Connect with us

Music

James Chelliah x Cam May “i cannot tell, i do not know”

James Chelliah and Cam May are excited to release “I cannot tell, I do not know” on the 2nd of January 2022. “I cannot tell, I do not know” – a follow up to “Hold On, Pt. 2”, James’s highly-acclaimed collaboration with Moses Boyd and DARGZ – is an existential indie rap project accompanied by a graphic diary created by textile designer and illustrator Grace Joyram, which aims to present a detailed composite representing the range of emotions experienced and explored throughout the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns.

The project is a clarion call for those blindly walking through a life lived within the preordained boundaries set by others, and a sonic jolt to those whose bodies and minds are tired of the endless fight against the accepted norm. It explores the odd simultaneous contentment and frustration felt by many over the past two years, juxtaposing the tranquillity of monotony against discomfiting feelings of stagnation and aimlessness brought about by pandemic life.

Advertisement

Cam artfully plays with contrasts of light instrumentation and minor melodies to emphasize James’ scathing lyrics, ensuring that frankness is breathed into each piece. ‘Yaldabaoth’ layers mellow guitars with probing lyrics that question the obsession with social media, the transience of young-adult friendships, and living life through a lens, before slamming the listener into ‘Slurp’, a hypnotic and provoking ode to social proof and the desire to belong. As James notes “I looked at the life I was living and decided that I’d had enough. I reassessed friendship expectations, ambitions, communication norms, wants, needs. I started to make changes to reflect what I wanted: less of everything the world told me was important.”

This theme of contrasts continues with the ripe melancholy of ‘Fullish’ and its considered contemplation of the always-online world, and the mocking sonics and lambasting lyrics of ‘Couch’. The use of interludes and instrumental tracks ‘Alone’ and ‘Emptyish’ serve to tease kernels of the potential for us to live alternate lives, and create a space to digest what has been heard prior. The project concludes with ‘Something, at least drawing the listener to relief in recognizing that there can be a route to peace in the gradual acceptance of the different reality thrust upon us. Of the graphic diary, Grace says, “Initially the imagery is complex, jumbled, and caliginous. However, as the pages turn, the visuals get clearer and more comprehensible, representing the gradual acceptance of a different reality as time passed. The outcome represents a new perspective that we were able to gain from each passing day; a slower world allowing extra contemplation.”

Advertisement

The message of “I cannot tell, I do not know” shines a light on a risk we all face – becoming victims of the machinations of capitalist culture which keep us falsely satiated and unquestioning. James says: “We started writing this project when we realized that we weren’t looking forward to returning to a pre-covid life. Every day feels like a fight against conditioning, a fight against the self. The weight of the old world is heavy, what we’ve learned is light. The usual is returning and I cannot stop it. But I won’t participate. I cannot tell, I do not know.”

Stream Below:

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Stay updated! Click the Google News follow button for more news and updates.

Follow on Google News

Entertainment

HTP Zacariah Takes the Crown with Ambitious New Banger ‘Himinem’

HTP Zacariah

HTP Zacariah makes a striking impact with his latest release, “Himinem.” This track is a bold artistic statement, characterized by its high-energy production and confident lyrical delivery that commands attention. Zacariah’s flow is precise, executing complex rhyme schemes and syncopated rhythms over a beat that seamlessly blends contemporary trap elements with the foundational grit of classic hip-hop.

Advertisement

“Himinem” encapsulates Zacariah’s aspiration, adversity, and achievement narrative. The lyrics pay homage to hip-hop pioneers while establishing his unique identity within the genre.

The production features a compelling hook that enhances memorability alongside verses designed to engage and challenge the listener’s cognitive and emotional response. His atmosphere is a hybrid of anthemic celebration and motivational discourse—a track engineered for those moments of self-empowerment.

Advertisement

“Himinem” is a meticulously crafted piece that is best experienced at maximum volume, aligning perfectly with Zacariah’s artistic vision.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Music

Tiri The Seed Breathes New Life into Nostalgia with ‘Back In The Room’

Tiri The Seed

Tiri The Seed expertly blends vintage musical elements with contemporary production techniques in “Back In The Room.” This track pulsates with a retro vibe, yet maintains a fresh sonic identity, largely due to Tiri’s charismatic vocal delivery, which infuses the mix with an effortlessly cool energy. Thematically, “Back In The Room” explores the nuances of reconnection, encapsulating that poignant emotional experience of revisiting spaces or moments previously perceived as lost.

Advertisement

Musically, Tiri’s signature vocal timbre overlays an infectious rhythmic foundation paired with lush, sweeping synths, evoking the ambiance of a late-night drive down memory lane. The lyrics are crafted to provoke introspection while the production invites physical movement, striking a harmonious balance between nostalgia and celebration. Tiri’s warm delivery creates an intimate listening experience, drawing the audience into a shared reminiscence of formative moments. The track encapsulates a dichotomy of nostalgia and optimism, making it essential for those who appreciate a classic aesthetic imbued with modern sensibilities.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Video Of The Week

Trending