DRAMA Reveals New ‘Don’t Wait Up’ EP

DRAMA, the duo composed of producer Na’el Shehade and singer/songwriter Via Rosa, released their highly anticipated EP Don’t Wait Up. The blend of soulful music with Chicago house inspiration becomes the quintessential sound of this musically rich partnership. This project becomes the pair latest compilation since their 2020 album Dance Without Me.

Don’t Wait Up captures the range of influences DRAMA utilizes in their euphoric soundscapes. From Chicago house to rich, warm atmospheres, to vibrant instrumentals, the EP captures the essence of their style of bittersweet messages for the dance floor.

The beginning of the 2020 pandemic brought intense isolation, and with those points of loneliness and reflection, DRAMA began their new EP. While fans are familiar with DRAMA’s broody, melancholic approach to music, the duo’s sonic exploration digs deeper and darker on Don’t Wait Up.

Regarding their thoughts on the EP, DRAMA tells us:

“A lot of what we felt during this time was challenging and the only way to make it count was to express ourselves. We wanted to create lush and heartbreak on every record, so you felt our time.

The title ‘Don’t Wait Up’ was originally inspired by a track on the EP, “Hit My Line,” and the idea of releasing toxicity both from a relationship and from within yourself. ‘Don’t Wait Up’ is vulnerable in that it speaks to the insecurity and destabilization that comes with an imbalanced relationship, but it also is positive as it points to the transformation toward self-love that can come as a result.

Lyrically, this collection of songs is very confident with a certain “put my foot down” energy. It’s about growth, taking back control, telling that someone to not wait up, to not waste their breath, and finally realizing you deserve to love and be loved.”

Don’t Wait Up by DRAMA was released on February 18th, 2022.

DRAMA poses “3AM” as the introductory track of the EP, in which vocalist Rosa’s emotionally resonant lyrics sit atop producer Shehade’s groove laden production. The EP moves to “Dark Rain” which channels throwback synths and lush, futuristic soundscapes while “Don’t Hold Back” shows the clubbier side of the duo with a brooding, yet undeniably danceable approach. The EP rounds out with “Hit My Line” that blends the sophistication of Chicago house and all-too-relatable lyrics about relational toxicity, ending the EP with their heart-stomping track, “I Do”.

Photo Credit: Michael DeLeon

DRAMA’s Don’t Wait Up Tour will cross the United States and ignite dance floors starting on February 24th, 2022, while also making appearance at major festivals including Pal Norte, Ceremonia, Movement, and Electric Forest.

Don’t Wait Up Tour 2022

2/24/22 – Austin, TX – Mohawk Austin
2/25/22 – Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall
2/27/22 – Dallas, TX – Granada Theater
2/28/22 – Atlanta, GA – Terminal West
3/1/22 – Nashville, TN – The Basement East
3/3/22 – Okeechobee, FL – Okeechobee 2022
3/4/22 – Miami, FL – The Ground Miami
3/7/22 – Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle
3/8/22 – Washington DC – Union Stage
3/9/22 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Steel
3/11/22 – Cleveland, OH – Beachland Ballroom
3/12/22 – Chicago, IL – Metro
4/1/22 – Monterrey, MEX – Pal Norte Music 2022
4/2/22 – Mexico City, MEX – Festival Ceremonia 2022
5/28-30/22 – Detroit, MI – Movement 2022
6/22-26/22 – Rothbury, MI – Electric Forest 2022