If you’ve been regularly following JOVM for the past year or so, you may have gotten the sense that I’ve been big on the Swedish singer, songwriter and cellist Cajsa Siik. Born in a fishing village just outside of Umea in Northern Sweden, Siik’s creative path had her relocate to Stockholm, where she quickly became known not just for her own songwriting but for collaborating with Brigit Bidder, Montt Mardie, Amanda King and Jorgen Kjellgren. But it was her debut effort, Plastic House, which was released to critical acclaim and commercial success in Sweden that brought her international attention as the album’s first single “Was I Supposed To” received regular airplay on P3, Sweden’s national radio station; Britain’s Amazing Radio; and Insomnia Radio here in the States. 

Her sophomore effort Contra was released last year to critical praise from the likes of Noisey, NME, BBC Radio 6 and others. And she’s followed that with the release of her latest single “State of Low.” Bearing a resemblance to the material off Contra, “State of Low” is comprised of a sparse and shimmering arrangement that allows Siik’s vocals room to roam about the song’s instrumentation (which is primarily comprised of an arrangement of plinking piano keys, cello and subtle electronics). The clear star of the song is Siik’s effortless vocals, which manage to be sensual and vulnerable and express an urgent and aching desire.