This is why I fell in love with electronica.
Happy to present our label debut with UK-born, France-based singer & producer Ben Laxton (whose "Memory" with Axian blew us away). "Azalea" falls right between downtempo, electronica, trip-hop & future garage, with beautifully nostalgic vocals - making it reminiscent of the likes of Bonobo, Elder Island, or Jordan Rakei.
Ben elaborates on the meaning behind the song, “I wrote “Azalea“ after ending a relationship. I was quite afraid of the decision before I made it but very quickly realised it was the right one which lead to a sense of relief and optimism for the future. In this track I tried to capture the optimism of new beginnings, using nature’s transition from night to day as a metaphor for moving forward and embracing better things to come“.
Cinematic strings, vibraphone, and acoustic guitar complement his emotionally rich vocals. With his songwriting, Ben manages to balance on the sweet spot between melancholy & optimism and I'm sure everyone can find something for themselves in it.
Stream/buy "Azalea" here.