Through this pandemic I believe humanity has returned to those who have forgotten its existence. The trials of modern life have been slowed, the constant grind of a meager existence examined and neighborly affection has risen from the depths to squash the worries of our own impending end. People gather to cheer frontline workers battling the pandemic, while the whole world waits to return to normality. We take for granted the simple pleasures that were once plenty but have now been restricted, a grocery run has become an exercise in claustrophobia.
Brooklyn songwriter Katie Lau has used the time to add the finishing touches to her new album When You Found Forever, her first project to be released in five years under the Painted Zeros name. It’s an uncompromising journey into a person stricken with a battle of the psyche, overcoming a tumultuous relationship with alcohol and breaking free from the clutches of an old love (see “”). Lau is fearless in showing the pains of addiction mixed with the beautiful color palette that returns once its been abandoned. On her latest single that we’re thrilled to premiere, “I Will Try” Lau takes the various shades that make up ourselves to create an anthem endowed with a restored affirmation in her identity and making the best of the future.
A beacon of hope soars high as Lau’s ever so graceful guitar tugs at your heart strings, championed by an endearing drum pattern guiding her along the path. Swells of emotion pour out as the track weaves its way across glistening lyrics emboldened by Lau’s honesty, “When it comes, I’m still here / The dark dissolves, to stay another year”. As Lau details, “I wrote this song channeling the feeling of gratitude I have for what really feels like getting a second chance at life thanks to getting sober, and getting on the other side of a difficult time onto a path of emotional/mental health in general. Now, every day I wake, I’m just trying to do the right thing/live an honest, useful life, and trying to help others however I can. When I was still drinking and using, life had become so dark and miserable, and now, being in recovery for three years, my life has changed beyond recognition; it’s better than I ever could have imagined it could be.”
The track signifies a coming to terms with the demons of our past, and learning to embrace our faults because in the end we’re only human. By our very nature we’re flawed but its in these so called “imperfections” that we should embrace the lining of our stars. A finale breams with optimism as Lau returns to a forgotten skill of finger tapping to create a harmonious realization of truth soaked in passion.
When You Found Forever is out May 29th via Don Giovanni Records. Listen to the track below…