Music
Jamila Woods Delivered A Divine Rendition Of Her Moving Track ‘Sula (Paperback)’ On ‘The Late Show’
The moving song is inspired by Toni Morrison’s 1973 novel of the same name. …
Chicago singer Jamila Woods shared her acclaimed LP Legacy! Legacy!, which stood as a tribute to several Black artists and visionaries throughout history, back in 2019. Woods followed up the album last August with “Sula (Paperback),” a tribute to the late Toni Morrison one year after her death. On Wednesday, Woods brought her moving Morrison tribute to a tranquil performance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.
Taking the dimly lit stage backed by a full band, including a string section, Woods tenderly delivered a moving rendition of the song. “Sula (Paperback)” is inspired by Toni Morrison’s 1973 novel Sula and is penned from the perspective of protagonist Sula Peace and her relationship depicted in the book. Speaking about her inspiration behind the single in a statement, Woods said:
“It’s the first Toni Morrison novel I ever read and it inspired the first chapbook of poems I ever wrote. The novel shows the evolution of a friendship between two Black women and how they choose to navigate society’s strict gender roles and rules of respectability. On Sula, Toni Morrison wrote, ‘living totally by the law and surrendering totally to it without questioning anything sometimes makes it impossible to know anything about yourself.’ Returning to the story several years later, it gave me permission to reject confining ideas about my identity designed to shrink my spirit. It reminded me to embrace my tenderness, my sensitivities, my ways of being in my body. This song is a mantra to allow myself space to experience my gender, love, intimacy, and sexuality on my own terms.”
Watch Woods perform “Sula (Paperback)” on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert above.
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Rich Kidz’s “Settle Down” Hits a Sweet Spot with Heartfelt Realness
Regarding merging authenticity with infectious beats, Rich Kidz pairs up like no other, and their latest single, “Settle Down,” dives into the depths of love and relationships. At the same time, ensuring listeners remain locked in with melodic flows unique to the duo.
Written in the studio during honest discussions about their personal lives, “Settle Down” is less a song than a heart-to-heart. The two talk about the fact that no relationship is perfect, and that’s just fine. All good things end up being perfect in their unique way. Rich Kidz features relatable lyrics and production that are both contemporary and ancient all at once, teaching us that the beautiful aspects of love are the flaws.
The song offers a luxuriant sound from the very first bars, combining smooth harmonies with a midtempo gait that feels like the auditory half of a cleanse. It’s reflective but also a lift, a duality that aligns with the message of accepting the highs and lows in any partnership. The duo’s storytelling shimmers as the verses progress, mixing personal details with a wider, relatable narrative.
“Settle Down” is not just a song for romantic couples; it serves as a universal rallying cry for anyone taking the plunge into the complicated tango of human relations. Whether you’re enjoying love’s sweet side or grappling with its thorns, this track has something to tell you.
The way Rich Kidz pairs its introspection with infectious energy makes “Settle Down” extraordinary in today’s music landscape. This is one of those songs that has to be added to everyone’s playlist and shows how much they have grown as a band. With this release, they’re not merely making music — they’re composing a soundtrack to life’s most pivotal moments.
Artist Spotlight
Heliara unveils a symphony of courage in vulnerability with her new single “Cloak of Fear”
Heliara sings with a commanding and compassionate tone in her new single, “Cloak of Fear.” This stirring pop-rock anthem dives headfirst into the shadows of their anxieties and low self-esteem while extending a hand toward hope and promoting self-discovery. The Ottawa-based singer-songwriter draws upon her extensive musical odyssey to craft this unapologetically candid yet emotive track, effectively merging vulnerability with a powerful message of hope. The song’s lyrics invite a journey of emotional release, encouraging them to trade their “cloak of fear” for something brighter.
Musically, “Cloak of Fear” exemplifies a masterclass, in contrast, with the piano and bold guitar working together to create a fascinating interplay of light and shadow. The juxtaposition of its darker lyrical themes with an uplifting melody is striking, creating a unique sonic landscape that mirrors the journey from struggle to resilience. Heliara’s voice soars as the song builds, conveying strength and tenderness, a reminder that authenticity has power even in our most vulnerable moments.
What sets this track apart is its sincerity. Each word feels like it’s been pulled from the pages of her diary, making “Cloak of Fear” an intimate portrayal of struggle and affirmation of transformation. It’s a celebration of the process of overcoming adversity. Heliara’s willingness to embrace the power and vulnerability within herself inspires others to do the same, pushing audiences to banish negativity, discard their insecurities, and step into their most authentic selves. “Cloak of Fear” emerges as an empowering melodic narrative imbued with an indomitable sense of optimism; it’s a reminder that regardless of the obstacles encountered, we possess the inherent strength to rise.
“Cloak of Fear” by Heliara demonstrates that vulnerability can be a source of superpowers. This track is a must-listen for anyone seeking to embrace their courage and rewrite their story.
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Heliara’s “Cloak of Fear“ on Spotify.
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