Birmingham’s vibrant music scene welcomes a new addition with the debut of SPEAK!, the brainchild of songwriter and producer Jake Parsons.
A product of a musical upbringing steeped in the sounds of Stevie Wonder, Jackie Wilson, and Aretha Franklin, SPEAK! channels a wide array of influences, including the modern beats of UK Hip Hop artists like Frankie Stew and Harvey Gunn, Little Simz, and Loyle Carner.
SPEAK! is not just a solo project; it thrives on collaboration. With a diverse lineup of artists contributing to the project, Jake often steps into the background as a producer, just as frequently as he takes the lead as a vocalist. The debut single, "WAKING UP," is set to release on Wednesday, September 11th, marking the first recorded output of this ambitious project. Jake Parsons elaborates on the single;
“WAKING UP is about trying to find a partner in a chronically online world. It's about the inherent conflict of glamorizing an ‘old-fashioned’, sweep-you-off-your-feet love affair, but actually realizing you might not be ready once that happens. Maybe we're better off just switching off and waking up…”
"WAKING UP" is a track that has been in the works for years, representing the genesis of the SPEAK! project. The song's evolution is a testament to the collaborative spirit that drives SPEAK!, with Parsons crediting his long-time collaborator Andy Scarpello for pushing him to refine the track. Another key contributor is Max (Maczee P), a childhood friend and fellow musician, whose dedication and passion for the project have been instrumental in bringing "WAKING UP" to life.
The launch of SPEAK! will be celebrated with a debut live performance on Friday, September 13th, where Jake Parsons and a 10-piece band will bring the project's dynamic sound to the stage for the first time.
As SPEAK! prepares to make its mark, "WAKING UP" offers a tantalising glimpse into the eclectic and emotionally resonant journey that lies ahead. With its blend of soulful melodies, introspective lyrics, and collaborative energy, SPEAK! is poised to become a notable new voice in the UK music scene.
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