Having been born in the United States, but having spent significant parts of her life in Kosovo, Nita Kaja, lead vocalist for SYTË, is no stranger to the feelings she writes about in the band’s upcoming single “Up in the Air,” released April 30th and featuring London-born Qendresa.
Without context, the single could easily be interpreted as a break-up song. In actuality, it is Kaja’s “goodbye to the most intense, beautiful, challenging, and growth-inducing four years of [her] life.” Following the release of their 2020 album Divine Computer, this single continues SYTË’s trend of creating vibey, yet intentional music that their fans can either groove along to or find their own meanings behind the lyrics.
Hidden behind vocals and a track that defines smooth and easy-to-listen-to, “Up in the Air” addresses the struggle and unsettled feeling of having an obscured concept of “home,” a divided identity. Despite the heavier message, SYTË doesn’t get lost in the content, managing to make the track just as fun as the accompanying music video, set to release on the same day as the single.
Kaja’s vocals are light and airy, with Qendresa bringing an unexpected edginess and added soul to the “Up in the Air.” The music video follows the group around the city, performed and cut together in a lighthearted way that transforms an intense goodbye into something more reminiscent of a love-note and a thank you.
