Goa Singer-Songwriter Earl Fortes Releases Breezy New Single ‘Laid Back’

Growing up on the beachside state of Goa, singer-songwriter Earl Fortes found himself surrounded by musicians. By the time he turned 16, Fortes began performing around Goa and says, “Getting into music has been a go-with-the-flow process for me.”

One of those instances came when the singer-songwriter auditioned for talent show American Idol in 2020 and managed to bag a golden ticket. He says, “Walking into that room with Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan was unreal. I said to Lionel Richie, ‘I’m not used to seeing you outside of my phone or TV,” and he said, ‘Relax we’re friends here.’” Fortes filmed for American Idol for a week in Los Angeles, however, he stated that his progress in the competition has been put on hold due to issues with his visa.

Now, Fortes is out with a brand-new single in the shape of the lighthearted acoustic offering called “Laid Back.” According to the singer-songwriter, he usually pens songs based on his mood. The track features a simple and charming acoustic guitar progression while an airy drum and bass groove, as well as a slick guitar solo, enrich the song. Fortes says, “‘Laid Back’ delivers this feeling of serenity and emotional calm which expresses my outlook on life.” He adds, “I want the world to remember to take each day at a time and enjoy every moment in the tranquillity of life.”

The musician recorded “Laid Back” at Mumbai’s Yash Raj Studios with help from producer Abhishek Khandelwal while the singer handled mixing and mastering duties for the song himself. Fortes even used the spacious Yash Raj Studios to shoot a playthrough music video for the track.

Next, the singer-songwriter is keen on writing more songs wherein he wants to step out of his comfort zone sonically. While he finds the sound he’s looking for on future releases, there is a new single on the way. “I really want to make a difference in the world through my music,” says Fortes.

Watch the music video for “Laid Back” below: