Produced by Chris Seefried and Bad Sounds with additional production by Zach Witness and mixed by Guy Massey ‘Feel It Comin’ is a highly spirited and moving record that fuses Blackbird’s unmistakable voice with a sonic backdrop noticeably more vibrant and energetic than her past musical endeavours.
Blackbird’s vocal performance encourages listeners to keep their heads held high amidst the dawn of new beginnings and impending changes. Speaking on what the song represents, she said:
It’s a rags to righteous story of how in this life before we can fly, we all must learn to crawl. It’s also a story of how world views have changed and continue to change towards sexuality and gender identity. In the midst of a movement working towards acceptance and inclusivity for everyone, I hope this song will dance you through the psychedelic night! As a member of the LGBTQIA community there is power in joy and marking the wins and that is the inspiration of this song.
‘Feel It Comin’ follows on from previous single ‘Did Somebody Make a Fool Out of You’ which garnered acclaim from The Times, Loud & Quiet and CRACK Magazine in addition to recent collaborations with Athletes Of God and breakbeat and jungle pioneer Goldie for whom she lent her vocals for two songs on his latest album ‘The Start Of No Regret’.
The new track is also the first taste of a forthcoming deluxe edition of her debut album ‘Black Acid Soul’. Set for release on October 28th, the repackaged album comes with a staggering 11 additional songs, encompassing brand new material including her version of Shirley Bassey’s ‘I Am What I Am’ which was originally recorded for the Virgin Atlantic ‘See The World Differently’ campaign. The album also includes remixes commissioned by the likes of electronic, jazz, funk luminaries Emma-Jean Thackray, Colleen ‘Cosmo’ Murphy and Greg Foat.
Originally released in 2021, ‘Black Acid Soul’ was released to enormous critical acclaim, The Sunday Times named her their Breaking Act, stating that she “brings a singing voice of extraordinary nuance and immaculate phrasing to a selection of covers/reworkings and pindrop originals” in a 4* review. The Guardian awarded the album a 5* review remarking that Blackbird “finds her calling with an extraordinary collection of songs and performances that burn deep into you”. Consequently earning comparisons to soul, jazz and blues heavyweights Issac Hayes, Chaka Khan, Billie Holiday, Gladys Knight, Tina Turner and Amy Winehouse.
Boasting evocative musicians such as Miles Davis’ pianist Deron Johnson and Trombone Shorty (Lenny Kravitz, Rod Stewart, Jon Baptise). The project was noted for its tapestry of cover songs revitalizing and reclaiming the prophetic and socially conscious material of stalwarts like Nina Simone and Sam Cooke, but also that of overlooked musicians such as The Three Degrees, Irma Thomas and funk/gospel youth choir Voices Of East Harlem. In addition to stand out original tracks ‘Five Feet Tall’ and Bill Evans collaboration ‘Fix It’.
The Los Angeles–based artist recently completed a run of headline shows across the UK, with sold-out stops in Bristol, Manchester and London’s Union Chapel, which saw Blackbird be described as “a captivating star in the making” in a 5* review from The Times. She also supported Gregory Porter with her spine-tingling vocals and emotionally affecting material on his UK. In addition to adorning the stages of Montreux Jazz Festival, Newport Jazz Festival, Cheltenham Jazz Festival, Love Supreme Jazz Festival and Mostly Jazz, Funk & Soul Festival.