The Private Language, an immersive and offbeat artist duo made up of celebrated musician and singer Blake Lewis and KJ Sawka of Pendulum, are pleased to share their first release of the year “Afterglow.”
With this smooth and evocative single, the project continues down a path of merging cutting edge electropop, future funk and indie sounds. The music video for “Afterglow” gives fans a look into the live performance that the guys have been working hard on – the duo performs with Blake on vocals, keyboards and programming, and KJ on drums, percussion and bass, of course with their signature eye and face adornments.
Sawka and Lewis originally crossed paths amid the vibrant Seattle hip hop and rave scene, becoming fast friends and fellow musical travelers. Lewis rose to fame as one of the most distinctive and memorable finalists on American Idol, winning over the world with his charismatic singing, beatboxing and scat-singing.
He went to collaborate with OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder, releasing a top 10 US album and a #1 Billboard dance track. Sawka has been playing drums and producing for over 28 years, working with artists such as Illenium, BT, Amon Tobin, Andy Summers of the Police and dubstep supergroup Destroid. He is most known as the incendiary drummer for drum n’ bass legends Pendulum.
Tell us about yours story as an artist
KJ – We started this band about 3 years ago with the sole purpose of changing the world. Blake and I are destined to create music together as brothers, forever. Blake came to me with a few song starts, which I loved and we both soon saw the vision. We’ve been wanting to start a band for a long time. When we were finally living in the same city again after 7 years, there was no better time to jump in it with both feet.
BL – We both grew up in the Seattle music scene. I hear about KJ for about two years before we met and started jamming together. We started a really fun night at a place called Töst in Fremont. We had the best talent come sit in with us because it was a freestyle night. Ever since then we’ve played on each other’s albums but as soon as we lived in the same town again, we knew it was time to create in the studio.
What do you think is the most important aspect of your life right now?
KJ – The most important aspect of my life is my wife and dog. As well as continuously tweaking the systems of each pillar in my life, then balancing them. This year has been all about balance. I have quite a few different bands and businesses that I run, so balancing it all is my most important thing.
BL – My mental & physical health. The pandemic did a number on me and I moved to a new city in the middle of it. It’s been challenging but I’m loving it. This year is all about accountability for me. I’m constantly working on this project and myself. It’s been super rewarding.
What makes this song special in your opinion?
BL- When writing this song I couldn’t stop thinking about my amazing travels to really beautiful countries, swimming in underground cenotes, dancing barefoot in the sand and deserts and climbing mountains. The feeling you get when you are one with Mother Nature. How everything just slips away, you let go and are at peace. I wrote from the heart and experience. This song came together so quickly because of that.
What inspired this track?
BL – Same answer as above but also writing this in NYC with my dear friend Aaron Beaumont was a real treat. I would say that UK Garage and Two-Step inspired the rhythm. The bass line came off the top of my head and I sung it while trying to figure out the notes on the synth.
What are some of the core messages here?
BL – Letting go of your pride, ego & being selfish. Giving back to our beautiful planet and don’t take it for granted.
How do you think tik tok and social media are contributing to change an artist’s career?
KJ – Social media is the devil’s dance. A necessary evil. An evolving world of opportunity and outrage.
Tik Tok has changed the way we consume music, positive and negative. Positive for many as there’s a fun connection with culture, dance moves and meme culture. Any song from any artist could break through and become a quick hit on the platform. It’s made some artists careers today. Negative for meaningful full songs and overall deep music & art connection into human souls. Tik Tok is like crack. Very intense and quick. It’s hard for me to be on there as it’s designed to suck anyone in as quickly as possible. I mentor a lot of artists and offer advice to absolutely not doom scroll on any platform. Instead use them as a tool. System check your scheduled marketing and promotions, schedule and respond to your DM’s for fan growth and industry communications leading to collaborations and business. When done right, they are the fast track to fan growth and marketing successes.
What excites you about your life?
BL – Everyday’s little challenges, my aspiration to be a better human. Seeing other humans’ inspiration and happiness that fuels my own. The kinetic energy you get from the stage and an audience.
What are some of your core values as a human being?
KJ – Love, kindness, dignity, respect, and gratitude. And passion and laser focus to follow my dreams.
BL – Compassion, integrity, love, & accountability.
What are your projects for this year?
We have a whole album of music we are dripping out this year as well as dozens of remixes and videos for each single. We’ve been working closely with Future For Humanity Foundation and United Nations Global Goals projects to help spread awareness through our music to save the planet. Working closely with Fhloston Affairs on our video projects including the AfterGlow LIVE music video we just put out. We love humans and love our planet so our main project is to unite humans and Mother Earth closely for the longevity of our existence here on earth. We are running out of time, but it’s not too late!
