Though we’re quite saddened that Kelcey Ayer has left Local Natives, we’re equally happy that he’s releasing music on his own. Following his stint as Jaws of Love, the new journey begins with “Don’t Look Now,” his first track under his given name, and one that’s very well worth your money—which, it should be noted, Ayer will be donating to LA wildfire relief. The song features amorphous synths, skittering drums, and a vocal melody that grows in power as the instrumentation builds around it. Ayer may have left Local Natives, but he (thankfully) took his beautiful near-falsetto with him.
“When my son Oskar was born in early 2023, it rocked me to my very core,” Ayer shared, introducing the track. “I spent the first night in the hospital staring at him in his little clear-plastic bassinet while a slow-churning panic attack kept me up all night. I had no idea what it would feel like to see this tiny being and feel the weight of my responsibility to keep him safe. The first few weeks of no sleep and constantly watching over him were equal parts exhausting and rewarding. I’d be frustrated but then see his little green eyes look into mine and I’d be flooded with love and affection. I wrote ‘Don’t Look Down’ about that time, wrestling with how many emotions that came into full-view, seemingly out of nowhere.”
Ayer also mentioned that there’s plenty more music on the way. Check out the lyric video for “Don’t Look Down” below, and purchase the track here. Remember, it goes to a great cause.
