NORTH-WEST London 20 year old singer, songwriter, musician Kamal. is on a rapid trajectory and 2023 is certain to accrue further accolades across the board.
At that young age, this multi-instrumentalist Kamal. is Ivor Novello-award nominated, Billie Eilish co-signed, has collaborated with Brit Award winning rapper Dave, and amassed an awe-inspiring 225 million streams.
New single “essential”, produced by J Moon lands with the news of the forthcoming ‘so here you are, drowning’ EP – which is set for release on March 17th 2023.
The mixtape title and accompanying artwork are awash with water symbolism. ‘so here you are, drowning’ is almost two years of writing and documenting the specific feeling of trying to stay afloat; the tensions between codependency and martyrdom in a relationship, and ultimately drowning in it all.
“essential” is tinged with Kamal.’s usual romantic sentiment; however it focuses on the ending of a deep love – a love that you thought was essential.
Lyrically, it explores the emotional aftermath of a breakup; a time for clarity and welcoming the release from a co-dependence and an all encompassing, if not overwhelming connection.
The accompanying video (directed by amity bloc) sees Kamal. and friends running through London during the apocalypse – driving around at night and letting out frustration and anger: “I didn’t need you anyway” rings out as the song comes to a climactic end.
It’s another dose of Kamal.’s trademark honey-tinged vocals, offered on a sharp knife of realism and raw honesty. The emotive video essentially depicts the last 24 hours on earth, and we are watching Kamal. grappling as he works out who he needs to spend his final day with. All the while, chaos rocks the world around him.
It’s the first offering since the delectable “nowhere to hide”- an addictive sonic with a poignant lyricism that speaks on the notions of materialism and fulfillment.
Produced by long-term collaborator J Moon and Jonny Coffer (Beyoncé, FKA Twigs), “nowhere to hide” features additional song-writing from Kamal.’s Ivor Novello mentor Jamie Scott (Major Lazer- Cold Water.)
Kamal. hails from Harlesden but his music is traveling far beyond his hometown.
Since releasing his highly anticipated debut EP ‘war outside’ at the end of 2021, Kamal. has committed to a life in the studio – bolstering an already impressive catalogue of music at such a young age and preparing for the release of his second body of work.
“Essential” seamlessly follows in the footsteps of previous offerings, including the ethereal cliff-top soaring single “lose”, fan favorite “homebody”, and the Top-40 single “Mercury”, his collaboration with Dave.
Kamal.’s music chronicles both the highs and lows of life. His lyrical content spans romantic relationships, the seclusion of your own mind, the repetitive, the mundane, and even derealisation and anxiety.
Often relating to the more complicated yet familiar feelings, Kamal.’s lyrics have the ability to hold the listener’s hand through shared experience. He is a truly exceptional storyteller.
The voice of a generation, Kamal. moves with the vision and presence of someone much older than his years. A truly unique artist, his innate musical talent has placed him firmly on the map.
Follow Kamal. on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kamalnw
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