Following the success of her ‘Silver Lined Hearts’ EP, championed by the likes of The Guardian and Huffington Post, soulful electro-cinematic artist Laura Jae returns with ‘Underwater’, the first single from her forthcoming ‘Cut Piece’ EP. Fusing the influences of artists as wide-ranging as Santigold, The Knife, Kate Bush and Bjork, Laura’s new material sees her team up with fellow London-based songwriter Dele Ladimeji, who has previously penned for Jay Sean and Natasha Bedingfield and is renowned for his work in the Japanese music industry. Merging his classic and emotive take on songwriting with her own fresh and blossoming style, ‘Underwater’ also continues Laura’s collaboration with long-time producer and friend Amour. Complemented by his ethereal, textured production and familiar shimmering electronics, the infectious track is interspersed with dark, bassy beats and soft retro drums, all carried by Jae’s unwavering vocals.
In Laura’s own words, “’Underwater’ was inspired by feeling overwhelmed with multiple changes in my life. I was having problems communicating in a relationship I was in at the time and felt I was sinking into nothingness with no emotional support. This song represents a search for freedom” – something which is clearly communicated in the chorus “I’m underwater, pull me up.” Having taken time out to address issues in her personal life, Laura’s new material demonstrates a mature development of her authentic sound: refined with a newfound openness and sincerity, her growth both emotionally and artistically is tangible. Having found herself on her own from the age of 16, the Greenwich-born chanteuse has previously drawn on the occasionally dark experiences of her youth to influence her cinematic approach to music, releasing atmospheric accompanying B&W visuals which enhance her widescreen sound.
Laura Jae: Underwater
In keeping with her polished aesthetic, ‘Underwater’ will be accompanied by a video shot in collaboration with British fashion designer Christopher Raeburn, whose innovative work has featured in Vogue and was recently the subject of the V&A’s Fashion in Motion series of catwalk shows. Directed by Joe Woods for his new media platform site Woodworks, it will form part of a content base featuring music videos, film and photography with the aim of promoting the ever important role of sustainability within the creative industries. A spine-tingling taste of what’s in store from Laura Jae’s ‘Cut Piece’ EP, ‘Underwater’ shows all the signs of a young talent continuing to come into her own.
Laura Jae: Underwater
Laura Jae: Underwater Lyrics:
