AUGUST 08 is back. The Los Angeles, California, native has shared a new song, “Bruises,” produced by Kryptogram.
“Bruises” is top-to-bottom danceable and is designed as a redemptive declaration.
Clearly, AUGUST 08 has been out through the wringer with a not-so-good ex, as heard in lines such as “I saw the red flags before we could even start / Who dangles love at the cost of Mars.” But AUGUST 08 is wisen up, with his healed wounds as reminders of how he has moved away from toxic love.
Discussing the new single, AUGUST 08 says, “Bruises are an expression of love through all. Been through a lot of heartache in my love life but I’ve always been able to put the pieces back together and move forward. ‘Bruises’ speaks to love and how it may waiver but never completely abandons us.”
“Bruises” is the first offering from AUGUST 08’s forthcoming project, Pretend It’s Okay, set to release on Jhené Aiko’s imprint ALLEL in partnership with Def Jam Recordings. Press materials state that the EP will contain an abundance of dance-focused tracks.
Pretend It’s Okay will follow AUGUST 08’s Seasick, released in 2022. He bundled and expanded the Toward the Sun and Toward the Moon EPs for the 15-track album. Collaborators on the album included Aiko, ScHoolboy Q, and Joji.
Among the singles on Seasick are “500 Days” and “Water Sign,” featuring Aiko.
Aiko will showcase AUGUST 08 in the summer show held at Toyota Arena in Ontario, Canada. The event is scheduled for Aug. 5 and will have guest performers like Queen Naija, Coco Jones, and others yet to be announced. Tickets are available now.
Listen to AUGUST 08’s new song “Bruises” below.