Where does an artist go once they’ve already revealed their entire universe to their listeners? This was the question that LA-via-Nashville songwriter Lindsey Lomis faced following the release of last spring’s Universe EP—an all-encompassing presentation of the meticulously crafted pop sound she’d honed up to that point, in addition to a summary of where the 21-year-old’s mind was at in 2023.
Yet her follow-up EP, Handle with Care, sees her back-peddling after a trip home dredged up some old memories. Her first collection of songs since splitting off from Warner Records to pursue the independent route is a more ruminative take on her sound both lyrically and instrumentally, with the tracklist contemplating her romantic history from a wider lens as the parameters of the sounds her voice deftly maneuvers through stretches beyond anything she’s previously approached up until the starkly minimal closing number.
With the EP officially dropping tomorrow, we’ve got an exclusive look at the project’s two yet-to-be-released tracks, “Stalker” and “Sick,” along with their music videos. Additionally, Lomis took the time to discuss the meaning behind each track, walking us through the moments of self-reflection that inspired each recording. Check it all out below.
1. “Long Way Down”
“Long Way Down” is about the first moment you realize you’re actually falling hard for someone. The intense emotions of not wanting to get attached, but wanting to see it through. The excitement, rush, and scariness of having a crush and wanting it to be more. If I fall for you, I could get hurt, so don’t let me down.
2. “Stalker”
“Stalker” is about a feeling that you can’t escape. A feeling that follows you around everywhere you go. For some people that’s anxiety, depression, insecurity, missing your ex. It’s such a constant burden that it’s almost like it’s stalking you.
3. “Handle with Care”
“Handle with Care” is one of my most vulnerable songs. I think of myself as a pretty tough person—or at least I present myself as one. When it comes to relationships, that isn’t always a great trait. Letting someone in on who I really am and allowing myself to love someone is a terrifying concept to me. But I want to trust someone with my heart. I want to give them my all, even though there’s a big risk of getting hurt. All I can do is hope that they handle me with care.
4. “Outta Sight (On My Mind)”
“Outta Sight (On My Mind)” is about being infatuated with someone who doesn’t live in the same place as you. A long-distance fling that you’re constantly thinking about, distracting you from your everyday life. The song itself feels like the rush of dopamine you get from finally being with your crush.
5. “Sick”
Falling in love is kinda out of character for me. I’m not a big romantic, so initially when someone shows interest with romantic gestures it’s a turn off. But I think deep down we all kinda like to be treated right. “Sick” is about being hesitant to fall for someone but then reeeeally falling for them.
