Drawing us in with textured drums, a funk guitar energy with a cosmic, astral frequency and emotive vocalisations accompanied by an 8-bit synth line, Auswan opens Something to Live For with dimensionality and intrigue. The opus expands with shimmering nuances and the introspective lyrics, “I’ve been trying for so long not to face what’s in front of me, but something inside me is telling me I should be with you, I know down deep in my heart, nothing else was meant for me…”
We immediately connect with the raw authenticity of the prose, and the high emotional quotient that Auswan shares. The narrative is relatable and cinematic at the same time. We could imagine Something to Live For being featured in a TV show like My Life with the Walter Boys, or a film like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. There is creative depth to what Auswan shares, and a timeless nature that really taps into the sentiment of enduring love.
The funk-infused composition is a masterclass in dynamic music production, keeping us enthralled throughout with intricate nuances. Auswan‘s ad-libs are passionate and add value to the piece that builds with choral motifs after the second chorus. The middle eight feels like a Michael Jackson or Prince throwback and the rising laser synth really builds excitement leading us through to an instrumental outro that leaves us yearning for more.
We learn that Something to Live For is the debut single from Auswan, an LA-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer. Auswan created the track’s music and lyrics, and performed all vocals and instruments except drums and percussion. The song was completed with drums, percussion, mixing, mastering, and assistant production by collaborator Oliver Holden. The mesmerizing cover artwork was designed by Sara Begalman with photography by Ellis Allen.
Auswan began playing instruments at a young age before developing a focus on saxophone, eventually studying jazz performance at Northwestern University in 2017. During his time at Northwestern, he expanded his skills across multiple woodwind instruments and performed as a vocalist and saxophonist with pop/soul group Honey Butter throughout the Chicago area and beyond. After relocating to Los Angeles, Auswan built a career performing professionally as a saxophonist, vocalist, flutist, and bassist, drawing inspiration from the city’s vibrant funk and R&B scenes to create his own music. He cites Prince, Cameo, and Jamiroquai as sonic influences, which we can absolutely feel manifest!
Needless to say, we are in awe, and have added Something to Live For to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we anticipate future releases from Auswan!