Afloat is the latest song from Australian musician Jewel Owusu. Originally hailing from Perth/Boorloo, but now living in Melbourne/Naarm, Jewel has previously had success with previous single American Honey. That song picked up coverage from Apple and Spotify’s editorial playlists, and also got coverage on Triple J.
With a crystalline melody and deep, woozy bass, Afloat has a soft, introspect feel… Ambient aquatic sounds and effects surround Owusu’s vocal, creating the effect of existing in her head as she soaks within a bathtub. Big, crunchy rhythms combine with the bass to create a sound that feels full and enveloping.
Production comes courtesy of Melbourne producer Swimgood, who creates the perfect bed for Jewel’s emotionally vulnerable lyrics.
Whilst the sounds may be aquatic in feel, the buoyancy at the heart of Afloat strives for something a little more heavenly. Reflecting the experience of managing anxiety and attachment within a relationship, Owusu’s vocal ask, “Space and time won’t hold us both, will you love me when I don't stay afloat?”
Describing the song, Jewel says, “Afloat is all about the part of relationships where the idealized version that your partner has created of you in their heads fades away. It’s about loving someone through their flaws, mistakes, and changes.”
Check our Afloat below.