Erykah Badu + James Poyser: Tempted (Squeeze Cover)

Created for Record Store Day, The Roots’ James Poyser and Erykah Badu’s cover of Squeeze’s 1981 classic “Tempted” is a soulful, jazzy and breezy rendition. The arrangement—which includes sparkling percussion and backing musicians including Derrick Hodge, Ali Jackson and Mike Feingold—is layered and lush. Badu’s seemingly effortless vocals are also backed by Thundercat. The record is available in a limited release of 3,500 and is …

Premiere: “Shadowboxes and Porcelain Faces” by Hannah Wicklund & The Steppin Stones

A glimpse at the darkness afoot in our digital lives

At 22 years old, Hannah Wicklund & The Steppin Stone‘s front-woman has already performed more than 2,500 times. It’s a staggering number for a musician of any age, but Wicklund not only got an early start (at age eight), but also continues to sign on for extended stints on the road—including a 30-stop tour right now. Wisdom gained from these travels infuses her exquisite vocal …

Jai Paul: Do You Love Her Now

Billed as a double B-side, “Do You Love Her Now” and “He,” is Jai Paul‘s first release in some six years. The two songs are quite different, but both are lustrous and undeniably the work of the beloved UK producer. While “He” is more experimental, “Do You Love Her” is a glorious, sultry tune that blends R&B, soft-rock and funk. Paul’s breathy vocals and coos …