Sali’s Musical Odyssey: Exploring Afrobeat with “BODY”

Sali, a Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter and producer, is a musical force to be reckoned with. Her music is a unique blend of genres, a reflection of her diverse influences and her commitment to authenticity. With each release, Sali takes her listeners on a journey through her life, capturing moments of introspection and self-discovery. Her latest release, “BODY”, is no exception, as it marks a bold departure from her previous work.

Sali’s music can be compared to “life soundtracks”. Her music follows this philosophy, as she weaves together elements of her life, emotions, and experiences into her songs. She writes with the intention of capturing that ambient, present-tense nostalgia, creating music that resonates with listeners on a deeply personal level.

Sali’s musical journey is a testament to her versatility and willingness to experiment with different styles. With a background in vocal jazz and collegiate a cappella, her early influences are evident in her music. Her debut EP, “charming”, released in 2021, was a remarkable blend of mid-2000’s ballads, jazz formats, and British-pop invasion. The EP featured first-person piano narratives that explored the complexities of young adulthood, from friend break-ups to rocky situationships.

“charming” was an introspective journey, a way for Sali to reconcile her inner and outer worlds. It used recurring piano motifs backed by various instruments to create a sense of the passage of time and personal evolution. It was a soundtrack to familiar 20-something territory, a reflection of the challenges and discoveries that come with that stage of life.

Sali’s other project, “OTHER PEOPLE”, takes her introspection to the next level. It challenges us to untangle ‘self’ from selfishness, apply the lessons we’ve learned, and break patterns. In this EP, Sali explores themes of self-discovery and the struggle to find one’s identity amidst external influences.

The EP features Sali as both a producer and co-producer, showcasing her creative prowess. She uses vocal arrangement to genre-bend, creating a collage of shoegaze, alt-pop, and retro-isms. It’s a sonic journey that pushes boundaries and explores new territories, much like Sali’s own artistic evolution.

Now, her latest release “BODY” marks a significant departure from her earlier work. This track incorporates afrobeat vibes, a genre she has long wanted to explore. The journey to create “BODY” involved collaboration with talented musicians and producers who helped bring her vision to life. The result is a captivating and genre-bending track that showcases Sali’s ability to push boundaries and experiment with different musical styles.

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