So-Cal Alt-Pop Artist Presence Bursts Onto Pop-Punk Scene with “RUNNING BACK 2 YOU!”

April 19, 2024 BY Bailey Vigliaturo

Today, So-Cal alt-pop artist Presence shares “RUNNING BACK 2 YOU!,” a bold new single that brings yearning, reflective lyrics to life with a blend of fiery post-punk, heartfelt hip-hop and earnest emo. Created with his new partners in crime—Grammy award winning producer Sweater Beats (Lizzo, Flume, Gallant) and co-writer Gianni Taylor (Bring Me the Horizon)—the bittersweet love song draws directly from Presence’s personal experience with his girlfriend and how a formative relationship can fracture, mend and evolve with the wisdom of hindsight. Listen HERE and watch HERE.

“RUNNING BACK 2 YOU!” reflects on Presence’s fear of commitment that encouraged him to break up with his girlfriend after four years of dating. But the time apart made him regret doing so almost instantly, which he reveals in the cathartic prechorus: “There’s something missing, but I made that decision / So who am I kidding? It’s all my fault and that’s why I just run to you.”

“We split and I ventured off, only to realize the obvious,” Presence confesses, “[that] I could never connect with anyone else, the way I do with her. Sure enough, I called her and told her I missed her. We met for donuts and decided we wanted to try things over. I’m grateful she let me back in; I love her more than life itself.”

RUNNING BACK 2 YOU!” is the third single from Presence’s anticipated debut album (details TBA), where he doubles down on his signature heart-wrenching storytelling, but trades slow piano-heavy accompaniment for punchier pop-punk canvases. Presence first introduced this body of work with the January single “SCARED OF THE FALL!” (also created with Sweaters and Gianni). He followed this with the March single “PAST LIFE!,” in between nearly selling out first headline show at the Moroccan Lounge and making his debut at SXSW. Stay tuned for more information on the new music and upcoming shows by following Presence on socials.