PREMIERE: Get nostalgic with ÖZLEM’s 1976-inspired ballad, “Electric Ladyland”

Queer, non-binary singer, songwriter and producer ÖZLEM continues to blur lines of traditional genres with the release of second single, “Electric Ladyland,” from debut album, Fagpop, out June 4th. GroundSounds is thrilled to premiere the ballad, which features Laura Borealis, ahead of its May 21st release.

Check out “Electric Ladyland” via the official lyric video below:

The piano-filled track builds with a hypothetical story of spotting an edgy and enigmatic individual on the subway, learning he’s a rockstar and pining after him. As the plot unfolds, electric guitar notes accompany vulnerable vocals as ÖZLEM confesses his desire to become more than just another face in the crowd. A 70s rock track infused with modern elements, it’s as if Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s “Déjà Vu” met Lana Del Rey’s “Ultraviolence.” Set in a fictionalized 1976, it paints a queer nightlife love story of longing, and serves as the perfect summer love track to yearn along with.

“The song references Jimi Hendrix’s West Village music venue, Electric Ladyland, the namesake of his final album and current home of the legendary Electric Lady Studios,” explains ÖZLEM. “It will make listeners young and old nostalgic for an old New York, even if they weren’t alive during its heyday. The track features backup vocals and harmonies from my supremely talented sister, Laura Borealis, and was produced and arranged entirely by my collaborator Jack Mullin.”

ÖZLEM explores themes of identity, culture, and longing through enigmatic-tinged dark pop through a unique, queer lens. Inspired by everyone from Lady Gaga, to SOPHIE, to Avril Lavigne and Hannah Montana, ÖZLEM is ready to continue pushing boundaries in music with his first official release, Fagpop, on June 4th.

Pre-save the single before it drops tomorrow and keep up to all things ÖZLEM via their official website: ozlem.me.