Whitelands photographed by Edward Sogunro
Whitelands share new single ‘Songbird (Forever)’ ahead of their biggest London headline show to date
It’s from their second album Sunlight Echoes – out on January 30, 2026
Corsica Studios show tonight; expanded EU and UK tour early next year
It’s from their second album Sunlight Echoes – out on January 30, 2026
Corsica Studios show tonight; expanded EU and UK tour early next year
London-based shoegazers Whitelands have released a new single. ‘Songbird (Forever)’ is the third track from their forthcoming album Sunlight Echoes and is out now on all digital platforms.
It’s their poppiest moment to date – a string-laden slice of breathless pop beauty, full of love and with a real sense of hopefulness.
“It’s about my friends, the important people in my life, and my spirit,” explains singer Etienne Quartey-Papafio. “I was going through a very dark time, but love is a great thing. I'm loved by many incredible people, so I pushed myself with everything I had.
“Every day was a fight, but I wanted to win.”
The lyrics also provided the title of the new album, or as Etienne puts it “the dawn I would’ve missed if I never chose to continue”.
“When we first laid down this track, hearing it back was emotional,” adds bassist Vanessa Govinden. “There was a gulp when the first chorus kicked in and that was before the strings were added. I’m so pleased that James Underwood [aka Iskra Strings] reached out when he did, because he lifted the whole song.”
The lyrics also mention the Seven Sisters cliffs and Etienne and Vanessa from the band paid a visit to East Sussex to make the wholesome accompanying video, which is below.
ttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVnYGpSLYok
The video for ‘Songbird (Forever)’
filmed by Etienne Quartey-Papafio and Vanessa Govinden
‘Songbird (Forever)’ is the follow-up to the acclaimed ‘Glance’, which was released at the en of September with a video featuring rising British actors David Jonsson and Honor Swinton Byrne.
“A shimmering sense of beauty” – Clash
“The kind of song you listen to in bed while staring at the ceiling, wondering if your crush or recent ex is thinking about you. It’s devastating, sprawling, and searching, with long-limbed guitar riffs and passionate vocals” – Stereogum
"Packed with emotion and big hooks. [Etienne’s] full-throated delivery fits perfectly with the soaring dreampop backdrop” – Brooklyn Vegan
Whitelands play their biggest London headline show so far tonight, when they play Corsica Studios. Support is from their new Sonic Cathedral labelmates Adele Dazeem.
They recently announced tour dates for next February and have now added an additional show at MOTH Club in London on February 26.
Whitelands play the following:
November 20 – London – Corsica Studios
January 3 – Bognor Regis – Rockaway Beach
February 6 – Paris – Supersonic
February 7 – The Hague – Grauzone Festival
February 18 – Birmingham – Hare & Hounds
February 19 – Glasgow – The Hug And Pint
February 20 – Leeds – Hyde Park Book Club
February 21 – Newcastle – Zerox
February 22 – Blackpool – Bootleg Social
February 24 – Manchester – YES Basement
February 25 – Bedford – Esquires
February 26 – London – MOTH Club
It’s their poppiest moment to date – a string-laden slice of breathless pop beauty, full of love and with a real sense of hopefulness.
“It’s about my friends, the important people in my life, and my spirit,” explains singer Etienne Quartey-Papafio. “I was going through a very dark time, but love is a great thing. I'm loved by many incredible people, so I pushed myself with everything I had.
“Every day was a fight, but I wanted to win.”
The lyrics also provided the title of the new album, or as Etienne puts it “the dawn I would’ve missed if I never chose to continue”.
“When we first laid down this track, hearing it back was emotional,” adds bassist Vanessa Govinden. “There was a gulp when the first chorus kicked in and that was before the strings were added. I’m so pleased that James Underwood [aka Iskra Strings] reached out when he did, because he lifted the whole song.”
The lyrics also mention the Seven Sisters cliffs and Etienne and Vanessa from the band paid a visit to East Sussex to make the wholesome accompanying video, which is below.
ttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVnYGpSLYok
The video for ‘Songbird (Forever)’
filmed by Etienne Quartey-Papafio and Vanessa Govinden
‘Songbird (Forever)’ is the follow-up to the acclaimed ‘Glance’, which was released at the en of September with a video featuring rising British actors David Jonsson and Honor Swinton Byrne.
“A shimmering sense of beauty” – Clash
“The kind of song you listen to in bed while staring at the ceiling, wondering if your crush or recent ex is thinking about you. It’s devastating, sprawling, and searching, with long-limbed guitar riffs and passionate vocals” – Stereogum
"Packed with emotion and big hooks. [Etienne’s] full-throated delivery fits perfectly with the soaring dreampop backdrop” – Brooklyn Vegan
Whitelands play their biggest London headline show so far tonight, when they play Corsica Studios. Support is from their new Sonic Cathedral labelmates Adele Dazeem.
They recently announced tour dates for next February and have now added an additional show at MOTH Club in London on February 26.
Whitelands play the following:
November 20 – London – Corsica Studios
January 3 – Bognor Regis – Rockaway Beach
February 6 – Paris – Supersonic
February 7 – The Hague – Grauzone Festival
February 18 – Birmingham – Hare & Hounds
February 19 – Glasgow – The Hug And Pint
February 20 – Leeds – Hyde Park Book Club
February 21 – Newcastle – Zerox
February 22 – Blackpool – Bootleg Social
February 24 – Manchester – YES Basement
February 25 – Bedford – Esquires
February 26 – London – MOTH Club
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