Taking an extended look at Jessy Lanza‘s debut Hyperdub full-length, Pull My Hair Back, it quickly becomes clear how simplicity is key to the Canadian producer and vocalist. Co-produced by Jeremy Greenspan of Junior Boys, it’s a record steadfast in its determination to choose exactly the right sound at any given time. It’s meticulously put together, but never overcooked or too densely layered; the immaculate production at hand – outside of having very deft hands behind the board – can largely be attributed to a confident and far-reaching knowledge of modern music.
As such, in appropriately simple terms, below Lanza walks us through some of her favourite micro-moments in music; the elements of a series of tracks that have ingrained themselves in her musical DNA.
1. Patrice Rushen – ‘Feels So Real’
“…because her voice is so understated and incredible.”
2. The Weeknd – ‘What You Need’
“…because of that snare sound.”
3. S.O.S Band – ‘High Hopes’
“…because it’s got the best chorus ever.”
4. DJ Q – ‘Brandy & Coke’
“…because I can’t stop listening to it.”
5. The-Dream – ‘I Luv Your Girl’
“…because of his voice and the chords.”
6. Miguel – ‘Sure Thing’
“…because it was my fave for months.”
7. Yellow Magic Orchestra – ‘Wild Ambitions’
“…because the drums are amazing and the melody is so simple.”
8. Cam’Ron – ‘Oh Boy’ feat. Juelz Santana
“…because it’s got the best beat ever.”
9. LV – ‘Uthando Lwakho’
“…because of the bass sound and the bridge.”
10. Total – ‘Sitting Home’
“…because of the upbeat tempo with tragic lyrics.”
11. Storm Queen – ‘Look Right Through’
“…because it’s perfect.”
12. Omar S – ‘Set it Out’
“…just because.”
- Alex Cull
Photo: Tim Saccenti
Pull My Hair Back is available from September 9 on Hyperdub.
