snapping. This whirlwind of emotions is what makes Midwxst's music so effective."[5]
↑ Pierre, Alphonse (November 25, 2020). "The Ones: Midwxst's Trying". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on January 16, 2021. Retrieved August 29, 2025.
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