New single from Late Again

Late Again is the solo project of Brooklyn-based artist Rafael who crafts an intriguing blend of indie, electronic and dream pop rhythms infused with the echoes of Brazil, his country of origin. Rafael’s music is a reflection of his journey, both geographically and creatively, as he left his home country in search of something more, hopping between multiple cities and collaborating with a diverse array of people from Grammy winners to film stars and friends.

This nomadic experience is embedded in his music, creating a sound that’s as much about the search for belonging as it is about the joy of creating. In April of this year, Late Again made a striking entrance onto the music scene with his debut single, “Flood,” quickly followed by additional singles that formed his EP Migraine Fever Dream.

These first releases showcased his ability to fuse indie pop with electronic and lo-fi stylings, creating a sound that is accessible and entirely new. Now, Late Again returns with his latest single, “Caterpillars,” a track that perfectly captures his unique musical style while offering a poignant commentary on the world around him.

“Caterpillars” is a melancholic and immersive track that draws listeners into the very environment that shaped its creation. The song’s origins are as compelling as its sound; Late Again found inspiration in the relentless noise of construction happening just outside his apartment. After an entire block was demolished to make way for a skyscraper, Rafael was plagued by the incessant sounds of a pile driver that made sleep nearly impossible for two years.

Rather than letting the noise defeat him, he turned it into art, pointing his microphone at the window and capturing the industrial beat that would become the foundation of “Caterpillars.” This integration of real-world sounds with Late Again’s indie pop and electronic elements results in a track that pairs the aggressive, construction-driven beat with the melodic, psychedelic trip hop elements that snake throughout the song.

From the thump of the opening bars, the twang of a sitar inject colour before the track flows with buzzy synth tones and processed vocals. With a slick groove and intricate balance of grit and airy melodic charm, with “Caterpillars,” Late Again continues to confirm the hype that surrounds his solo artistic endeavour with another slice of his highly original and entirely enjoyable sonic output.

Listen to Caterpillars below