OTR and acclaimed U.K. artist Bipolar Sunshine have released their buoyant new single, “Leave You Behind” today. Celebrating the steadfast relationships that, despite time and distance, can be relied on to see one through life’s difficult seasons, the stunning new track is taken from OTR’s forthcoming album, Be Quiet, They’re Listening, out July 28 via Astralwerks. Listen to it now below.
“‘Leave You Behind’ was actually written after one vocal take and a short time of messing with a Prophet synthesizer,” recalls Ryan Chadwick, the onetime aerospace engineer-turned-producer known as OTR. “And for a while, I didn’t know if I ever was going to finish it, but I’m glad I did. It was really fun to just write in the moment and I think the song reflects that feeling.”
Bipolar Sunshine adds, “Working with OTR was super easy! I feel we made something that speaks to us both. It gives me festival feels.”
On “Leave You Behind,” a gaping chasm – ”look at us now / both on different planets” – is bridged by human connection, echoing the cosmic perspective of Be Quiet, They’re Listening. The album’s title comes from a science fiction short story, inspired by the Fermi paradox, which concerns a transmission headed out into the vast universe and a somewhat mysterious message coming back. Be Quiet, They’re Listening showcases the scope of emotion as well as meticulous attention to detail that elevate OTR’s work.
OTR – who will play a DJ set at the 4th of July Waterfront Block Party in New York City – will support the album with a fall North American headline tour. All dates can be found below.
OTR – 2023 Tour Dates
All dates are headline shows unless otherwise noted.
7/4 New York, NY 4th of July Waterfront Block Party (DJ Set)
9/14 Vancouver, BC Cobalt
9/15 Seattle, WA Nectar Lounge (DJ Support for Com Truise)
9/16 Portland, OR The Get Down (DJ Support for Com Truise)
9/21 San Francisco, CA Café du Nord
9/22 Los Angeles, CA Echo
9/23 San Diego, CA Soda Bar
9/27 Chicago, IL Sleeping Village
9/29 Toronto, ON Drake Underground
9/29 Montreal, QB Newspeak
9/30 New York, NY Elsewhere Zone 1