IDMAN reclaims house music with “Look At What I’m Doing To You”

Following the success of their standout single “Good-Life”, Somali artist and multifaceted creative IDMAN (they/them/she/her) is back with an infectious, dancefloor banger. As house music makes a sudden comeback into mainstream airwaves, IDMAN’s latest single “Look At What I’m Doing To You” is a timely, trend-setting release.

While the track marks IDMAN’s fourth single, “Look At What I’m Doing To You” is her first recorded song. While working on the song, IDMAN witnessed the anti-refugee and islamophobic rhetoric that dominated the media during the last U.S. elections. In particular, she recalls Trump shouting "send her back" regarding congresswoman Ilhan Omar. “Seeing her laugh in the face of adversity was inspiring because it embodied the on-brand energy of Somali women”, she shares. 

Photo Credit: Khufu Najee

According to the singer-songwriter, the anthem explores themes of heartbreak, redemption and belonging but more broadly provides a commentary on heritage in the face of incessant cultural appropriation. “If culture were a person, what would she say?” asks IDMAN. “Look at what we’ve done to you, we are everything you do. Every part of everything you think is yours is us. In its conceptualization and at the very base of every atom, we are you."

The arrival of the single around Pride allows listeners to celebrate and tap into ballroom culture that Black and queer folks crafted to express resistance and joy through dance music. With punchy lyrics such as “You can’t break us down, we made ourselves”, IDMAN empowers listeners to shake off the haters and dance in the face of adversity. The bridge marks the most moving part of the song where IDMAN chants lyrics in Somali over lively guitar riffs. At the song’s conclusion, IDMAN’s two goals are reconciled; her celebration of dance music and love for Somali culture leaves fans eagerly awaiting her next release.