Songwriter Phil Pickens, based out of West Harlem, Manhattan, released “Lovesick” on August 28 ahead of his two-part album Caution to the Wind.
The indie folk-rock artist, originally from outside Atlanta, combines poetic storytelling with warm, natural arrangements. His sound is akin to artists like Jason Isbell, Roy Orbison and Nathaniel Rateliff. He has been selected by WFUV and NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest as one of New York City’s Top 3 Bands and performed at the Gibson Guitars New York showroom, formerly The Hit Factory studios.
Pickens reunited with Grammy-award winning producer James Frazee, who Pickens also worked with on his debut album Cathedrals in 2017. The two constructed the tracks on Caution to the Wind like a house, starting with a simple guitar jam session over dinner and cocktails and building upon that with lyrics later on.
The two brought in drummer Max Maples and bassist James Preston to record the album, which was tracked live to prioritize feeling over polish. In his discography, Pickens explores ordinary moments that may take on larger meanings – something clearly felt in “Lovesick.”
Pickens’ choice to compare love to a sickness works wonders. The description of the “symptoms” of falling in love as “shivers, shakes and body aches,” feels raw and relatable. While the concept itself feels playful, there is a deeper meaning behind it; the tender, helpless feeling of falling in love.
The steady, slow beat of the drums paired with the guitar strums feels perfect for a slow dance at prom. Combined with the simple yet emotional lyrics, this song paints such a vivid picture of love the listener cannot help but think of their own loved ones.
This is the fourth of five singles Pickens will roll out in 2026, following “Gwinnett Mall,” “Walk Away,” and “Perfect Work of Art.” After the release of “Grandad’s Wine,” Side A of Caution to the Wind will be complete. Side B will follow in 2027.
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