Spike Lee on “Highest to Lowest”: A Live Performance That Moved Denzel Washington to Tears
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A new collaboration between Spike Lee, Denzel Washington, and rising artist Aiyana-Lee explores the raw emotion of artistic discovery and the power of live performance.
Spike Lee’s latest project, “Highest to Lowest,” streaming on Apple TV, isn’t just a film—it’s a testament to the magic that happens when a director’s vision aligns with authentic talent. The project centers around a performance by Aiyana-Lee, a singer-songwriter discovered by Lee through Instagram, that deeply moved actor Denzel Washington. Lee was quick to clarify, with a laugh, that he is not related to Aiyana-Lee, stating, “Maybe way in the roots.”
From Instagram DM to Starring Role
The story began when Lee heard Aiyana-Lee’s song, “My Idols Lied to Me,” and immediately recognized its power. “I felt it was autobiographical,” Lee explained. He reached out to the artist, and after a meeting in Los Angeles, Aiyana-Lee secured the role of Sula, a burgeoning musician striving for her breakthrough, in “Highest to Lowest.” The film culminates in a pivotal scene where Washington’s character, David King, a seasoned music producer, listens to Sula perform “Highest to Lowest” live.
The authenticity of that moment, as it turns out, was no accident. Lee emphasized the importance of a live recording, stating, “Tell your sister how that performance was recorded live. It was not done to playback.” Aiyana-Lee confirmed that multiple takes were recorded, but Washington was captivated well before the final version. “We did more than 15,” Aiyana-Lee initially stated, before Lee interjected, “We did not do 15 takes. Denzel would have pulled me to the side; he was ready at take eight.”
The Power of a Live Take
The scene’s impact stems from its unscripted nature. Aiyana-Lee performed live on set, with Washington’s reaction being entirely genuine. “Every single moment that you’re seeing is live,” she explained. “So I’m performing in front of Denzel, and every reaction he’s having is his authentic reaction.” Lee described the setup as a simple audition for Washington, his son, and his mother, accompanied only by Ricky Pageant on piano.
However, the initial vision evolved thanks to Washington’s response. Lee initially envisioned a stripped-down performance, but Washington’s emotional reaction prompted a change. “I’m looking at his expressions on his face, reacting to this young talent, and he can’t put a record out of just Aiyana and a piano. He needs orchestration,” Lee said. As the song progressed, a full orchestra was added, amplifying the emotional weight of the performance.
A Song Rooted in Personal Experience
Aiyana-Lee’s songwriting process was equally profound. She penned ten songs for the project, driven by Lee’s meticulous attention to detail and his deep appreciation for the intersection of music and film. “He wanted to tap into the truth of bringing my persona and what I’ve been through—the hardships and those highs and lows,” Aiyana-Lee shared. The lyrics, she explained, aim to capture the journey of an artist, acknowledging the pain while offering a glimmer of hope. “There is light at the end of the tunnel. There’s a purpose for the pain, and there is a journey to be had.”
The song resonated with Lee on a thematic level, reflecting the realities of the music industry. He noted that a subtle detail early in the scene—Washington’s son mentioning a mixtape—foreshadows the emotional crescendo. “It’s not just his character digging her, it’s the whole family,” Lee added.
A Visual Journey Through New York City
The accompanying short film, directed by Lee, visually complements the song’s narrative. Aiyana-Lee described the shoot as an exploration of New York City, playfully noting that keeping up with Lee’s pace was a challenge. “This guy can walk for miles!” she exclaimed. Lee’s vision incorporated a striking visual motif: Manhattan depicted in black and white, transitioning to color as the scene shifts to Brooklyn, a nod to “The Wizard of Oz.”
The film captures the essence of an aspiring artist arriving in New York with a suitcase full of dreams. Lee highlighted the symbolic significance of ending the film at his production company, 40 Acres, with a poster for “Highest to Lowest” visible in the background.
“Highest to Lowest” is more than just a film; it’s a powerful story about artistic discovery, the importance of authenticity, and the enduring power of music to connect us all.
