Hailing from the tech-heavy landscape of San Jose—the Silicon Valley heart of California’s Bay Area—rising artist SIAH is proving that the most resonant human emotions don’t require a high-tech studio. Armed with an emotive new single, SIAH is becoming a unique creative force in the world of bedroom pop.
Following the release of his debut EP, ‘SIAH 01’, last year, SIAH has returned with ‘STARBABY’, a track that serves as a heavy dose of atmospheric pop. It is a song that breathes with the feeling and shades of its creation, echoing moments of isolation and quiet reflection. The track was originally recorded during in a creative moment following a breakup in 2024 but then lay quietly in the background until this year’s release.
Like many of his previous releases, ‘STARBABY’ is a complete artistic vision, with SIAH handled the writing, recording, and vocal duties entirely on his phone. It’s a DIY approach reminiscent of early Steve Lacy, stripping away the polish of mainstream production to reveal something far more authentic.
SIAH describes his aesthetic as "alternative indie" with a heavy 80s pulse, and those retro textures are palpable here. ‘STARBABY’ is a "very mellow, moody track with relaxed vocals," leaning into the "smoky, expressive" vibe that has become his signature. The song functions less like a standard pop single and more like a captured feeling, propelled by rolling bass notes and a melody that drifts through the air like haze in a dimly lit room.
The emotional core of the single is stark and relatable, creating an almost cinematic sense of yearning. SIAH explains the visual inspiration behind the music as "me being alone in a dark room all by myself. Feeling the want of someone, anyone." This paradox of dancing alone while desperately desiring company is what gives the track its "bit of energy" amidst the calm. Lyrically, ‘STARBABY’ explores the vulnerability of putting someone on a pedestal to the point of "losing yourself" in the gravity of your own feelings.
Influences from the likes of Blood Orange, Prince, and Mk.gee shine through in the track’s effortless cool, yet SIAH’s vocal delivery, airy, unforced, and deeply emotive, ensures the identity remains entirely his own. Complemented by a self-directed music video shot by Micah, ‘STARBABY’ is an evocative reminder that some of the best music is born in the quietest moments of solitude.
You can stream the new single above and on Spotify, Apple Music, and Soundcloud. For more from SIAH, be sure to follow him today on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
