Born into a lineage of musicians, Ikevald is a fourth-generation artist whose roots trace back to Estonia, yet whose creative spirit spans continents. Raised in the quiet north of Europe, Ikevald’s path was never confined to one place or one sound. Over the years, his artistic evolution has led him through the vibrant musical landscapes of Los Angeles, the dynamic pulse of London, and most recently, the sun-soaked serenity of Granada, Spain, a place that has deeply influenced both his lifestyle and his sound. With a unique ability to blend emotional depth with strong, melody-driven songwriting, Ikevald’s music speaks of transformation, introspection, and connection.
Ikevald first caught public attention in 2015 when he won a BBC Radio songwriting competition with his moving track Genius. Rather than rushing into the limelight, he retreated into the process, sharpening his artistic voice and sound with integrity. That journey eventually led him to DWB Music Publishing in Surrey, UK, where he found a nurturing creative environment amidst quiet fields and stillness, an unexpected setting that allowed his boldest ideas to bloom. Now signed to DWB Music, Ikevald is entering a new era, blending his Estonian heritage, his global experiences, and his newfound Mediterranean rhythm into music that doesn’t just entertain, it awakens.
Released on June 20th, 2025, Lick the Sun marks a new beginning for Ikevald with DWB Music Publishing, a soulful pop anthem that radiates with the warmth of personal rebirth and the bold spirit of creative courage. Produced by Pete Barringer, co-written with Sarah Rose Campbell, and featuring lush guitar work by Simon Davis, this track is a vibrant fusion of British songwriting craftsmanship and Latin-infused emotion, echoing Ikevald’s own move from Northern Europe to the golden coasts of Spain. Lick the Sun is an invitation to step into the unknown, to chase instinct over certainty, joy over hesitation. With smooth vocals, gentle reggaeton textures, and a message that pulses with freedom, the track sets the tone for Ikevald’s upcoming album: one that explores emotional honesty, cultural fusion, and the power of following your own rhythm.
There’s a certain kind of sun that doesn’t just rise, it awakens something in you. That’s precisely the effect of Ikevald’s Lick the Sun, which doesn’t kick off with grandeur but instead eases into the senses with a quiet, yet glowing radiance. The opening is patient, a melodic intro that breathes warmth into the air, like light filtering through soft curtains on a calm morning. What’s striking from the very beginning is the intimacy of its rhythm; it doesn’t feel like music designed for a crowd, but for the listener alone, like a private conversation unfolding in melody. There’s something inherently human in the way the track paces itself, as though it’s aware of your emotional temperature and rises gently to meet it. In a world filled with overproduced pop explosions, Lick the Sun is a reminder that power can come from stillness, from subtlety, from a song that doesn’t shout but shines.
Musically, the arrangement is a beautiful hybrid of genres, modern pop dressed in the textures of soul, gently accented with a Latin undercurrent that makes the rhythm both universal and deeply personal. The instrumentation is layered with clarity and restraint; every guitar phrase, every percussive accent feels like it was placed with intention, not for flash but for emotional precision. As the verses slide into the chorus, there’s a noticeable lift, not in volume, but in atmosphere. The song’s shifts and transitions are fluid, never jarring, reflecting the expertise of the production team behind it. The way each section unfolds into the next feels almost cinematic, like scenes in a short film scored by the same heartbeat. It’s the kind of production that leaves space for feeling, letting the message of the song settle without overwhelming it with noise.
Ikevald’s vocal performance is where the emotional center truly crystallizes. His voice doesn’t push; it flows, smooth and rich with a texture that feels lived-in. There’s a kind of honesty in the way he sings, like someone who has finally found a truth and is offering it without embellishment. He doesn’t decorate his phrasing with unnecessary vocal runs; instead, his tone is measured, every note sustained just long enough to let the words breathe. You can hear the introspection in his delivery, the sound of someone choosing courage over comfort. What makes the performance so compelling is its balance between precision and vulnerability. He never loses control of the melody, yet there are moments when you feel like his voice is carrying more than lyrics, it’s carrying his own story, his journey, his awakening.
The instrumentation beneath that vocal delivery deserves high praise not just for its technical execution, but for its emotional sensitivity. Simon Davis’s guitar work glides like sunlight over still water, offering melodic accents that shimmer without distracting. The rhythm section moves with a deliberate sway, never aggressive, always supportive, creating a groove that feels both soulful and relaxed. The production is a masterclass in sonic balance; he ensures that each element, from the warm bass undertones to the crisp high-end textures, finds its rightful place in the mix. The mastering seals it all together, polishing the track without stripping it of its organic, human feel. The whole production has a tactile quality, you don’t just hear it; you feel it, like the hum of something alive just beneath the surface.
As the song unfolds, it builds a world, not just a tune. Lick the Sun doesn’t exist in the background; it invites the listener into a very specific emotional space. It’s the sound of motion after stillness, of renewal without force. The lyrics, a poetic encouragement to listen to one’s inner rhythm, are both metaphorical and literal. They speak to the bravery required to follow your own tempo in a world that often demands conformity. And the music carries that message with grace. There’s an atmospheric openness to the track, it doesn’t rush toward a climax but moves steadily toward emotional clarity. By the time the second chorus rolls in, you’re not just listening to a song anymore, you’re inside a feeling, one where warmth, resolve, and quiet joy coexist.
The synergy between vocal and instrumentation is perhaps the track’s most rewarding feature. There’s no hierarchy, no sense that one is trying to outshine the other. Instead, they move in tandem, each element echoing and enhancing the emotional pull of the other. When Ikevald sings, the guitar subtly lifts. When the rhythm section deepens, his voice grounds it. This cohesion creates a sonic intimacy that feels like a conversation, not just between artist and listener, but between all the parts of the song itself. It’s a unity that reflects the lyrical theme of aligning with your internal rhythm. The result is not just a cohesive composition but a deeply immersive emotional experience, one that lingers in the room like sunlight on skin long after the final note has faded.
Lick the Sun is a Soulful Leap Into Light, Rhythm, and Personal Rebirth
In the broader scope of contemporary indie-pop and soul-infused songwriting, Lick the Sun stands out not through spectacle, but through its sincerity and quality. This isn’t a song crafted to chase charts or trends; it’s a piece of music built to connect. It marks a significant creative statement in Ikevald’s artistic journey, a solo chapter that not only showcases his vocal and songwriting strengths but also his commitment to honest, soul-nourishing expression. The production is high-end, the performance is heartfelt, and the message is timeless. Lick the Sun doesn’t just add to the sonic landscape of 2025, it elevates it, reminding us that sometimes, the brightest light comes from within.
For more information about Ikevald, click on the icons below.