We’ve got us another teaser of Whitelands‘ second album Sunlight Echoes ahead of its official release on January 30 of the new year. That makes this the third preview song, if we’re keeping track.

Of the soaring, string-laden “Songbird (Forever)”, singer Etienne Quartey-Papafio says:

It’s about my friends, the important people in my life, and my spirit. 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.

Etienne Quartey-Papafio, Whitelands
Whitelands – “Songbird (Forever)” @ Stereogum

To which bassist Vanessa Govinden adds:

When we first laid down this track, hearing it back was emotional. 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, of Iskra Strings) reached out when he did, because he lifted the whole song.

Vanessa Govinden, Whitelands
Whitelands Share Evocative ‘Songbird (Forever)’ Video @ Clash

The video is made up of footage filmed by Quartey-Papafio and Govinden at the Seven Sisters in East Sussex, which is itself referenced in the song’s lyrics.