by alex grainger
photo by britney holung
Divine Lightbody’s “Wait” is an alluring ode to the striking intrigue of meeting someone new. The love song came together naturally and was created around the sensual pauses between the beat. The story of “Wait” draws from both Divine’s personal experience and her own perspective on an outsider’s story. The narrative of being able to “stop someone in their tracks and introduce yourself shows an attractive kind of confidence,” something that Divine herself has revealed she struggles with as she grapples with fear of rejection. But “Wait” is a single which smoothly and soulfully sings about “shooting your shot” and to not “be afraid to let someone in or try something new, they might be your person.” It’s a song of reassurance and encouragement, and just the first love song off her upcoming debut EP. Read more about “Wait” and Divine Lightbody below!
Can you tell us what your single “Wait” is about?
Divine: “My new single ‘Wait’ is about what it feels like meeting someone new. That feeling when you first see them and want to know who they are. It stems from personal experience, and my take on what it felt like to see my love interest for the first time.”
What was the creative process behind “Wait?”
Divine: “‘Wait’ was created by myself and my producer, Sawan K. This was the first song we ever created together before meeting face to face. The bulk of the song came together within 24 hours. Every lyric, melody and chord came so naturally. A year later, the song was revived, and released!”
“Wait” describes the story of an initial connection between two lovers. Did you draw inspiration for this song from one of your own experiences or one you have observed?
Divine: “The story of ‘Wait’ is a mixture of both personal experience and an outsider story. As a songwriter, it’s important to be able to step outside of your own story and put yourself in someone else’s shoes. With that being said, I believe the best songs are written out of personal experience, which is why I decided to take from my life experiences as well. I have always been the kind of person to avoid shooting my shot out of fear of rejection. I know a lot of people can relate, which means that a lot of us could be missing out on a connection. Being able to stop someone in their tracks and introduce yourself shows an attractive kind of confidence.”
How do you feel the sound you created for this single is reflective and supports the narrative of the initial connection between two lovers?
Divine: “I believe the music behind the song doesn’t just sound like a love song, but it’s sexy. While writing, I played off of the pauses in the beat which is how I came up with the idea of ‘Wait.’ The smooth guitar adds a sensual touch to the song which I believe matches the lyrics really well.”
You mention how you’re ready to release all the love songs you’ve been “sitting on.” Why did you choose “Wait” as the first release?
Divine: “‘Wait’ was the first release because it was one of the first songs I wrote completely by myself. Having songwriters on a track sparks creativity, but I felt so accomplished and proud for being able to tap in to this emotion and show off my pen/melody work. I also feel like it’s a great way to start off the love songs, as it speaks about the initial connection between two people. The love story (which is a true one), only grows from there.”
How have you grown as an artist through the creation of “Wait?”
Divine: “I have grown so much as an artist since the creation of ‘Wait.’ Like I previously mentioned, I have been on a mission to do more independent writing, and although writing music is a self battle sometimes, those special songs make it all worth it. Since ‘Wait,’ I have written dozens of songs and discovered a new side to my music that I am so excited to share with the world. I am determined to create my own niche and break my own barriers in my genre, R&B. Not only have I grown as an artist musically, but releasing ‘Wait’ allowed me to tap into new ways of pushing my music and getting it heard by as many ears as possible.”
How does “Wait” fit into the overall sound and story of your debut EP expected in early 2023?
Divine: “My debut EP will be filled with love songs of all different kinds. ‘Wait’ is only the beginning of the story. I will tap into different types of R&B, from R&B drill, to trap soul to ballads, all while catering to the lovebirds just in time for cuffing season.”
Is there a message you are sending to listeners of “Wait?”
Divine: “Shoot your shot! Wait for the person that’s worth it. Relationships are not a straight arrow. Lead with love and enjoy the relationships you create. Don’t be afraid to let someone in and try something new, they might be your person.”