An over-worldly vibe mixed with nostalgic grunge elements from the ‘90s is what characterises the new song from folk-tinged rock star Leo Sawikin, perhaps best known as the founder and frontman of New York City based folk rock project The Chordaes.
Tapping into tunings inspired by Joni Mitchell with a distinctly Smashing Pumpkins-esque attitude, Row Me Away is a daydream of a song which speaks to wanting to escape somewhere familiar, but simultaneously new.
Speaking to a generation who are somewhat lost in the frenzy of modern living, Sawikin employs sounds which are both nostalgic and new to create a sense of yearning in his music.
Comforting in its companionship, Row Me Away is the sound of someone who draws on the past in order to forge a new path forward into the future, picking up techniques and inspiration from the late and greats such as Brian Wilson, Carole King, Burt Bacharach, and Jimmy Webb to bring about a truly unique sound in his own songwriting.
Speaking of the song, Sawikin says “I was trying to go for a very visual type of song when I wrote this. I wanted to evoke a feeling of blasting away from earth or from our universe in search of something brand new and entirely different.
“Using unique but familiar chord progressions like this is a great way to lay the groundwork for songs that feel nostalgic and brand new at the same time... when most people ‘row away’ somewhere, they’re not just looking for a new world, but ideally a place where the familiar is accessible.”