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Music
Joe Biden And Kamala Harris’s Sprawling Inauguration Playlist Was Curated By Issa Rae’s Record Label
Getty Image From Sounds of Blackness to Steely Dan, the list has something for everyone. …
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Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’s inauguration will be one of the most hopeful days many of us have had in a long time. To acknowledge the optimistic outlook of their first term, the president and vice president-elect have commissioned a sprawling inauguration day playlist full of hopeful songs from across seemingly every genre imaginable. To help curate the list, the duo’s team brought on DJ D-Nice, whose Home School quarantine streams offered a warm distraction from the stress of the early pandemic, and Issa Rae, whose record label Raedio presents the playlist.
There are 46 songs on the list, nodding to the 46th President of the United States, ranging from underground rap like Kota The Friend’s “Lupita Interlude” to all-American rock legends like Bruce Springsteen. There are also some not so subtle messages to the American people in the titles of the song choices, as in the aforementioned Springsteen selection “We Take Care Of Our Own.” The incoming President wants to “Give The People What They Want,” courtesy of the O’Jays and promises to “Pick Up The Pieces” via Average White Band.
And while the feel-good vibes extend throughout the playlist, it’s probably also going to be fun to imagine Joe bopping along to the late MF Doom‘s “Coffin Nails” or SZA’s “Good Days.” Fortunately, there are plenty of well-tread classics for the older set, including Bill Withers’ “Lovely Day,” Curtis Mayfield’s “Move On Up,” Jackie Wilson’s “Higher And Higher,” and Sounds Of Blackness’s “Optimistic.” To put it bluntly, it’s a way better list than anything we could have expected from the other guy, and a smart move on the inauguration committee’s part to nab a purveyor of tastemaking cool like Issa Rae to select a collection of songs that speaks to the needed tone of the Biden-Harris presidency: One of unity, diversity, and hope.
Check out the list above.
Some of the artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Indie
Mona Lissa Chanda breaks free with a soulful song of self liberation ‘Professional Victim’
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Mona Lissa Chanda is making waves with her new single, “Professional Victim.” This is a powerful reminder of self worth wrapped in a catchy rhythm that will get you moving. The music has a classic Motown feel, featuring engaging guitar work from Montreal artist Paul Cargnello.
Chanda’s strong and straightforward singing brings a sense of urgency, expressing the feelings that come when breaking away from toxic relationships. The lyrics draw from her experiences and the stories of others who have faced emotional hardships, reflecting struggles many can relate to. However, instead of dwelling on the negative, “Professional Victim” celebrates the bravery it takes to set boundaries and regain control.
The song radiates an energetic vibe that mixes timeless soul music with a modern twist. The guitar adds an exciting touch that makes the song even more enjoyable, turning Chanda’s message about self empowerment into a danceable track. “Professional Victim” captures a unique blend of honesty and strength, providing a refreshing perspective on vulnerability. Mona Lissa Chanda is sending a powerful message with catchy music, and her words are sure to resonate with many.
Artist Spotlight
Leonie Sherif evokes a sensory escape into a seductive symphony with her new single, “TWILIGHT”
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Leonie Sherif meticulously sculpts an auditory experience with her latest single, “TWILIGHT.” The East London/Essex-based singer-songwriter demonstrates her refined approach to musicianship, inviting listeners into an intimate, ethereal soundscape where passion converges with poetic nuance. This aromatic track serves as a sonic escape, further enhancing Leonie’s innovative fusion of olfactory and auditory sensibilities. It aligns seamlessly with her second fragrance under her perfume house label, Sense’N’By Sherif. Trust us, it’s a sonic experience that tantalizes the senses of smell and hearing.
From the onset of “TWILIGHT,” the audience is enveloped in a hypnotic soundscape, where sultry lyricism synergizes with lush production and intertwines like lovers in the night. Written and produced in collaboration with Nigerian maestro St Oasis, “TWILIGHT” lays the sophisticated foundation with a mesmerizing blend of smooth percussion and ambient synthesizers, setting the stage for Leonie’s ethereal yet commanding vocal performance. Her evocative voice glides over the rich echoes of ’90s R&B icons like Toni Braxton and Janet Jackson, harmonizing expertly with an atmospheric instrumental that exudes warmth and longing, effortlessly amplifying the seductive energy within the musical fabric.
Lyrically, Leonie exhibits a masterful spellbinding narrative, artfully employing metaphorical wordplay centered on edible pleasures to capture the sensuality of romantic desire. Each lyrical verse functions as a descriptive brushstroke, vividly illustrating themes of culinary indulgence that intricately weaves together concepts of intimacy, firmly rooting the intoxicating notion of love within a multi-sensory experience that can be tasted, savored, and craved.
What makes “TWILIGHT” truly enchanting is its capacity to transcend traditional musical engagement. It leaves a lingering aura reminiscent of a tactile glow on the skin, effectively blurring the dichotomy between reality and fantasy, scent and sound. This irresistible piece does not merely recede into the background ambiance; instead, it stays with you, fostering introspection and inviting listeners to wallow and bask in its golden haze.
Beyond just a song, “TWILIGHT” is a luxurious amber fragrance designed to solidify Leonie Sherif’s role as a multi-dimensional creator, not merely a songwriter but an architect of emotional landscapes. In “TWILIGHT,” love emerges as the sole universal language that is impossible to forget. Prepare to be entranced.
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Leonie Sherif’s “TWILIGHT“ on Spotify.
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