ListenUp
New songs by Jessie Ware and Kainalu, GoldLink covers OutKast and more in our weekly musical round-up
GoldLink: Roses (Outkast Cover)
In a very brave move GoldLink (aka D’Anthony Carlos) has covered OutKast’s brilliant “Roses” from 2003’s Speakerboxxx/The Love Below. Accompanied by just a pianist, saxophonist and Hare Squead & Masego with back-up vocals and a theatrical verse, the 24-year-old rapper does the track justice—paying homage but also adding enough flair to make it his own for a moment.
Kainalu (aka Trent Prall) has crafted a lush slice of chill-wave with “Love Nebula,” from his album Bloom Lagoon. The psychedelic-influenced indie-electronic track isn’t all atmosphere though, it’s also very groovy—thanks to a floppy and funky bass-line. Multi-instrumentalist Prall is a classically trained pianist but blends all kinds of styles in this track to create something airy, charming and delightfully genre-bending.
Jessie Ware: Midnight
From her upcoming third album, Jessie Ware’s “Midnight” is a beautifully crafted song. Ware’s vocals are (as usual) powerful yet vulnerable and the track builds with just the right amount of drama. Similar to her 2012 song “Wildest Moments” the lyrics outline both the fear and magic that oftentimes come with intense love. Out later this year, Ware’s new record doesn’t yet have a name but promises to be lush and emotional.
Ash Shakur: Never Alone
London-based Ash Shakur shares a properly uplifting message in his new track “Never Alone,” which is impeccably produced by SCF Beats. The glittery song is intended for listeners who feel isolated and lonely, “When it feels like everything is over / You’re a soldier / I’m here / Here’s my shoulder,” he raps. With a breezy electronic sound, there are elements of R&B which offer a little extra soul to a song that’s all about keeping your head up.
ListenUp is a Cool Hunting series published every Sunday that rounds up the music we tweeted throughout the week, also found in Listen. Hear the year so far via Cool Hunting Spotify.
