Photographed by: Mandie Jackson
Ever gave up on something you loved, only to realize years later that you weren’t actually over it? New Constellations turned that feeling into an album.
Harlee Case once walked away from music to try something different. She started a vintage clothing business, went to Coachella, and watched other artists perform. But while watching Grouplove onstage, she found herself crying behind her sunglasses, thinking, That should be me. And just like that, she knew she had to give music another chance.
That moment inspired “Believe Again,” one of the most personal songs on New Constellations’ debut album, It Comes In Waves. And honestly, it feels like something a lot of us need to hear: it’s okay if your first plan doesn’t work out. Sometimes you just need a little time to find your way back.
New Constellations is made up of Harlee and Josh Smith, two longtime friends who started making music together as teenagers. Life took them in different directions, but years later, they found their way back to each other and decided to give their musical dreams another shot. Their song “Hot Blooded” has since collected nearly 250 million streams, and now they’re releasing an album about everything life throws at you along the way.
From missing someone you probably shouldn’t text again to realizing that some friendships can survive years apart, It Comes In Waves feels like a collection of moments we’ve all experienced. “Dandelion” is about wondering whether an old relationship could work out someday, while “Secret Safe” celebrates the kind of friendship where you can disappear for months and pick up right where you left off.
The album’s title says it all. Life comes in waves. One minute you’re doing great, the next you’re questioning every decision you’ve ever made, and then somehow, things start feeling okay again.
With dreamy pop sounds and nostalgic ’80s-inspired melodies, New Constellations reminds us that we don’t have to have everything figured out. Sometimes, the dream you thought you lost is still waiting for you to come back.
And if that’s not your sign to give yourself another chance, I don’t know what is.
And things are only getting bigger for New Constellations. After releasing It Comes In Waves in May, Harlee and Josh made their Lollapalooza debut on the main stage and returned to the stage at Austin City Limits Fest in October. Their song “Evergreen” also landed on LAIKA’s Wildwood Sessions soundtrack last week.
Next up, the duo will contribute a cover of Neil Young’s “Unknown Legend” to the upcoming tribute album Heart of Gold: The Songs of Neil Young, Vol. 3: Into the Black, joining artists like King Princess, Modest Mouse, Ben Gibbard, and Kurt Vile.
For two friends who started making music together as teenagers, it’s a pretty special full-circle moment. And if It Comes In Waves is about learning that it’s never too late to give a dream another chance, their year so far feels like proof.
Want to listen for yourself?
You can stream It Comes In Waves on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and more. And if you want to keep up with Harlee and Josh, check out their official website and follow them on Instagram for new music, videos, and tour updates.
