awfultune’s latest EP, “Dear Sarah,” released today on Amuse, encapsulates the rollercoaster of emotions experienced during a promising but ultimately fizzled fling, all within a captivating ten-minute musical journey. For Layla Eden, the talented New York state bedroom pop artist, this EP is a natural extension of her breakout 2019 single, “I Met Sarah in the Bathroom,” which has already amassed an impressive 30 million streams on Spotify.
In an exclusive email interview with American Songwriter, Eden revealed the inspiration behind the EP’s opening track, “I Met Sarah in the Bathroom.” She explained that the concept and artwork for the song were collaboratively developed with her friend Sarah. Although the person referred to as “Sarah” in her songs initially drew inspiration from this friend, Sarah later evolved into an alter-ego—a character through whom Eden could work through her own struggles, someone she admired and respected. Eden skillfully fuses literal and metaphorical elements in her songwriting, crafting stories that listeners can enjoy on different levels.
While “I Met Sarah in the Bathroom” captures the exhilarating rush of an unexpected romance, “Dear Sarah” delves into the raw disappointments that followed. The EP is adorned with two voicemail interludes, “00:49” and “error 30004,” adding an intimate, lo-fi ambiance to the storytelling. Vulnerability, both musically and lyrically, has always been a defining characteristic of awfultune’s music.
Eden cites influential artists such as Melanie Martinez, Billie Eilish, and Clairo—powerful, empowered women—as sources of inspiration. However, she also explores an acoustic sound in her music, intertwining it with elements of her new artistic direction. This EP is a beautiful blend of different musical styles and influences, showcasing the versatility and growth of awfultune.
“Dear Sarah” follows awfultune’s recent album, “layla,” which marks her fifth release and builds upon her previous works: “Unreleased Demos,” “21,” “michael,” and “Peace and Quiet,” all of which have contributed to her rising popularity as a singer-songwriter. The 22-year-old artist has been open and transparent about her personal journey on social media, sharing her journey of transitioning with her followers.
While preparing for the release of “Dear Sarah,” Eden has been actively collaborating with other artists and working on visually captivating projects. She expresses her excitement about the future, hinting at a forthcoming release that holds a special place in her heart, teasing listeners with the promise of hearing one of her favorite songs she has ever created.
“Dear Sarah” is now available on Amuse, and it’s just the beginning of awfultune’s musical evolution. Stay tuned to discover what this rising bedroom pop talent has in store for us. For more information about the “5 WS” (Who, What, When, Where, and Why) and other interesting topics, visit 5 WS.
