Opening with an ethereal narrated voiceover in a British accent, Butterfly Haus opens his single, Hold It Against Me with the wise words, “Because music is emotion, it’s feeling, it’s flying it’s spirit…”
The opus then expands with luscious and immersive guitar, as Butterfly Haus sings emotively and atmospherically, introspectively questioning “will you Hold It Against Me?”
Written in the aftermath of an extended, cancer-related hospital stay, Butterfly Haus confesses that Hold It Against Me “broaches questions about the nature of the universe and manifestation”.
We are in awe of the soundscape and the electric guitar elements provided by Levi Wilkinson, plus quivering synth embellishments all complemented by emotive background vocals from Norwegian singer-songwriter Rosarii.
Butterfly Haus, who formerly made under the moniker “SAZE”, is the Brooklyn-based indie-alternative music project of New Jersey-born Nigerian-American producer, songwriter and recording artist Osaze Akerejah. Though Akerejah has been making original music since the late 2000’s the initial idea for the Butterfly Haus project was first birthed in 2019, finally coming to fruition in 2022.
The rising artist cites Kate Bush, Kanye West, Arcade Fire, Frank Ocean, Angel Olsen, Jay Z, Grizzly Bear, Phil Collins and Prince as some of his influences, although it is clear that Butterfly Haus is creating a universe of his own.
Butterfly Haus leaves us with some profound wisdom as he says, “I think there’s a lot of angst regarding positive thought in the midst of dark times, especially now, so it felt important to make a song addressing it.”
We have added Hold It Against Me to our New Music Spotlight playlist, whistle we stream Butterfly Haus‘ wider discography including his album, Origins Compilation.