Recorded at Sonic Ranch Studios in El Paso, Texas, and once again produced by Ahmed Gallab with lyrics and help from longtime collaborator Greg Lofaro, Sinkane’s new album ‘Life & Livin’ It’ draws from the best elements of Sinkane’s previous records, including 2015’s acclaimed album Mean Love: the slinky funk and soul grooves are there, so are the sparkling melodies with roots in sub-Saharan Africa.
With basic tracking played together live, the fun and immediacy of Sinkane’s live show is a central feeling of the recordings. The four members of Sinkane – Ish Montgomery (bass), Jason Trammell (drums), Jonny Lam (guitar), and now joined by Amanda Khiri (vocals) and Elenna Canlas (keys and vocals) – sang and play additional parts on every song, with Trammell contributing lyrics to “Theme from Life & Livin’ It”, and Lam helping with arrangements. Daptone recording artists Antibalas contributed horns.
The video for “U’Huh” is a powerful celebration of perseverance and was shot at Brooklyn’s Union Pool. “The timeless nature of the song made it feel like a period piece was appropriate visual accompaniment. The newsreels on TV depict social unrest in Detroit and Newark in 1967,” said director Nick Bentgen. “This song moved me. We’re all gonna be alright.”
Sinkane’s new album ‘Life & Living it’ is out through City Slang / Inertia on February 10, and he’s just been announced as part of the lineup for the 2017 Womadelaide Festival. You can watch the video for ‘U’huh’ below;
