MUSIC’S ALL WE’VE GOT
Music’s all we’ve got, that’s what I titled the last playlist I made. At the time when I came up with this title, it was done impetuously. However, that phrase has been stuck in my head since I chose it and I’ve asked my self several times subsequently, is music really all we’ve got? Truthfully speaking, music is not all we’ve got, but personally, music is a big part of what I’ve got.
The world isn’t the same as we used to know it. We’re currently experiencing a global pandemic and for safety reasons, most people have been confined in their homes for an extended period of time. Jobs have been lost, schools have been shutdown, lives have been put on hold. For this reason, people have had to find solace and comfort in different things. For some people it’s family & friends, for some it’s the internet, for some it’s books, for some it’s movies and tv generally and for people like me, it’s music. As I earlier mentioned, music is a big part of what I’ve got and now more than ever, it’s where I find comfort.
I’ve decided to share some of the music I’ve been listening to this during period and I hope you find comfort in them as much as I do.
For the sake of convenience, I’ll split it into two sections, projects & singles.
PROJECTS
When I first came across this album, I was a little bit skeptical. I’ve not always been the biggest Dua Lipa fan and frankly, I didn’t know what to expect. But after giving it a few spins, it has definitely become one of my favourite records of the year. One of the things I love most about this album is the title and how it aptly captures the whole tone and essence of the album. Dua manages to draw inspiration from disco music of the 70’s & 80’s and fuses it with modern day pop. The result is a bold and brilliant pop project that’ll having you dancing, singing along and feeling like you have no worries.
Kali Uchis — TO FEEL ALIVE
Unlike Dua Lipa, I’ve always been a huge fan of Kali Uchis. Since the release of her stunning debut album, Isolation in April 2018, I’ve been clamoring for new music. I couldn’t seem to get enough. Thankfully, a little over two years later we get a 4 track Ep (we’ll take what we get) from the Colombian-American songstress. In a runtime of just about 10 minutes, she manages to tell tales of love, loss & an estranged relationship. Her voice and lyrics are still as sonorous, soothing and clever as ever. On some days, I have this EP on a loop as I reflect and Kali’s tender voice makes for a perfect backdrop. On the release date, Kali posted this on her Instagram “I hope I can offer some solace to you with this EP I’ve put together in my room in quarantine, and I can’t wait to share my real album with you soon. Please take care of your hearts, minds, bodies and souls. Love xx uchis.” So fingers crossed, we’re getting more new music very soon.
Basecamp — BASECAMP
Asides from listening to a ton of music during this period, I also watch quite a number of Tv shows. Currently, I’m watching House Of Lies, a comedy show about management consultants and their shenanigans. In the first episode of the third season, there was a song playing in the background in one of the scenes and it immediately caught my attention. I decided to search for the song and that’s what led to me Basecamp, a recherché band that makes moody, somewhat hypnotic and slightly ominous electronic music. Their self-titled project, BASECAMP is a 4 track EP that literarily draws you in with its warm, measured vocals and intricate and melancholic production. On several nights, I play this project and fall asleep to its warmth. Sadly, the band is on hiatus but they have quite a number of songs that you can dig through.
Gbasky — Black Frequency
Gbasky’s Black Frequency is categorized under the world genre on streaming platforms (everyone wants a shot at the Grammys lol) which technically, is pretty vague and ambiguous. His music however is basically a smooth fusion of Afrobeats and Soul music. He’s somewhat reminiscent of Adekunle Gold. On Black Frequency, he mostly opts for mellow production which sets the table for his largely introspective, lucid lyrics and tightly-knit signature flows. If you’re looking for sweet-sounding pop music tinged with a bit of soul, Black Frequency is just the project for you.
William Onyeabor — World Psychedelic Classics 5: Who is William Onyeabor?
Over the years, I’ve heard about William Onyeabor but I never really listened to his music. However, recently I came across a Noisey documentary titled Fantastic Man which is centered on him and his music. The aura of mystique, menace and genius that surrounded him which is depicted in this documentary prompted me to listen to his music and I’m glad I did. First, I must point out that in the later part of William’s life, he disassociated himself from the music he made in the earlier part of his life as he claims he had found God and wanted nothing to do with his music anymore. He died in 2017 and this album was released in 2013 meaning this album was compiled by someone else. It is basically a compilation of some of his greatest songs. William Onyeabor’s music is generally categorized as psychedelic funk but it is so much more than that in my opinion. His heavy use of synthesizers allowed him blend several genres together forming somewhat video game-like, slightly dystopian but also unique and enjoyable sounds. He mostly employed simple and repetitive lyrics to pass across his messages. And he was doing all this in a time when Fela’s Afrobeat, Highlife, Rock music and several other genres were the mainstream. William Onyeabor was simply put, ahead of his time. Enough said.
SINGLES
Frank Ocean — Cayendo / Dear April
Frank Ocean has always been one of my favorite artistes and I’m always excited whenever he releases new music which sadly, he rarely does. Cayendo and Dear April are his most recent releases and they’re both acoustic takes on unreleased original versions of the songs (hopefully the original versions are released). Frank is deep in his bag here as he carefully uses his raw, seemingly unedited voice and witty lyrics to convey so much emotion. Even though Cayendo was sung largely in Spanish, Frank’s voice against the guitar strings and feint and gentle taps will still put you in your feels. Do you want to miss that one ex you never had? Press play.
A$AP NAST & D33J — Designer Boi
Straight up braggadocio, sleek flow, catchy hook, smooth production. Send me flowers when you’re running this track back for the umpteenth time.
Kris Okotie — Carolina
Similar to William Onyeabor, Kris Okotie (now Rev. Chris Okotie) used to make music in the late 80’s and early 90’s, he however abandoned his music career and swapped the music stage for the pulpit when God came calling. A look back at his impressive catalogue and you’ll discover he made some amazing pop music. Carolina, a standout track from his debut album, I Need Someone embodies the kind of music he made, melodious and sweet-sounding, whether its uptempo or stripped down. His sugar sweet voice and delivery are almost Passenger-esque. Other tracks like I Need Someone and Show Your Backside would have you grooving and swaying. You should definitely check out his music.
DarkoVibes — Mike Tyson ft Runtown
Fast rising Ghanaian act, DarkoVibes and the soundgod Runtown combine to make one of my most played songs this year. I really don’t know what it is about this song that makes me love it so much. Maybe it’s the sleek, mid-tempo flow maintained throughout the track or the catchy hook or the smooth Willisbeatz production. I don’t know. You should give it a spin, maybe you’ll love it just as much as I do.
Octavian — Poison ft Take A Daytrip, Obongjayar & Santi.
When I first heard about the release of this song, I was super excited. Two talented Nigerians, a genre-bending French-British act and American producers combining to make a song. We love to see it. Thankfully, they didn’t disappoint. Ocatavian and Santi came through with the verses, Ogbonjoyar delivered an astounding hook and as always, DAYTRIP TOOK IT TO TEN! A must listen.
To listen to the Music’s all we’ve got playlist that I mentioned earlier, click here.
