Supposedly, Adelaide Tai almost became a politician. After growing up “immersed in the arts” of Atlanta (whatever that means!), she studied International Policy and interned up in the Maryland Attorney General’s Office. Perhaps her second stint as an intern in an Italian arts museum convinced her to shift back to songwriting, but honestly, can you imagine the person who wrote this would ever quit the creative sphere to go lobby for meaningful changes in our broken government?
To be sure, the Taiwanese-American singer-songwriter has barely begun her campaign as a balladeer, but “Keep Me Up” shows promise. Here, Adelaide tells that classic tale of a taboo love affair, this one on “the wrong side of town,” with nothing but spare coffee shop guitar strums and silvery flecks of piano to paint the overcast scene. Sound familiar? Sure. A subtle surprise toward the end, however, suggests that she rejected this lover, and not the other way around, as these stories often go; the refrain of “you keep me up at night” refers not just to selfish longing, but unresolved guilt.
If we’re to believe Adelaide’s bio, then songs like “Keep Me Up” would help the artist “reach people” in more “effective and fulfilling way[s]” than policy. She’s got a long road ahead of her before that connection holds on both ends—and, if she honestly wanted to serve others before herself, she’s probably picked the wrong industry. But a humble admission of atonement is always a good start, for both a songwriter and a politician.
Listen below.
Adelaide will perform on Sun., July 29 at Eddie’s Attic in support of Savannah Conley. Doors open at 8 p.m. Admission is $10-15. All ages.
More Info
Web: hiadelaide.com
Facebook: @hiadelaide
Instagram: @hi.adelaide
SoundCloud: @adelaidetai