Photo Credit: Khufu Najee
(June 24, 2022) – Following the release of her standout single “Good Life,” Los Angeles-based Somali singer-songwriter, artist, and multi-faceted creative IDMAN (they/them/she/her) returns with their new single “Look At What I’m Doing To You”, out now via Arista Records. The ethereal single arrives alongside a captivating and suspenseful visual directed by frequent collaborator, activist, and friend Sabaah Folayan.
Drawing inspiration from iconic Hype Williams’ visuals while trying to capture a slice of the current cultural climate and with nods to fashion label Pyer Moss, IDMAN takes listeners to the dancefloor and invites them in with her alluring aura and sensual voice. The video features a crew of predominantly Black womxn and cameos from up-and-coming Black queer and trans actors, organizers, and classically trained dancers, contortionists, authors, and screenwriters.
“Look At What I’m Doing To You” thematically explores the evolution of heartbreak and redemption found in “Good Life” while also touching on IDMAN’s heritage and providing commentary on the state of cultural appropriation. Written during the pandemic and final term of Trump’s presidency, the track holds a special significance to IDMAN as the catalyst for their music career. With easter eggs spread throughout the track, IDMAN unveils a juxtaposition that depicts her lived experience and heritage while presenting a love song about control and taking into account the Black and Brown experience.
Expanding on the single, IDMAN shares, “‘Look At What I’m Doing To You’ was the first song I ever recorded. This was the song that got me through so many doors and opened a lot up for me in my career. It speaks to an exclusive experience for those who know what I’m saying and have felt what I’m saying. If culture were a person, what would she say?… Look at what we’ve done to you, we are everything you do. Every part of everything you think is yours is us. In its conceptualization and at the very base of every atom, we are you, and you wish.” Further emphasizing that the song was born from a tumultuous time and experience where IDMAN witnessed Trump shouting “send her back” regarding congresswoman, Ilhan Omar. IDMAN adds, “seeing her laugh in the face of adversity was inspiring because it embodied the on-brand energy of Somali women.”
A genuine creative in every sense of the word, IDMAN invites listeners in and encourages them to reflect, discover, and be empowered to live their authentic lives. IDMAN offers a brief glimpse of her forthcoming EP, Risk (2022), with today’s release. The fast-rising talent continues to make waves as they bare their soul with expert storytelling, pensive lyricism, and cinematic visuals, proving she’s an artist to watch. Continuing to carve their own lane with intention and vision, IDMAN foregoes genre, gender, and borders, refusing to be confined. Stream/watch “Look At What I’m Doing To You” and stay tuned for more news to follow.
WATCH THE OFFICIAL VIDEO FOR “LOOK AT WHAT I’M DOING TO YOU”
https://youtu.be/KXL3Owg8ZkM
STREAM “LOOK AT WHAT I’M DOING TO YOU”
http://idman.lnk.to/LAWIDTY
