Taking their victory lap after previously collaborating on “Doomed to Loving You” and “Fever Dream,” artists Jen Awad and Will Bates are realizing what they value in life on the genre-bending single, “Afterlife.”
To say Awad has had quite the journey leading up to the single and her debut album, Existential Daydream, would be an understatement. Born and raised in Los Angeles, the singer-songwriter first took to fashion as her chosen creative outlet. While her fashion line drew the attention of artists like Kali Uchis, Awad would eventually grab the mic and take after everyone from Fiona Apple to ’70s rock stars.
Bates is similarly no stranger to wearing multiple hats. Although best known as a composer, working with filmmakers such as Mike Cahill on “Another Earth” and Craig Gillespie on “Dumb Money,” he has plenty of experience as a multi-instrumentalist. Whether it’s touring as part of post-punk band The Rinse or backing Lulu, Marshall Jefferson, and Roy Ayers, Bates remains true to music no matter the context or medium.
While “Doomed to Loving You” and “Fever Dream” stand on their own as strong additions to Awad’s growing catalog, they serve as a build-up to “Afterlife.” True to the song’s title, Awad conceived of the song in Ibiza on the anniversary of a near-death experience.
From that experience, she came to ponder what matters when tomorrow is not promised, an idea that’s felt in both the songwriting and the mystical atmosphere.
Similar to Existential Daydream, “Afterlife” moves through various corners of Awad’s inspirations while at the same time stringing them together under an undeniably vulnerable look at life nearly slipping away. From the get-go, the near-operatic vocals set the tone for the song, with Awad confronting tough questions and revelations.
The twinkly instrumentation and atmospheric jazz also make the track hard to pin down to any specific era, allowing it to float and remain universally relevant so long as humans stay existential.
Of course, that doesn’t mean Awad and Bates settle for one soundscape, something quickly proven by the buzzing guitar riffs that transition into a combination of folk intimacy and ‘70s grandeur.
It’s also around this time, right at the song’s last minute, when the hardest-hitting questions strike. Lines like “I know I’m broken” pierce through thanks to Awad’s powerful voice aligning with the electric fuzz of the guitar solo. Details like that are why “Afterlife” is a song about death and resurrection.
And despite the dark subject matter, Awad and Bates find the value in memory and prioritizing what matters most in life. While Awad herself already found a winning formula last year, “Afterlife” is further proof of what she’s capable of.
Visit Jen Awad and Will Bates on their Instagram accounts to stay updated on new releases and tour dates.
Listen to “After Life” the new single from Jen Awad and Will Bates.
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