Autumn can be a nostalgic time of year fostering songs and albums that captured the first day of school or moving into a new apartment (particularly if you've lived in Boston). This fall is not only signified by a whirlwind of colors as the leaves change but of electronic vibrations and smooth vocals.
Willow Smith continues to surprise and impress listeners with her latest track "Your Love". Her sweet coos and bird cries gracefully progress into a sassy tell off. "My emotions change like the weather... and I'm sad." she sings coarsely. Though in seconds she's giggling, seemingly removed from any previously alluded distress. Perhaps telling of the innocence and quick heartedness of young love. Willow or Wilough rather pulls off a modern yet retro sound in this mature return. Brace yourself for an exciting finale!
The love continues as Caribou addresses "Our Love" from his long anticipated album of the same name. The bass is ever prominent while a repetitive murmur comes up for air now and again. Dan Snaith takes his time as he transforms Michael Jackson hip flexes into heady club grooves. Our Love in its entirety will carry us not only through the Fall but the next year. Listen to Caribou's diverse Essential Mix for BBC Radio 1 featuring tracks from Our Love, classic Soul records and Toro y Moi's Les Sins.
A standout in the airwaves right now is undeniably Tinashe. The 21 year old songstress has pipes. The future of R&B is clear on "Cold Sweat" produced by Soulection's Sango as well as Boi1da and SykSense. Stated to be her favorite track, Tinashe's impressive vocal range is evident throughout. Following three home recorded mixtapes, she's created a classic with her debut album Aquarius released this month.
Across the pond, up and coming rapper Jay Prince has a unique way of breaking down fundamental soulful terms. First with his breakout "Stay On My Cool" and most recently "Feel It" produced by another Soulection artist, IAMNOBODI. Whereas James Brown's "I Got The Feeling" is loud and exquisitely brash, Prince keeps his cool riding a triumphant, upbeat jazz backdrop. There's a unifying element to Jay Prince's sound often acquiring a group chorus instilling a sense of community with his message.
Soul is inherent in every breath and tone Nick Hakim exhales on "I Don't Know" from his Where Will You Go Pt.2 EP. The guitar intro tells a familiar story before Hakim's voice enters, melting over every strum, a single snare beat and gospel piano chord progressions. Both of Hakim's eps are a gorgeous and humanizing expression of the complexities of life and death.
Robin Hannibal's reputable production strikes gold alongside Niia's warm, mocha vocals on "Body". Niia's debut EP Generation Blue, entirely produced by Hannibal of Rhye and Quadron, is set to release October 28th. Let's hope the duo have more crave-worthy future jazz tracks up there sleeve to cut through the crisp Autumn air.
Keep groovin' with Childish Gambino's "Sober" of his Kauai EP... mixtape. Donald Glover is doing things differently, dropping two mixtapes on the same day earlier this month, STN MTN/ Kauai. DJ Drama hosted, STN MTN is a Gangsta Grillz mixtape that transcends into funk, pop Kauai featuring Christian Rich, the multi faceted rapper's brother Steve Glover and MSFT Jaden Smith. The accessibility of both mixtapes is significant. Stream them, download STN MTN while you're there and listen to Kauai on Spotify. The successful actor, comedian, singer and rapper has all his bases covered.
Kiesza's hard hitting "Bad Thing" featuring (only fitting) Joey Bada$$ is a step away from the dance pop track "Hideaway" that put the Canadian singer in the spotlight this year. Take a break from the high sailing energy of Kiesza's previous songs and get down with the old school beat and bluesy rhythms of her latest. The depth of her artistic range will be told on her debut album Sound of a Woman, due out October 21st.
Singer-songwriter Grace Mitchell has a profound maturity for only 16 years old. A tinge of Lorde or Lana del Rey is clear from her style but her songwriting and delivery set her apart. The brother duo of Hippie Sabotage take their spin on Mitchell's "Broken Over You" replacing the original track's orchestral quality with bass induced reverb. With a successful record on The Secret Life of Mitty soundtrack, notable nods like this remix and her recently dropped EP Design, there's sure to be a buzz growing very soon. (Track was removed from soundcloud, please enjoy it here)
Enyce voices the playful innocence of childhood with "Life Good (Soda Pop)". With a little help from producer, songwriter and videographer Duan Gaines, the young rapper paints a vivid picture of his day in the life story. The music video truly completes the imagery where Enyce spends time with his friends drinking pop. The energetic dance moves will have you mimicking the infectious Chicago bopping style before the video's end. Very refreshing to see and hear a fun, positive song unearth from Chi.
"... the sun is out, raining down on me and I'm feelin' good, won't see a frown on me." Take a note from Enyce and get outside to enjoy the sights and sounds before Autumn comes to a close.
"... the sun is out, raining down on me and I'm feelin' good, won't see a frown on me." Take a note from Enyce and get outside to enjoy the sights and sounds before Autumn comes to a close.
