PREMIERE: Secret American’s “Why Believe?” brings Derek Krzywicki back to the spotlight

More often than not, when artists go into seclusion to create an album, the results are glorious. I mean, if Justin Vernon had never decided to hole up in a lonely, snowy cabin in the woods, we might’ve never been blessed with somber, wintry sounds of For Emma, Forever Ago. So what happens then when an artist forgoes the icy forest, and instead chooses a small and sunny Californian beach town as his hideout? Derek Krzywicki’s new solo project, Secret American, has the answers. Hint: it’s easy, it’s breezy, it’s beautiful and has no relation to Covergirl.

You may know Derek Krzywicki from the Philly-turned-LA outfit / The Key faves, Cheers Elephant. Now focusing on his individual project, Krzywicki has a new single titled, “WHY BELIEVE?” for you to become acquainted with. Though the track bellows carefree, summer-pop vibes which emulate its West Coast birth, and yet there is a certain inherent edge to the song that can only originate from the city we know and love.

That makes sense, since in addition to writing and recording at his home in California, Krzywicki also worked in Philly’s Cambridge Sound Studios. Commenting on the effects this location collaboration had on the album, Krzywicki states that, “Though rich in sunny California vibes, it’s blood is pure Philadelphian.”

On the single, Krzywicki also tells us:

The song was originally an afterthought. The record was essentially done and then “WHY BELIEVE?” came out of nowhere one night in my bedroom. Though cryptic in meaning, it arose out of our current political environment and the feeling of a marginalization of progressive values over my lifetime.

Stay tuned for Secret Americans’ full album coming this fall, but until then, stream away “WHY BELIEVE?” to your heart’s desire.