Erika de Casier - Essentials

by 'hype' i think deej is just meaning there's a bit of buzz around her from some critics on twitter at the moment but it's hardly at the point where i'd say she's anywhere close to 'overhyped'

idk that the new one will be as much of a favourite of mine as her debut since so far it's seeming like it's going to be just more of the same without outright repeating herself but i'm still excited enough for it based on the three songs so far

I don’t know how to measure “hype”

Could have stopped right here

I’m excited to hear this but my point is in the grand scheme I don’t think she’s “underrated.” It’s sort of an alternate-universe r&b/pop/g funk record and its “failings” at the game it’s playing are part of its appeal.

Underexposed and underrated are different things that are often conflated

Yeah this is pretty low states stuff as has been stated, but part of my reaction to it is probably an uncanny valley rxn of seeing US/EU-based hype for some EU person doing a half-baked warmed over Ashanti shtick, and the failings making it charming.

new video for the track "Busy" is just a slideshow of Erika as her Bianka alter-ego at work and I'm loving it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lqmfv4PtKk

read that as "blanka" lol

harpsichord garage!

I got a wishlist notification on Soulseek that this somebody had this, but they went offline before I was able to download - so it‘s out there somewhere! (Don’t worry, I have the record on pre-order)

album's out there and i'm enjoying it but it's extremely chill even by the standards of the first album

love "better than that"

on my first listen -- "Someone to Chill With" is an initial standout to me

oh this is soooooooo good.

i don't think it's quite as brilliant as the debut but it's still excellent. i'm glad she managed to make a follow-up that built upon what was great about the debut without outright repeating herself

This record is very good but man she could deliver the album of the year if she tried out some more experimental production and upped the tempo on a few tracks

I definitely like this better than the debut though... that record just went in one ear and out the other, but the songwriting and production feel a lot more confident on this one.

I too like this one better than the debut. The songwriting seems better somehow.

What a fucking vibe this album is.

I have no complaints - exactly what I was after.

i feel like this is better than the debut yea

ahhhh, physical edition arrived at just the right time (i.e. week ~37 of heat wave). "Someone to Chill With"! (etc.)

Friendly is my jam atm

wow she's playing here in december, never expected that would happen

okay wow I need to go to that

she's great live! just wish she'd played a longer set but she did "intimate (club mix)" as an encore though at least

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAM5lyb1UQo

incredible

Love this. Will it get an official release?

very enjoyable

I believe that is an official link? it's also on Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/track/4v7SAKFEqPyuYTy9gQRnHP?si=1a312715fdaf4219

On first listen I was a bit underwhelmed, but now I’ve had a chance to listen more it‘s really revealed itself, what a great version.

she has a new writing credit here also
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArmDp-zijuc

https://www.gq.com/story/newjeans-get-up-songwriter-erika-de-casier-interview

good interview about her work for newjeans

it mentions that her new album is finished & coming soon!

great interview. Love that bit about newjeans’ management liking the fact that she didn’t listen to kpop

https://www.npr.org/2024/01/09/1197958418/2024-preview-the-most-anticipated-releases-of-the-year

new song "lucky" premiered here at 48:30 except they talk over most of it, but the part they don't talk over sounds absolutely fantastic. they also reveal the new album is titled still

Lucky is amazing. Doesn't it have a pretty prominent sample or something? I think I recognize something.

Oh, a new album is coming, and the single is out now! https://pitchfork.com/news/erika-de-casier-announces-new-album-still-shares-video-for-new-song-lucky-watch

Awesome!

sounds great

judging from the credits it should be a Rodney Jerkins and LaShawn Daniels sample, must be the piano? something sounds familiar

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZOKYZtERFQ

yeah the full "lucky" is wonderful, i'm delighted she's going full "empty"

the piano is sampled from linda karaly's "can't let go"

Love this so much - I've wanted her to make songs like this ever since the club mix of "Intimate".

yeah, it's exactly what i've wanted more of from her. already a soty contender

the drums on this are soooooo good

Lucky is pretty nice.
The descending piano melody reminiscent of Christopher Cross "Sailin".
Pre-chorus has "You Gotta Be" vibes.
Verse melody at 29-33 seconds is 100% from some rnb or pop tune that I'm going crazy trying to remember. Anybody?

Song of the year

I think it might actually be a “sailin’” sample

Song reminds me to so many other things in certain points, but it’s perfect on its own. Really excited about the full album.

Wouldn't mind a copy of just the rhythm track on this thing. Real good fun.

Like this?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rN5o70QddoE

That's nice, but was thinking literally just beats (maybe bass). The skittering action and 16th notes make me real happy.

the sample is 100% "can't let go", the writers are credited and everything

i think this is the best r & breakbeats song i have ever heard