Today, R&B singer Gallant released “Strobe Lights,” a new Adrian Younge-produced song as part of the latest Amazon Original “Produced By” installment. “Produced By” pairs producers with a collection of some of today’s top artists across various genres to create exclusive, new recordings for Amazon Music listeners. Younge has released an Amazon Original song each Friday this month as part of the series, only available to stream and purchase on Amazon Music.
Stream “Strobe Lights” only on Amazon Music:
Watch Younge’s Video Featurette About the Project:
Stream and purchase the full “Produced By Adrian Younge” playlist: http://smarturl.it/AdrianYounge
“Strobe Lights” follows the release of Georgia Anne Muldrow and Terrace Martin’s Younge-produced song “February,” Estelle’s collaboration with Younge titled “Home,” and Black Thought’s Younge-produced track “Noir.” Instrumental versions of each song were released today as well.
From Adrian’s perspective, each of these songs collectively celebrate the spectrum of black music, and are intentionally being released during Black History Month. Younge explains:
“The obsession with race is disturbing to those that wish to divert attention away from the unyielding attributes that have plagued black America. However, we all must realize how such disenfranchisement has negatively affected us all. We are all equal and we are all human; we all have something to say and something to contribute; essentially, we all deserve to be heard, recognized and respected. That being said, our celebration of Black History Month brings us closer to understanding the struggles and contributions African Americans have made in making America what it is.
There was a time in America when Blacks weren’t free to pursue their creative endeavors. Such cultural tension led to Blacks creating the first American musical art form: Jazz. This music, the antithesis of western idealism, is what continues to inspire black music today. My work embraces this perspective, but furthermore, it serves as a reminder of how music can lay the groundwork for self-expression and cultural awareness. Embrace Black History Month and take the time to realize how black music has shaped the cultural narrative of America.”
Gallant speaks to his work with Younge, and the meaning behind “Strobe Lights”:
“In the studio, Adrian is like the older brother I never had— pushing me to be as raw as possible on the mic— as unfiltered as I can be. When he told me the concept of the music he was putting together for this special project— that he wanted to present very specific slices of the black experience— I knew I had to bring the same unfiltered quality to this particular record. ‘Strobe Lights’ is about those weird sensors in your brain that go off as a kid at your best friend’s house that make you think ‘Hold on, am I the black friend? Is that all they and their family are thinking of me?’ But then you stop yourself because that’s ridiculous… but then you look around and the other friends are hopping on couches, calling the parents by their first names… and you could never do that, not here. Or maybe you can, but you’d never do that— you’re the black friend…”
