”Life is about taking risks, stepping out of the comfort zone, widening the path ahead, walking with fear, but refusing to stop. Leo Sawikin knows this well, which is why his new single, “Where I’m Running,” rises like an anthem to the truth of leaving the familiar behind as the only real possibility for growth.
Built on a simple guitar strum and a steady drum pattern that repeats with comforting warmth, the track was born organically, sparked by a flash of inspiration that evolved into a purpose-driven song, one that brings a smile from the very first note without ever tipping into sweetness or cliché.
Phil Ek (Fleet Foxes, Band of Horses, The Shins) leads the production on this single, the second release from Sawikin’s upcoming 2026 EP, “The Edge of Everything,” one of the most defining projects of his indie-pop career.
The single “is about wanting to escape an easy life for something more exciting and dangerous,” Leo shares. “The song started from a riff idea I had and came together really quickly compared to a lot of other things I’ve written.” That spontaneity became the perfect ingredient, giving rise to a track that flows naturally, settles in like a familiar friend, and leaves behind a spark that nudges you toward action.
Born and raised in New York, Sawikin has spent years shaping a universe where vulnerability acts as a compass and risk serves as fuel. In 2024, he reached a breakthrough moment when “Till You’re Somebody Else,” the title track of his previous album, climbed to #1 on the Mediabase A/C Independent Artists Chart and #26 on Billboard’s AC Chart, solidifying his place within the most emotionally resonant corner of indie pop. That same album also gave him his most-streamed song to date, “The Same Mistakes,” which continues to travel across the U.S., the U.K., Brazil, and Indonesia.
Along the way, Leo carved out space on major stages. He toured the country opening for Jon McLaughlin, played iconic venues like the Troubadour in Los Angeles and New York’s City Winery, and in 2025 returned to a Brooklyn studio to record live versions of some of his most meaningful tracks.
“The Edge of Everything” marks both a sonic and emotional shift. New collaborators stepped in to expand his sound, including drummer Max Yassky with sharp, driving precision; his brother William Sawikin, who crafted vibrant, textured synths; and guitarist Vin Landolfi, whose pop-forward sensibility opens new pathways. The result is a rawer, bolder body of work inspired by artists like The Cure, Radiohead, George Clanton, and Dora Jar.
“Where I’m Running” stands as a pivotal step in Sawikin’s artistic journey. This track reveals a more introspective, personal side while still offering a mirror for anyone unwilling to settle. It’s a reminder that movement, even when uncertain, is a form of courage, and that sometimes the only way forward is to run.
