Sky Ferreira, the quintessential alt-pop icon, has dropped her first new track in over two years, Leash, a sultry and biting original song for A24’s highly-anticipated film Babygirl. The song, released today via A24 Music, showcases Ferreira’s talent for blending vulnerability with electrifying synth-pop. It marks another pivotal moment in her storied career as she reasserts herself as one of music’s most dynamic figures.
Leash is quintessential Ferreira: sexy, bold, and tinged with danger. Its lyrics – “bit my tongue and bled the truth / as I live and breathe, I’m dead to you” – resonate with her signature blend of defiance and intimacy. Co-written with Jorge Elbrecht, the track channels the pop ethos that defined her groundbreaking 2013 debut album, Night Time, My Time, while signaling an evolution in her sound.
Sky Ferreira: A Cultural Force in Music and Beyond
Since her debut, Ferreira has been more than just a musician; she’s a cultural force. Born in Los Angeles, she emerged in the early 2010s as a unique voice in pop, defying expectations with a genre-defying blend of synth-pop, indie, and grunge. Night Time, My Time, praised for its raw confessional energy and Gaspar Noé-designed artwork, cemented her status as a trailblazer. Tracks like Everything Is Embarrassing and I Blame Myself remain cultural touchstones, earning her a cult following that has waited patiently for her long-promised sophomore album, Masochism.
Ferreira’s influence extends beyond music. As an actress, she’s appeared in Edgar Wright’s Baby Driver and David Lynch’s Twin Peaks: The Return. Her work on soundtracks, such as Emerald Fennell’s Promising Young Woman, underscores her ability to craft music that resonates across mediums.
Leash and the Cinematic Universe of Babygirl
Leash is not just a return for Ferreira but also a vital piece of Babygirl, a steamy psychological drama directed by Halina Reijn and starring Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson, Sophie Wilde, and Antonio Banderas. The film, slated for release on December 25, explores the fallout of a powerful CEO’s affair with her young intern. Ferreira’s song fits seamlessly into this world, amplifying its themes of desire, power, and consequence.
The Sky Ferreira Phenomenon: Why It Matters
Sky Ferreira’s cultural impact goes far beyond her music. She represents resilience in an industry often hostile to women who challenge its norms. Ferreira has navigated creative conflicts, industry politics, and personal hurdles with unyielding resolve. Her ability to stay relevant – even with sporadic releases – underscores the staying power of her artistry.
Leash is a statement reaffirming Ferreira’s place in the alt-pop canon while tantalizing fans awaiting Masochism. By pairing her music with the cinematic gravitas of Babygirl, Ferreira continues to blur the lines between mediums, creating art that is as evocative as it is enduring.
As Sky Ferreira heads back into the studio, her audience waits with bated breath. In a cultural landscape starved for authenticity, Ferreira’s voice remains as vital as ever, reminding us that some artists are worth the wait. We have added Leash to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TRIPPY playlist!
Header photo of Sky Ferreira by Morgan Maher