London-based shoegazers Whitelands have released a new single. ‘Songbird (Forever)’ is the third track from their forthcoming album Sunlight Echoes and is out now on all digital platforms.
It’s their poppiest moment to date – a string-laden slice of breathless pop beauty, full of love and with a real sense of hopefulness.
“It’s about my friends, the important people in my life, and my spirit,” explains singer Etienne Quartey-Papafio. “I was going through a very dark time, but love is a great thing. I’m loved by many incredible people, so I pushed myself with everything I had.
“Every day was a fight, but I wanted to win.”
The lyrics also provided the title of the new album, or as Etienne puts it “the dawn I would’ve missed if I never chose to continue”.
“When we first laid down this track, hearing it back was emotional,” adds bassist Vanessa Govinden. “There was a gulp when the first chorus kicked in and that was before the strings were added. I’m so pleased that James Underwood [aka Iskra Strings] reached out when he did, because he lifted the whole song.”
The lyrics also mention the Seven Sisters cliffs and Etienne and Vanessa from the band paid a visit to East Sussex to make the wholesome accompanying video
Whitelands play the following:
November 20 – London – Corsica Studios
January 3 – Bognor Regis – Rockaway Beach
February 6 – Paris – Supersonic
February 7 – The Hague – Grauzone Festival
February 18 – Birmingham – Hare & Hounds
February 19 – Glasgow – The Hug And Pint
February 20 – Leeds – Hyde Park Book Club
February 21 – Newcastle – Zerox
February 22 – Blackpool – Bootleg Social
February 24 – Manchester – YES Basement
February 25 – Bedford – Esquires
February 26 – London – MOTH Club
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