XL Recordings has released ‘Bastard,’ a new single by DJ Joy Orbison, in collaboration with Southend rapper Joe James. The single features a misty beat and James’ subtle suburban storytelling. The track is available on all streaming platforms and accompanied by a music video directed by Josh Renaut that appeared on YouTube. The visuals display Renaut’s signature style of a hazy, dream-like recording, featuring both artists and some close-ups of a framed portrait of Cilla Black.
Joy Orbison spoke about the time he and James worked on this track together on Instagram, stating: “We made ‘Bastard’ in a few hours on a rainy day in West London. This was the first time I’d met Joe, but I realized quite quickly that we were both exploring similar musical ideas. Joe had a really distinct sound in his head which was refreshing. He’d caught me a bit off-guard, in honesty, but eventually, I played him something that I doubt I would even have considered before the session. He was instantly like ‘ye, let me try recording something.’ The vocal you hear on the track was the only take we recorded.”
He went on to explain that they did not try adding more layers, or doubling down on the recording to perfect it, as “bastard took on a life of its own from the second it left the studio. There’s a nonchalance to Joe’s delivery that underplays the vivid images he paints in your head. I can’t listen to this track without visualizing what he’s saying.” Joy Orbison says he hopes listeners enjoy the track as much as they did.
Joy Orbison’s single is yet another achievement for the XL Recordings label, which has remained true to its formula of fostering up-and-coming artists while creating an environment where they can thrive. By working with James, Joy Orbison has produced a new single that delivers a sound which is refreshing and textured, backed by a gritty perception. The single has proved to be popular among fans of both artists
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