Playing with Plaid Lion

With their new single “Follow Me,” Tacoma-based duo Plaid Lion deliver a breezy, mischievous slice of nu-disco that leans equally into sophistication and playful escapism. Out now on streaming platforms, the track showcases the pair’s knack for blending sharp pop sensibilities with jazz-inflected musicianship, resulting in a sound that feels both retro-inspired and distinctly contemporary.

“Follow Me” opens with a warm, stylish upright bass line—an unexpected choice in a genre dominated by synth foundations—and it becomes the anchor of the song’s tropical, lightly nostalgic atmosphere. Over an unfussy four-on-the-floor groove, the duo’s dual vocal performance takes center stage: smooth, jazz-tinged, and subtly flirtatious. Their interplay adds an immersive dimension, giving the track a conversational charm that elevates its otherwise effortless cool.

Plaid Lion describe their artistic identity as occupying the space between rock, soul, and jazz, and that hybrid background is evident throughout “Follow Me.” The production is polished without losing its organic warmth, and the songwriting balances clever lyrical winks with an accessible pop core. It’s danceable enough for a night out, but mellow enough to soundtrack a cocktail at sunset—which is precisely the mood the track evokes. The duo seem keenly aware that late-summer nostalgia lingers well into the fall, and “Follow Me” positions itself as the soundtrack to your next imagined getaway.

Formed in Washington and rooted in deep jazz training, Plaid Lion has quickly developed a signature sound that’s both soulful and understated. Their work has drawn early comparisons to acts like Portishead for its blend of edge and elegance, though their approach leans more toward sunlight than shadow. Smart writing, memorable melodies, and contemporary production sensibilities have become their calling cards.

“Follow Me” continues that trajectory. Alluring, cheeky, and impeccably crafted, it serves as both a mood-setter and a subtle statement of the duo’s evolving style—a reminder that even the most polished pop can carry layers of musical nuance beneath its surface sheen.