By Ian Urrutia
Last year, August Wahh dropped her fantastic debut EP, Labyrinth, which openly discussed her bouts with depression and relationship abuse during a tumultuous period in her life. A personal record that comes from a very dark, harrowing place, the songs brim with bohemian sunshine and infectious warmth: both contradicting sonic elements that manage to give the 5-track release the necessary space for listeners to immerse and dance away their agony, albeit temporarily.
Fast forward to a year, the neo-soul singer-songwriter still recognizes the emotional damage that made her a more empowered person. Her latest single “Elated” channels the confidence derived from inner peace and newfound wisdom. “I wrote ‘Elated’ as a reminder to myself and to others that no matter what you’ve been through, the goal is to rise above situations that made you feel small – by accepting where you’ve been and the journey you’re on, even if you don’t know where you’re going,” the alternative R&B artist says in a statement. “It’s a reminder to own yourself and live life to the fullest.”
With production from prolific beatmaker and festival favorite, crwn, “Elated” sees August Wahh living her life outside of a carefully staged musical persona. Here, she sings with unrestricted ease and soulful glow, using her voice as a celebration of feminine power: “Does it matter where I go?” she rhapsodizes over jazzy, lilting textures and electronic beats that echo underwater resonance. A part of me melts, hearing how she has claimed her own person. It must be said, loud and clear: August Wahh is moving to a better place. It’s all that matters at this point.
Stream Elated
