Sylvan Esso – WDID
Durham’s Sylvan Esso return with “WDID”, their first new music in three years and the first release on their own Psychic Hotline label. With that independence comes a big decision: they’re pulling their entire catalogue from Spotify.
Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn join a growing list of artists leaving the platform over CEO Daniel Ek’s investment in Helsing, a weapons contractor developing military AI and drones.
“We simply can’t continue to put our life’s work in a store that, in addition to all its other glaring flaws, directly funds war machines,” they said. It’s a significant move for a duo that’s racked up nearly a billion Spotify streams.
“WDID” sounds like doomscrolling feels. Meath rapid-fires a cascade of images over Sanborn’s abrasive, booming production: skin care cream, the northern lights, a genocide, a Burger King crown. Everything hits at once with no breathing room. She asks what to do when running out of money, while the algorithm only wants her body. It’s all happening now, and the feed won’t stop.
The track was recorded at Betty’s, their Chapel Hill studio, with additional production from Jake Luppen of Hippo Campus. The duo spent the past year working with new collaborators, including a week-long improvisation session with bassist Daniel Aged (Frank Ocean, Dijon) and drummer TJ Maiani (Weyes Blood, Neneh Cherry) that produced B-side “KEEP ON”.
The 12″ vinyl single drops January 9th. You can find it everywhere except Spotify.
Tracklist:
- WDID
- KEEP ON
