Ajaye Releases Soul-Stirring New Single, “Never Settle Down”
From the dusty plains of Amarillo to the shimmering lights of Toronto, Ajaye is inviting listeners on a journey. Today, May 29, marks the highly anticipated release of her new single, “Never Settle Down,” a sweeping, soul-stirring acoustic track that promises to resonate deeply with anyone who has ever wrestled with the allure of both rootedness and restlessness. This release is swiftly followed by an intimate live performance video, premiering tomorrow, May 30, offering a visual testament to the raw emotion and artistry that defines Ajaye’s sound.
Having just earned a coveted spot as a New Folk Finalist at this year’s prestigious Kerrville Folk Festival, Ajaye returns to the forefront of the contemporary folk scene with a track that masterfully captures the exquisite tension between longing and freedom. This isn’t the freedom found within the confines of a traditional white picket fence; rather, it’s the expansive, exhilarating liberty of an open road, a constant motion that defines a life lived on one’s own terms. Built around rich acoustic textures and cinematic lyricism, “Never Settle Down” unfolds with the unhurried grace of a cross-country drive, evoking images of endless skies and the irresistible desire to keep moving forward.
Ajaye’s uncanny ability to transmute lived experience into profoundly resonant storytelling is on full display in “Never Settle Down.” Her sound, while entirely her own, brings to mind the narrative prowess of Brandi Carlile and the unvarnished heart of Lori McKenna. Indeed, her voice has been aptly described as “smooth as wildflower honey carried on a warm Sunday breeze,” a description that perfectly encapsulates the warmth and sincerity embedded in every note of this new single. Each vocal inflection feels deliberately placed, a hand-delivered whisper of a truth universally acknowledged: the yearning for a life unburdened by convention.
Delving into the lyrical landscape of “Never Settle Down” reveals a nuanced narrative that is both personal and broadly relatable. The opening lines immediately establish the central dichotomy: the allure of a static, conventional life versus the magnetic pull of the open road. The preference for “that old grey Buick” over a “white picket fence” isn’t a dismissal of domesticity, but a declaration of a different kind of fulfillment—one found in movement, in the unfolding landscape of a journey rather than the fixed view from a window. The imagery of a “map dot, one-way ticket on a permanent vacation” perfectly encapsulates this spirit of ceaseless exploration, a life lived spontaneously and joyfully.
The chorus cements this sentiment, painting vivid scenes of “the great plains driving full throttle,” a metaphorical embrace of life’s vast possibilities. The juxtaposition of iconic American locales, from the “dust of Amarillo” to the “high of Colorado,” speaks to an insatiable wanderlust. The repeated refrain, “We could grow up and get a big house with a view / But I’d rather never settle down with you,” isn’t a rejection of partnership, but a redefinition of it. It suggests that true connection isn’t found in shared real estate, but in shared adventures, in the mutual understanding that their bond is fortified by shared experiences on the road, not by rootedness.
The song continues to build on this theme, embracing the metaphor of “tumbleweeds” to signify a life lived “wild and free,” rolling with whatever currents life presents. The playful consideration of Arizona and Vegas further illustrates this adventurous spirit, culminating in the resolute declaration, “no matter where we go, pick a road, wherever it takes us.” This speaks to a deep trust in the journey itself, a relinquishing of control in favor of a joyous embrace of the unknown. The second verse of the chorus expands the geographical scope, taking listeners from the “hustle of Chicago” to the “lights of Toronto,” underscoring the boundless nature of their proposed adventures.
A poignant moment arrives with the lines contemplating the future, envisioning a time “sitting on a porch swing, listening to the traffic / Blinking like you missed it, wondering where the time went.” This introspective turn reveals a deeper motivation behind the nomadic spirit: a desire to live so fully in the present that there are no regrets of time wasted, no wondering about missed opportunities. It’s a proactive choice to embrace experience over stagnation, to ensure that life is a vibrant tapestry of moments, not a quiet fading into routine. The final verse brings the listener to more specific, yet equally evocative, locations— Okechobee, Napa Valley, the Smokies —each a testament to the diverse beauty awaiting those who choose the path less settled. The concluding thought, “We could play it safe but baby if I had to choose / I’d rather never settle down with you,” powerfully encapsulates the song’s core message: true happiness, for Ajaye, is found not in a fixed address, but in a shared journey of discovery, forever entwined with the one she loves.
The live acoustic video for “Never Settle Down,” poised to premiere tomorrow, May 30, was masterfully filmed by Music Neighbors at The Henhouse Studio in Nashville, TN. This visual companion promises to offer an intimate glimpse into the song’s creation, further solidifying the connection between Ajaye’s evocative lyrics and her heartfelt delivery. The single itself was expertly produced by Joe E., mixed by Steve Dawson, and co-written by Ajaye and Joni DeLaurier, a collaborative effort that has undoubtedly contributed to its undeniable polish and emotional depth.
Ajaye’s recent recognition as a 2025 New Folk Finalist at the Kerrville Folk Festival is a testament to her burgeoning talent and places her firmly within a long and esteemed lineage of notable songwriters. Now in its 53rd year, the Kerrville Folk Festival remains one of North America’s most influential gatherings for both emerging and established songwriting talent. Its celebrated Grassy Hill New Folk Competition has historically served as a launching pad for celebrated artists such as Lyle Lovett, Lucinda Williams, and Robert Earl Keen, and continues to champion voices that not only carry the tradition forward but also infuse it with fresh perspectives and compelling narratives.
Hailing originally from Canada and now based in Nashville, TN, Ajaye is an award-winning folk artist whose accolades precede her. She was named British Columbia Country Music’s Female Artist of the Year, is a 2025 New Folk Finalist at Kerrville Folk Festival, has graced the iconic stage of the Bluebird Café, and has garnered significant attention from prominent outlets such as Rolling Stone Australia (where she was featured as Video of the Week), American Songwriter (New Song Saturday), and AmericanaUK. Known for live performances that are equal parts grounded and luminous, Ajaye continues to tour extensively throughout the US, Canada, and Europe, captivating audiences with her profound storytelling and undeniable stage presence.
“Never Settle Down” is an anthem for the untamed spirit, a lyrical embrace of a life lived fully, spontaneously, and with an unwavering belief in the power of shared adventure. As Ajaye continues to carve out her unique space within the music industry, this single stands as a powerful testament to her artistry, her exceptional storytelling, and her ability to capture the complex, often contradictory, emotions that define the human experience.
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