Authenticity and originality can sometimes seem like rare qualities in the current music scene. But as more and more artists fight to maintain their creative integrity, we're seeing a rise in unconventional talent that not only fits the bill, but makes us stand up and take notice. Take Son Little for example. The talented singer/songwriter (born Aaron Livingston) has proven that he's comfortable with any genre, whether collaborating with RJD2 or The Roots, touring with Kelis or Mumford & Sons or even producing a recent Mavis Staples album. We were already blown away by previously released tracks like "Cross My Heart" and "Your Love Will Blow Me Away When My Heart Aches," but many weren't aware of his talent until he dropped his incredible Things I Forgot EP late last year. Now, as he puts the finishing touches on his forthcoming eponymous full-length debut, he recently shared "Lay Down," a new track that we just can't get enough of.
While there's an air of nostalgic innocence, make no mistake, this is grown folk music. Son's tender vocals are thick with suggestion as he invitingly beckons his lover to take her place beside him. He recently shared, "I wrote this song lying in bed with my lady, listening to the tea kettle whistle.” He makes reference to watching water boil, a slow build-up of heat, just like the song itself. The sparse beginning, just his voice and guitar, seamlessly builds with the addition of bass and drums. Before you know it, an organ and tambourine have slipped into the arrangement, creating a lush composition that caresses the ear and leaves us yearning for more.
Son further expounds, “I think about how complicated our lives are, all the ones and zeros distract us from what we really need and want. Sometimes I just want to take your love and hide.” Take a listen below and get lost in this slow-burning groove. Then head over to iTunes for a copy of Things I Forgot and to pre-order Son Little (due for release on October 16th).
