Tanika Charles’ first two albums received plenty of praise from soul lovers the world over and Albumism was no exception, as our team was effusive in our affection for both records. With a winning mix of classic soul sounds and subtle modern flourishes showcasing Charles’ pliable sweet-soul voice, Soul Run (2017) and The Gumption (2019) established her as an artist to follow intently.
Emerging from the global pandemic in the same tentative way as many of us, the two-time JUNO nominated and two-time Polaris Prize listed artist recently announced the release of her third album due for arrival April 8th (via Record Kicks) entitled Papillon de Nuit: The Night Butterfly and made one of the songs (“Rent Free”) available for streaming. The first official single though is released this Friday, February 18th and it showcases a different sound and feel for Charles.
“Different Morning” is a slinky, seductive slice of modern soul music with a more pronounced bass/kick drum than previous albums that lends a shimmer of the dancefloor to proceedings. Muted horns, fluid bass and luxurious keys combine to make a song about overcoming the baggage we burden ourselves with at the start of each day. Charles embraces the change in music and wraps her pipes around it with her customary style and panache. Allied to Charles’ inimitable delivery is a guest verse from Polaris-nominated Toronto rapper DijahSB, whose laid-back vibe matches the track perfectly.
Papillon de Nuit: The Night Butterfly is due in stores April 8th courtesy of Record Kicks
“So much of our days are spent dwelling on the same mistakes, the same misfortunes,” Charles explains. “That thing we wish didn’t happen, or what we wish we hadn’t done. ‘Different Morning’ is about starting a new day without that baggage, then finding a way to correct course and move past it. What starts as a pitiful interior monologue evolves into a celebration of getting over that hump by being your biggest cheerleader. DijahSB is the best rapper in Canada right now, and someone who was able to carry that triumphant spirit that the second half of the song needed. ‘I’m alive today’ is enough of a blessing, enough of an accomplishment, and enough to be thankful for.”
Reflecting upon her forthcoming third studio long player, Charles confides, “I think this album represents my best work to date. And yet, it also represents me coming to terms with who I am as an artist. For the first time I think I’ve actually accepted my own voice. I can hear beyond the imperfections, and I realized that when paired with the right music, it can sound pretty good. I still have my doubts and my dark places, but a little less of them.”
We’re thrilled to present the exclusive world premiere of “Different Morning,” which adds to Charles’ evolving recorded repertoire and only heightens the excitement ahead of her forthcoming new album.
PRE-ORDER Papillon de Nuit: The Night Butterfly via Bandcamp
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