Sampha Unveils Two Striking New Songs With XL Recordings Head
Sampha has teamed with XL Recordings head Richard Russell on two new songs for the latter’s upcoming project, Everything Is Recorded. Russell, who works as a producer along with helming XL, premiered the two tracks – “Close But Not Quite” and “Everything Is Recorded” – on his radio show for the British station Reprezent 107.3 FM.
“Close But Not Quite” starts at the 53:58 mark and finds Sampha singing over a jazzy piano melody and a swinging kitchen-sink rhythm section, which comprises everything from handclaps and bass pulses to metallic clangs.
“Everything Is Recorded” (1:13:51) boasts a similar blend of instrumentals but moves with a sinister shuffle. Over the rumbling groove, Sampha sings, “Cause everything’s recorded/ And nothing is distorted/ And deep beneath the surface/ Your apathy is worthless.”
During the radio show, Russell also discussed collaborating with Damon Albarn, Syd, Kamasi Washington, Warren Ellis and Giggs on Everything Is Recorded. Last year, Russell was photographed in the studio working with Brian Eno, Peter Gabriel and Mark Ronson.
Russell has yet to share any details about the release of Everything is Recorded. His past production credits include Gil Scott-Heron’s I’m New Here, Albarn’s Everyday Robots and Bobby Womack’s The Bravest Man In the World.
As for Sampha, the British musician released his long-awaited debut album, Process, in February.