Serpentwithfeet Announces New EP Sentinel, Shares Title Track and Details Major Label Move

The visionary New York-based singer-songwriter serpentwithfeet has officially announced the upcoming release of a brand-new EP titled Sentinel, slated to arrive on December 4. This forthcoming record marks a significant milestone in the artist’s career, serving as his very first release under the One Little Independent Records banner. The transition to the new label comes after nearly a decade of a fruitful and critically acclaimed partnership with Secretly Canadian, a tenure that helped establish serpentwithfeet as one of the most distinct and poetic voices in modern alternative and R&B music.

Alongside the announcement of the December release, the artist has shared the EP’s evocative title track. "Sentinel" is a reverent love song that draws artistic inspiration from an unexpected combination of traditional sea shanties and the deep-seated gospel roots that have long influenced serpentwithfeet’s musical identity. The track is currently available for streaming, offering fans a first glimpse into the thematic and sonic landscape of the upcoming project.

The creation of "Sentinel" was driven by deep philosophical and sociological inquiries, particularly regarding interpersonal dynamics among men. In a statement detailing the inspiration behind the song, serpentwithfeet explained that he found himself meditating on homoeroticism and the specific ways that men socialize when they are subjected to conditions of isolation. These thoughts quickly expanded into a broader critique and examination of patriarchal structures.

Elaborating on these complex themes, serpentwithfeet noted that one of the primary ways the patriarchy manages to sustain itself is through the innate, almost instinctual understanding that men have regarding their assigned social roles. Whether an individual identifies or is labeled as an alpha, a beta, or any other designation within rigid hierarchies, there is an underlying awareness of where one fits on the social ladder. The artist observed a phenomenon wherein a grown man is frequently willing to genuflect, to willingly yield his responsibilities, or to surrender a degree of his autonomy simply because another individual wields greater power or privilege.

To serpentwithfeet, this dynamic bears a striking resemblance to organized religion, prompting a compelling question about the intersection of power and intimacy. The songwriter shared that observing these behaviors made him wonder what happens when people experience those exact dynamics erotically, translating the architecture of submission, power, and hierarchy into the realm of romance and personal desire.

Sentinel arrives as the latest body of work from serpentwithfeet following his most recent full-length album, GRIP, which was released earlier in 2024 to widespread praise for its exploration of queer love, commitment, and community. The new EP represents another chapter in a rapidly evolving discography that consistently bridges avant-garde sensibilities with deeply emotional, accessible songwriting.

The tracklist for Sentinel features a tightly curated selection of songs that continue the themes explored in the title track. The EP opens with the title track itself, followed by "Henchmen," "Invocation," "His student," and "Of Course, Daddy." Interestingly, the title track appears to make a structural return as the sixth song on the tracklist, preceding the closing track, "Puckish," which features a guest appearance by electronic artist and producer TYGAPAW.

As the release date approaches on December 4, anticipation continues to build around how serpentwithfeet will translate these intricate meditations on power, isolation, and devotion into his signature lush vocal arrangements and innovative production styles.