Samuel Makanda, the independent artist known for drawing inspiration from 80s and 90s pop, has released his latest single 'Darling...', an uplifting track celebrating gratitude and life's simple joys.
The closing song from his new album 'Character Assassination', 'Darling...' is a vibrant, soulful song infused with rhythm and dance. It's a song that feels alive and authentic, reminiscent of a bygone era where instrumentation and genuine feeling were paramount.
"Music nowadays doesn't feel inspired; it feels forced," Makanda explains. "Music nowadays even tastes like processed foods. I wanted to create a song that takes it back to rhythm, soul, dance and feeling."
The track's origins trace back to 2019, when Makanda initially released it as a demo. Unsatisfied with the initial sound, he partnered with Ricky Alfian in Indonesia to reconstruct it into the danceable anthem it is today. The end result is a song reminiscent of 80s, 90s, and early 2000s R&B, a vibrant sound that Makanda feels is missing from contemporary music.
"'Darling...' is about being thankful for life," Makanda shares. "Being thankful for all the things you cherish in life. This song makes me want to dance and groove all my emotions into happiness and freedom."
With its infectious rhythm and heartfelt message, "Darling..." is a track that invites listeners to embrace joy and gratitude. It's a testament to Makanda's commitment to creating music that connects with people on a deeper level, music that feels both familiar and fresh.
Makanda, who honed his singing throughout his childhood and began pursuing music seriously in 2019, cites James Brown as a key influence. He has performed at various open mics and live events, including the famous High Horse Bar.
"I am an ‘Independent Artist’ drawing inspiration from the great pop artists of the 80s and 90s to create the person who I am today and the music I love!" Makanda proclaims. With "Darling...," he's certainly doing just that, offering a refreshing alternative to the processed sounds of modern music.
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