Sky Ferreira Reclaims Independence with New Song “Leash” for A24’s Babygirl
This December, Sky Ferreira’s voice will close out Babygirl, the latest film from A24 and director Halina Reijn. With a powerful new track titled “Leash,” Ferreira marks her return to the spotlight as an independent artist, following years of tumult with her former label, Capitol Records.
The opportunity to contribute to Babygirl emerged unexpectedly. While preparing for a sold-out show at the Sydney Opera House, Ferreira received an email from Reijn. Initially skeptical, Ferreira brushed it off, thinking it was another attempt to scam her for unreleased music. However, Reijn persisted, and the two connected over the filmmaker’s vision for Babygirl, a story exploring themes of power dynamics and female desire.
The film stars Nicole Kidman as a CEO whose relationship with an intern (played by Harris Dickinson) sparks a personal unraveling. As Reijn explains, “Sky Ferreira’s songs embody both grace and ferocity, perfectly complementing the dualities in Babygirl’s narrative.”
“Leash,” co-produced by Jorge Elbrecht, plays as the credits roll. The track channels industrial synths and gritty guitars, reminiscent of Ferreira’s earlier work, yet it stands apart as one of her most assertive songs to date. Lyrically, it explores themes of liberation and resilience: “I tore apart this veil of shame, I fought so hard, just to be erased,” Ferreira sings, capturing both the essence of Kidman’s character and her own journey as an artist.
For Ferreira, the song resonates deeply. “That character is self-destructive but also finds growth through her turmoil,” she notes. “I connected with the material, even though my life is far removed from that world.”
The release of “Leash” comes at a pivotal moment for Ferreira, marking her first project as an independent artist. Her departure from Capitol Records in late 2023 ended a fraught relationship that delayed her long-awaited second album, Masochism. Despite the critical success of her debut, Night Time, My Time, Ferreira faced obstacles in releasing new music. The struggles became a rallying point for her dedicated fanbase, who continued to support her through sporadic releases like 2019’s “Downhill Lullaby” and 2022’s “Don’t Forget.”
With “Leash,” Ferreira is embracing her creative freedom. “They [Capitol Records] tried to make it seem like I couldn’t deliver, but I know my music still resonates,” she says.
As Ferreira looks ahead, the release of Babygirl and its accompanying soundtrack could signal a new chapter in her career. For now, “Leash” stands as a testament to her resilience and artistic vision, blending empowerment and vulnerability in a way only Sky Ferreira can.
