The Sylvan Esso–founded record label Psychic Hotline dropped their latest single today from songwriter Uwade (whose voice you might recognize from the opening of Fleet Foxes' 2020 album Shore) titled "Do You See the Light Around Me?," which was produced by Brad Cook. The track follows the Nigerian-born and North Carolina–raised musician's two songs from last year, "The Man Who Sees Tomorrow" and "Lodarore."
"Having a crush is thrilling and torturous," Uwade said about the track. "Our reactions and responses to 'liking' someone are intensely personal and individual, often informed by our own insecurities, needs, and fears. When I look at someone I like, whether I want to be with them or want to be like them, I project desirable qualities and traits onto them and, for better or worse, make them the standard by which I measure myself. I see them and want to know what they see when they look at me. I question myself and they hold the answer. This can be great if feelings are mutual, but agonizing if they’re not."
She continued, mentioning the song's pivotal part: "In the bridge I’m sort of able to escape the trap that I set for myself. I imagine what it would be like to disappear into a kind of spiritual cloister. To pose all the questions that I’ve been asking my crush to myself. To seek answers from within, or at least from an immutable source. And to be satisfied in all that I am, all that I have been, and all that I can be. Once I’ve done this, I think the song becomes one of mutual joy and ecstasy. There is still a desire for the other person, but I finally and fully see myself, and all I’m doing is asking them to join me."
Uwade will be joining The Tallest Man on Earth on their U.S. tour next spring. Listen to "Do You See the Light Around Me?" below.
