Alive, imperfect, and intimate—that’s the essence of Till You're Somebody Else (Live), the new EP by New York singer-songwriter Leo Sawikin. This five-song collection embraces and warms the heart like a raw, unfiltered portrait of an artist who has made organic sound his greatest strength.
The title track, Till You’re Somebody Else, opens this almost immersive journey, where the ambient noise leaking into the tracks and the “1, 2, 3” count-off of the drumsticks transport the listener straight into Gary’s Electric Studio, where it was all recorded.
The work is both distinctive and nostalgic, evoking a 70s pop-rock vibe reminiscent of The Beatles, complete with its intentionally gritty and carefully crafted sonic aesthetic. Just like the British band once did, Sawikin embraces unconventional recording techniques and sound effects, overloaded microphones, amplifier feedback, and tape manipulation to create unique textures that now inspire the New Yorker.
After the initial impact comes This River, a calm, flowing piece true to its name, ideal for listening next to a mountain fire in total silence. Don’t Drag Me Down brings a more intense tone, with vocals that expand and reveal Leo’s most dramatic side, piercing the heart with both his lyricism and irresistible sound.
More intimate and reflective, The Same Mistakes follows; a rustic song in the best sense of the word, bringing the artist and his band even closer to the listener. Finally, New York I’m Coming Home, closes the EP on a more optimistic note. It's the track that amplifies the noise to its fullest, showcasing the beauty in the shadows of music that doesn’t aim for perfection, but rather authenticity and humanity.
Leo Sawikin is best known as the frontman of The Chordaes, but he’s been carving out his path as an indie-folk singer-songwriter from New York. With his Till You’re Somebody Else EP, produced by Phil Ek (Fleet Foxes, Modest Mouse) and mastered by Greg Calbi (Bob Dylan, The Smile), he reached #1 on the Mediabase A/C Independent Artists Chart.
Sawikin stands out for exploring themes such as anxiety, identity, and the search for one’s inner voice, all wrapped in arrangements that balance nostalgia with the contemporary. He waves the flag of imperfection as a supreme act of rebellion in a world oversaturated with filters.
Leo Sawikin feels close, and he has the rare ability to create music that anyone can claim as their own without even realizing it. So, if the plan is to relax, reflect, and connect, Till You're Somebody Else (Live) is the perfect soundtrack.
For more on Leo Sawikin, visit: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify
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