Description
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Kelela, the avant-garde singer and producer known for pushing the boundaries of electronic and R&B music, is set to release RAVE, The Remixes, a transformative compilation that revisits and reinterprets tracks from her acclaimed 2023 album, Raven. Slated for release on February 9, 2024, via Warp Records, this remix album serves as both a celebration and amplification of the Black queer roots in dance music, featuring a stellar lineup of collaborators who bring fresh energy to Kelela’s original compositions.
RAVE, The Remixes showcases an array of talent, with each artist adding their unique spin to Kelela’s already dynamic tracks. Notable contributions include Shygirl, who seamlessly transitions from her trademark smoky raps to ethereal vocals on the JD. Reid remix of “Holier,” and TYGAPAW, who infuses “Happy Ending” with a powerful, hardcore techno beat that redefines the song’s emotional intensity. This compilation follows in the tradition of iconic remix projects by artists like Björk and M.I.A., who have also used the remix format to explore and expand their soundscapes, creating new narratives within their music.
Kelela’s approach to RAVE, The Remixes is deeply rooted in the rich history of dance music, particularly its Black and queer origins. The album draws parallels to the work of pioneers like Frankie Knuckles and Larry Heard, who laid the foundation for house music, and more contemporary artists such as Janelle Monáe and Solange, who have continued to explore themes of identity and empowerment within their music. Tracks like “Closure (Flexulant x BAMBII Remix feat. RahRah Gabor & Brazy)” highlight this connection, with BAMBII’s production bringing a raw, underground club energy that echoes the spirit of ballroom culture.
The remix album is not just a reimagining of Raven but a powerful statement of Kelela’s commitment to celebrating the diversity and resilience of the Black queer community. By collaborating with artists like Bbymutha, Loraine James, and Karen Nyame KG, Kelela ensures that RAVE, The Remixes is as much a communal effort as it is a personal one, further solidifying her place as a leader in the genre. This release continues the conversation started by her previous work and places her in the lineage of artists who use music as a form of resistance and reclamation.
As the release date approaches, RAVE, The Remixes is already generating buzz as one of the most anticipated remix albums of the year. It’s a bold and necessary exploration of dance music’s roots, presented through the lens of one of today’s most innovative artists. Fans of Kelela, as well as those who appreciate the intersection of music, culture, and identity, will find RAVE, The Remixes to be an essential addition to their collection.
