Senseless Optimism makes a musical promise that ‘It Gets Better’
Massachusetts singer-songwriter Brittany Tsewole releases her project’s captivating new EP on Friday, July 15
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Photo Credit: Brad Miller
The EP is led by the new single ‘Leave You Behind’, now streaming
BOSTON, MA [July 15, 2022] -- It’s easy to stay positive when life is good. But it takes guts, perseverance, and a certain type of dedication to stay positive in the most trying of times. Like, for instance, right now. Senseless Optimism’s forthcoming EP, It Gets Better, set for release on Friday, July 15, is more than just a collection of songs unified by its hopeful title: It’s a mindset, a mantra, a feeling willed into existence – and it’s one that singer-songwriter Brittany Tsewole has taken to majestic musical heights.
Over the course of its five tracks, which skip across a genre lake like a steadfast pebble refusing to become submerged, It Gets Better showcases Tsewole’s vision through stylistic avenues of indie-pop, jazz, rock, soul, R&B, and psych. Led by March single “Leave You Behind,” a song about letting go and working through trauma, the EP spans a lyrical spectrum across the various stages of grief, from denial (“Give Me Time”), to anger (“Hater”), to depression (“Couped Up”), and finally, to acceptance (“Nothin’ To Me” and the aforementioned lead single).
Inspired by circumstances, and powered by a drive to find the light and keep going, It Gets Better is, at its eclectic core, upbeat and hopeful, through introspective lyricism and a sound that dances out of the speakers. It’s the feeling of good vibes during hard times.
“This collection of songs talk about moving on or getting over one's past loves, losses, insecurities, and individually believed transgressions,” says Tsewole. “All of these songs were written in the moments described above. When I was overwhelmed by feelings of denial, when I was overwhelmed by the loss of love, during a bout of depression, and a time where I was able to accept my past/present and look forward to my future. From that point, I met with Dan Nicklin and Nate Leavitt where we brought these songs together in Henley Row.”
That’s where Tsewole took her vision and crystallized it into what would become the It Gets Better EP, recording with Nicklin and Leavitt at their Stoneham studio. The record follows up Senseless Optimism’s trio of impactful 2021 singles – “Lonely Daze,” “Why?”, and the Boston Music Awards’ 617 Sessions track “Yesterdayz” – with each further entrenching the Lowell native and Sri Lankan artist deeper into the Boston music scene. As It Gets Better is set to see daylight, Tsewole has become one of the most fascinating and authentic voices in the city.
Last year, she was named New Act of the Year at the New England Music Awards, and at the Boston Music Awards was nominated in three categories (New Artist of the Year; Singer-Songwriter of the Year; and 617 Sessions Song of the Year). Tsewole didn’t win at the BMAs, but she performed live at the ceremony at Brighton Music Hall, and walked away as one of the most talked-about performers of the night.
But in reality, Senseless Optimism is just getting started – and the latest chapter arrives July 15. In the morning, the EP hits the streams. In the evening, she celebrates the record with an exclusive release party at CNCPT 6 in Lowell, a password-only affair that also features The Shirts and Shoes and Phil Cambra, as well as a special screening of the “Hater” music video, created in collaboration with the Lowell High School film club.
“These songs are a step above my last singles,” Tsewole admits. “Both in recording and songwriting ability, thus representing the growth of Senseless Optimism as an artist. The sound came organically. There were many songs written, but these sounded the best together.”
Life is never without its struggles. But Senseless Optimism knows that even in the most dire of days, both from personal setbacks or those of the world around us, the first step towards positivity is knowing that it gets better. Because as Tsewole assures us, it always can get better, as long as you believe it.
Media Contact: Please direct all press inquiries to Senseless Optimism at senselessoptimism@gmail.com or Michael Marotta at michael@publisist.co.
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Senseless Optimism secondary press photo:
Photo Credit: Brad Miller
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Senseless Optimism short bio:
Senseless Optimism, the vessel for international artist Brittany Tsewole, is quickly redefining the role of the singer/songwriter in the modern era. Her international perspective and deeply insightful lyricism have already made her a fan favorite in her hometown of Lowell, MA. Now, with the release of her most accomplished music to date, July’s It Gets Better EP, Senseless Optimism is on the verge of a national breakthrough.
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‘It Gets Better’ EP artwork:
Art Credit: Helina Ekanem (@helinaillustration)
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‘It Gets Better’ production credits:
Brit Tsewole: Vocals and rhythm guitar
Nate Leavitt: Bass & percussive guitar, lead guitar on “Hater”
Dan Cederholm: Drums
Easmond Hoansi: Keys (melody)
Matt Odabashia: Keys
Brian Murphy: Horns
Mike Benjamin: Lead guitar on “Give Me Time” and “Nothing to Me”
Dan Nicklin: Percussion
Produced and mixed by Dan Nicklin at Henley Row Studios
Mastered by Brian Charles
EP artwork by Helina Illustration
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‘It Gets Better’ EP release party, July 15 at CNCPT 6 in Lowell:
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The music of Senseless Optimism can be heard and found on:
Boston Emissions with Anngelle Wood, Boston Globe, Boston Herald, BumbleBee Radio, Everything You Know Is Wrong on Salem State Radio, Lowell Spin, On The Town with Mikey Dee on WMFO Tufts Radio, Silver Gun Reviews, Vanyaland, WBUR 90.9 FM, WGBH, WUTY 97.9 Worcester, Wave Radio Boston, and other fine publications and radio programs.
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Media praise for Senseless Optimism:
“[‘Why?’] features dreamy production, jazzy guitar, a buoyant melody and darkly introspective lyrics. Downtempo, sung in a sort of sublime whisper and absolutely hypnotic, ‘Why?’ captivates the ears, heart and mind.” _Boston Herald
Packed with a jazzy chord progression, bouncy drum grooves, and a smartly simplistic chorus, ‘Why?’ leaves worries of a sad summer behind. The track’s clear jazz influence paired with Senseless Optimism’s lower range is reminiscent of Amy Winehouse and Nina Simone.” _Sound of Boston
“‘Why?’ flows with Tsewole’s stream of consciousness, always circling back to that exasperated one-word question with an air of genuine concern.” _Vanyaland
“Senseless Optimism shows us her ability to give songs a darker yet more comedic meaning. She combined Gen Z’s intelligence, loneliness, diversity, and hunger to not ignore or rewrite history but to learn from it and improve society’s indignation through her lyrics and music.” _The Silver Review
Press Contact: michael@publisist.co or senselessoptimism@gmail.com
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