There's a fine line between believing in yourself and completely losing touch with reality. New York singer-songwriter Leo Sawikin seems particularly interested in what happens when that line disappears. His new single, Blue Star, out today, introduces a character so convinced of their own brilliance that they become incapable of seeing themselves clearly. It's an interesting starting point for a song that explores ego, fantasy and the inevitable consequences of taking yourself a little too seriously.
We last caught up with Sawikin at METAL around the release of Where I'm Running, a track that explored the desire to escape an ordinary life in search of something more exciting. With Blue Star, he takes a different direction, drawing on the psychedelic rock influences that have been part of his musical upbringing, particularly his admiration for Radiohead.
"I grew up listening to Radiohead and have dabbled in psych-rock inspired soundscapes in my songwriting, but never felt my plain-spoken lyrical style quite fit that vibe," he explains. This time, he turned to his friend and drummer Max Yassky, whose more poetic approach to writing helped bring the concept to life. Together, they imagined a delusional performer who believes they're a star, living entirely through fantasy until everything eventually falls apart.
The title itself is particularly fitting. Blue stars are among the brightest and fastest-burning stars, making them an interesting metaphor for someone whose obsession with their own importance ultimately consumes them. It's a darker and more imaginative approach to storytelling for an artist whose music has often drawn from personal experiences and emotional honesty.
Sawikin has been developing his sound alongside producer Phil Ek, whose credits include Fleet Foxes and The Shins, with their collaboration continuing into a forthcoming album planned for 2027. In the meantime, Blue Star offers another glimpse of his willingness to explore new territory without abandoning the songwriting that has defined his work so far.
