Grand Analog: Donna Summer
The title track of a new EP from the acclaimed T.O. hip-hop group is a breezy tribute to the disco diva that has the potential to become a song of the summer.
By Kerry Doole
Grand Analog - "Donna Summer" (Grand Analog Music): Today (June 15), the Toronto-based hip-hop crew deliver a new EP, Donna Summer.
You could call the title track a song for summer in two ways, as a tribute to disco diva Donna and as a bright and breezy tune perfect for the patio or top-down driving. It features guest singer Maiko Watson, and her soulful vocals contrast neatly to the fluid rhyming of Grand Analog frontman Odario Williams. Credit producer Alister Johnson for a groove drawing upon '80s pop, house and hip-hop.
In a label press release, Williams claims the cut "captures the flirty, sticky, magical vibe of the first days of summer. The dawn of summer. It's the soundtrack to longer evenings that lead us into longer nights. Composed strictly for car stereos and open windows. I suggest you play it loud."
Earlier this year, Grand Analog released another EP, Survival, featuring such name guests as Shad, Posdnuos, Clairmont The Second, and Mad Professor. Donna Summer is a more concise EP, comprising three different versions of the title song and a strong new original, "Sugar Baby."
Upcoming GA shows include Hamilton's Beerfest (July 13) and the Elora River Fest (Aug. 17)
Links
Publicity: Cristina Fernandes, Listen Harder
Management and booking: Graham Stairs, Graham@popguru.ca, and Noah Finkelstein noah@rivalmg.com
Aya NakamuraMarion Gomez/Billboard France