Athena Lim: Til' the Sunrise
Athena Lim Shines Bright with Euphoric Indie-Folk-Pop Single ‘Til’ the Sunrise’
by Jack Rush
With the release of Til’ the Sunrise, her third single and latest glimpse into a forthcoming debut LP, Athena Lim solidifies her standing as one of the most intriguing new voices in indie-folk-pop. Following last summer’s eclectic Hello Frances EP, this new track continues to showcase Lim’s wide-ranging influences—from folk to funk, classical to synth-pop—while honing a distinct sound that is all her own.
Built on a tender folk foundation of acoustic strums and romantic melody, Til’ the Sunrise is anything but static. It pulses with a lively energy, gently morphing into a kaleidoscope of synth textures, light percussion, and a touch of orchestral flair. There’s a subtle tension at play—earthy yet electric, intimate yet expansive. It’s this duality that makes Lim’s work feel both grounded and free-spirited.
Her longtime collaborator and producer, James Atin-Godden, once again proves a master of balance, fusing the organic and the synthetic into a seamless arrangement. The production never overwhelms; instead, it allows Lim’s luminous voice to lead, hovering above the mix with clarity and emotional warmth. Her delivery—both inviting and reflective—carries the listener toward a kind of dawn, as promised by the track’s title.
A Canadian-born, UK-based artist, Lim deferred graduate studies at the Royal College of Art and Design in London to pursue music full-time—a decision that now feels inevitable. Her refusal to chase trends and instead follow her own eclectic tastes speaks to her artistic integrity. As she puts it, “I just want to make music that speaks to me and moves me, and I love all kinds of music.”
With nods to Bob Dylan, Parliament-Funkadelic, Toots and the Maytals, and gospel influences woven into her work, Lim’s genre-blurring approach feels unforced and genuine. Til’ the Sunrise is a low-key euphoria—music for dancing barefoot in the living room, driving with the windows down, or closing out the night with a sense of quiet wonder.
If this track is any indication, Athena Lim’s debut LP will be an exciting, heartfelt mosaic—soulful, melodic, and genre-defiant. Til’ the Sunrise is both an arrival and a promise: this is an artist with something real to say and a captivating way of saying it.
Have a listen and connect with Athena Lim:
Facebook Athena Lim (@athenalimmusic) • Instagram photos and videos
