R&B newcomer Sekou has launched his debut EP, Out of Thoughts, by way of NWS/Island Data/Republic Data. 

The five-track providing is enriched with diaristic tunes centered round love, heartbreak and life’s complexities.

Opening with “Forgiving Myself,” produced by Sounwave and co-written by DIXSON, the English singer extends himself grace as he flees from a dwindling relationship that has grow to be one-sided. As he expresses self-compassion, he retains his spirits up with affirmative lyrics like “I want my me time / I want my peace of thoughts.” 

“Higher Man,” the lead single produced by Yakob, is unquestionably a standout on the challenge. It’s a quintessential piano ballad that transmutes anguish to redemption. On the confessional observe, Sekou opens up about his strained relationship along with his father, recognizing the shortcoming as a chance to be a greater model of himself. 

“Rising up, I had a very dangerous relationship with my dad, however I by no means knew I might write a music out of it,” Sekou defined. “I wished to jot down half of it to myself, telling myself what to not do however then additionally telling my dad a message as properly. It was so early [in the process of writing] that that was the one factor I might actually relate to and be trustworthy about.”

On the hip-hop soul-flavored “Be With You,” Sekou professes his emotions to a love curiosity, hoping their bond stays unbroken. “I simply wanna be with you / Solely factor that I wanna do / Is be with you,” he sings on the amorous tune. 

“You and I” is one other feel-good second on Out of Thoughts, the place Sekou sings about embarking on an thrilling journey along with his lover. “Take me to Paris / I heard it’s quite a bit to see / However there’s no higher view then / If you have a look at me,” he sings over sunny acoustic instrumentation.

Closing with “Too Younger,” one other piano ballad, the 18-year-old navigates the intricacies of a youthful romance. “A coronary heart ain’t too younger to like / If it’s sufficiently old to interrupt,” he croons. 

Out of Thoughts is a charming introduction to Sekou’s artistry, showcasing his vocal prowess and his versatility past being solely a balladeer. With its concise 15-minute period, Out of Thoughts will undoubtedly go away listeners craving for extra from this promising soul singer.

“I wished to have inventive freedom on this and do one thing totally different from what I’ve performed earlier than,” Sekou mentioned about Out of Thoughts. “I liked having management over the sort of sound I wished to make, the folks I wished to work with, and the tracks on the challenge – it was releasing and allowed me to be trustworthy.”

He added, “I’m excited for folks to hearken to this EP and perceive me extra as an artist. Whereas ‘Higher Man’ showcased my vocal skill, this challenge exhibits my vary, and what I’m really able to.”

Stream Sekou’s debut EP, Out of Thoughts, under.