Arima Ederra.
Photo by Jamil Baldwin.
The FADER’s “Songs You Need” are the tracks we can’t stop playing. Check back every day for new music and follow along on our Spotify playlist.
Last month, Arima Ederra returned with the wistful “Portals,” her first musical offering since 2018. On that song, the Los Angeles-based singer found herself stunned by the hypnotizing eyes of a friend she’s caught feelings for, wondering about the right time to say something, or, potentially worse, if there’ll ever be a right time at all. While the song aches with unrequited love, Ederra’s serene voice preserves a small piece of faith. It’s a preview of her upcoming album An Orange Colored Day, which is out on October 7. Alongside the announcement comes a new single titled “Steel Wing.”
Anchored by a simple drum pattern and simmering guitar riff, “Steel Wing” feels as hopeful as the start of a new day. Compared to “Portals,” her voice is unrestrained and bright—swaying melodies and belted notes are delivered with starry-eyed optimism and steadfast resolve. Her voice floats above the sun-baked groove. When a booming voice asks “What if trouble’s coming?” her response leaves zero ambiguities: “Imma fight before I weep.” Her words only grown emboldened by the hook’s conversational format. When she describes herself as a “bird with a steel wing,” it doesn’t come off as escapist fantasy—it feels more like she’s inviting others to come and get fitted for their own set of gliders. Arima Ederra wants everyone to feel free.
