Jia Lissa
London-based artist KINGH has made a significant entrance into the music scene with her debut EP, ‘DARE TO DREAM’, released through Shy FX’s esteemed Digital Soundboy imprint. Arriving perfectly timed for the summer season, the record presents a sophisticated fusion of rare-groove and soul influences seamlessly interwoven with a distinct yet unrestrictive nostalgic ’80s aesthetic. This blend is anchored by KINGH’s understated and sultry vocal cadence, which imbues the project with a contemporary freshness, set against a backdrop of funky basslines and impeccably crisp drums. The EP’s title track, an inventive reinterpretation of Viola Wills’ classic, showcases KINGH’s unique vocal delivery, characterized by its soulful, breathy, and rap-tinged qualities. Further highlighting the EP’s diverse sonic landscape are tracks like ‘RIDE’, featuring the acclaimed Kojey Radical, driven by its distinctive punchy Hammond-style organ stabs, and ‘LA PRIMA’, which opens with evocative Italian lyrics, a clear homage to KINGH’s multifaceted upbringing spanning Lake Como, Milan, and Leeds. Rather than pursuing overt climactic moments, ‘DARE TO DREAM’ cultivates an immersive mood, evoking imagery of sunset drives with open windows rather than the intense energy of crowded basement clubs. Produced entirely by the legendary Shy FX, this project deepens a creative partnership first established with last year’s drum & bass collaboration, ‘NOBU’, leaving an intriguing question lingering in its wake: the potential for a jungle remix of this genre-bending EP.
The Genesis of a Unique Sound: KINGH’s Artistic Journey
The release of ‘DARE TO DREAM’ marks a pivotal moment in KINGH’s burgeoning career, culminating years of artistic development and a rich tapestry of cultural influences. Born and raised between the picturesque shores of Lake Como, the fashion capital of Milan, and the vibrant musical landscape of Leeds, KINGH’s formative years were a crucible of diverse sounds and experiences. This unique multicultural background has profoundly shaped her artistic identity, providing her with a distinct perspective that she now channels into her music. Her early exposure to Italian pop, classical music, and traditional folk, coupled with the UK’s rich heritage of soul, R&B, and electronic music, laid the groundwork for the eclectic sound that defines ‘DARE TO DREAM’.
Prior to this debut, KINGH had been meticulously honing her craft, experimenting with vocal styles and production techniques. Her decision to base herself in London, a global hub for musical innovation, further solidified her commitment to forging a unique path. London’s dynamic music scene, with its constant cross-pollination of genres and cultures, provided an ideal environment for KINGH to refine her artistry, drawing inspiration from its underground club culture, thriving live music venues, and diverse artistic community. This period of immersion and development culminated in the serendipitous collaboration with Shy FX, a partnership that would prove instrumental in shaping the sonic identity of ‘DARE TO DREAM’. The EP is not merely a collection of songs; it is a meticulously crafted statement of intent, reflecting KINGH’s journey from a culturally rich upbringing to her emergence as a distinctive voice in contemporary music.
A Sonic Tapestry: Deconstructing the EP’s Musical Architecture
‘DARE TO DREAM’ stands out for its masterful ability to weave together disparate musical threads into a cohesive and captivating whole. The EP’s core sonic identity is rooted in rare-groove and soul, genres known for their intricate rhythms, lush instrumentation, and emotive vocal performances. Rare-groove, a term often used to describe obscure funk, soul, and jazz records from the 1960s and 70s, brings a sense of timeless cool and sophisticated musicianship to KINGH’s sound. This is evident in the EP’s groovy basslines and the nuanced interplay of instruments. The soul influence provides the emotional depth, allowing KINGH’s vocals to convey a range of feelings, from introspection to understated sensuality.
Crucially, these vintage influences are not presented as mere homage. Instead, they are filtered through a contemporary lens, particularly an ’80s palette that evokes the era’s distinctive synthesisers, drum machine patterns, and polished production. However, KINGH and Shy FX deftly navigate this without falling into the trap of pastiche. The ’80s elements serve as a stylistic touchstone rather than a restrictive blueprint, ensuring the music feels current and relevant. KINGH’s vocal delivery is central to this contemporary feel. Her cadence is described as understated, sultry, and rap-tinged, suggesting a departure from traditional melodic singing in certain moments, incorporating rhythmic speech elements that resonate with modern R&B and alternative pop sensibilities. This vocal versatility allows her to glide effortlessly between melodic hooks and more spoken-word passages, adding layers of texture and nuance to the compositions. The consistently crisp drums and funky basslines provide a solid, danceable foundation, underpinning the EP’s sophisticated sonic architecture and ensuring its appeal across various listening contexts.
Track-by-Track Analysis: Illuminating the EP’s Highlights
The three explicitly mentioned tracks offer distinct insights into the EP’s breadth and depth. The title track, "Dare to Dream," serves as a bold declaration of intent. It takes its inspiration from Viola Wills’ 1979 disco-soul anthem of the same name, a track celebrated for its uplifting message and powerful vocal performance. KINGH’s rendition is not a cover but an "updated take," suggesting a re-imagination rather than a mere replication. Her "soulful, breathy, rap-tinged vocals" completely transform the original’s energetic disco flair into something more introspective and contemporary. The breathiness adds an intimate quality, drawing the listener closer, while the rap-tinged elements introduce a modern rhythmic sensibility, grounding the classic melody in a fresh context. This track effectively bridges the gap between the EP’s vintage inspirations and its forward-looking sound, showcasing KINGH’s ability to infuse a classic with her unique artistic signature. The choice to reinterpret a song about aspiration further reinforces the EP’s overarching theme of personal journey and artistic ambition.
"RIDE," featuring the critically acclaimed London artist Kojey Radical, introduces a different dynamic. Kojey Radical, known for his poetic lyricism, genre-bending approach to hip-hop, and socially conscious themes, brings a distinct artistic weight to the collaboration. His presence elevates the track, adding another layer of contemporary relevance. The driving force behind "RIDE" is its "punchy Hammond-style organ stabs." The Hammond organ, iconic for its rich, swirling sound, is a staple of gospel, blues, jazz, and soul music. Its use here injects a raw, energetic, and slightly vintage texture, reminiscent of classic funk and R&B. The punchiness suggests a rhythmic and percussive use of the instrument, driving the track’s momentum and providing a compelling counterpoint to KINGH’s vocals and Kojey Radical’s contribution. The collaboration likely sees a lyrical interplay that explores themes of movement, journey, or shared experience, enriched by the distinct voices of both artists.
"LA PRIMA" offers the most direct glimpse into KINGH’s personal history. The track "opens with Italian lyrics," immediately signaling its deep connection to her upbringing between Lake Como, Milan, and Leeds. This linguistic choice is not merely an aesthetic flourish but a profound nod to her heritage, allowing listeners to experience a facet of her identity that transcends musical genre. The inclusion of Italian lyrics adds an exotic, yet authentic, texture to the EP, distinguishing it further. Musically, "LA PRIMA" likely draws from the romanticism and melodicism often associated with Italian music, perhaps blending it with the EP’s established rare-groove and ’80s influences. The track serves as a personal narrative within the broader sonic landscape of ‘DARE TO DREAM’, offering an intimate connection to KINGH’s roots and the foundational experiences that have shaped her artistic voice.
The Digital Soundboy Partnership: Shy FX’s Vision and Influence
The production of ‘DARE TO DREAM’ entirely by Shy FX is a testament to his versatility and his continued influence on the electronic and urban music landscape. Shy FX, born Andre Williams, is a legendary figure in drum & bass, jungle, and wider electronic music, with a career spanning over three decades. His label, Digital Soundboy, founded in the early 2000s, has historically been a bastion for cutting-edge drum & bass, fostering both established names and emerging talent within the genre. However, over the years, Digital Soundboy has expanded its sonic remit, embracing a broader spectrum of sounds that reflect Shy FX’s own eclectic tastes and production capabilities.
Shy FX’s involvement as the sole producer for ‘DARE TO DREAM’ speaks volumes about his belief in KINGH’s artistry and his vision for the label’s future. His meticulous approach to production is evident throughout the EP, where he expertly balances vintage warmth with modern clarity. He is known for his ability to craft infectious grooves and intricate soundscapes, qualities that are clearly at play on this record. His deep understanding of rhythm, bass, and melodic hooks ensures that while the EP draws on diverse influences, it maintains a coherent and compelling sonic identity. For Digital Soundboy, ‘DARE TO DREAM’ represents a significant diversification, showcasing the label’s capacity to champion artists operating outside its traditional drum & bass confines, thereby expanding its reach and demonstrating its commitment to musical innovation. This strategic move aligns with a broader industry trend where labels are increasingly embracing genre fluidity to remain relevant and discover new talent.
From ‘NOBU’ to ‘DARE TO DREAM’: Tracing the Creative Alliance
The collaboration on ‘DARE TO DREAM’ is not the first instance of KINGH and Shy FX working together. Their creative alliance was first unveiled last year on the drum & bass track ‘NOBU’. This initial collaboration served as a crucial precursor, allowing both artists to establish a creative rapport and explore their synergistic potential. ‘NOBU’, being a drum & bass track, would have showcased KINGH’s vocal adaptability within a high-energy electronic context, a stark contrast to the more laid-back, soulful vibe of ‘DARE TO DREAM’. This earlier release demonstrated KINGH’s versatility and her ability to navigate different sonic landscapes, while also hinting at Shy FX’s interest in nurturing her talent beyond the confines of a single genre.
The transition from a drum & bass track like ‘NOBU’ to the rare-groove and soul-infused ‘DARE TO DREAM’ highlights the dynamic and evolving nature of their partnership. It suggests a deliberate decision to explore KINGH’s artistic range and to craft a debut EP that truly reflects her core musical identity. This progression underscores Shy FX’s role not just as a producer, but as a mentor and artistic collaborator, helping KINGH articulate her vision in its most authentic form. The success of ‘NOBU’ likely provided the confidence and foundation for them to embark on a more extensive project, resulting in an EP that is both stylistically coherent and deeply personal.
Artistic Intent and Broader Reception
The stated mood of ‘DARE TO DREAM’ — "think sunset drives with open windows rather than packed basement clubs" — is a crucial insight into the artists’ intent. It suggests a focus on creating an atmosphere of relaxation, contemplation, and understated cool. This deliberate choice positions the EP as music for specific moments and environments: long journeys, evening gatherings, or simply unwinding. It moves away from the high-octane energy often associated with electronic music, particularly jungle and drum & bass, toward a more nuanced, immersive listening experience. This approach could resonate strongly with an audience seeking sophisticated, mood-driven music that offers both comfort and stylistic flair.
Upon its release, ‘DARE TO DREAM’ is poised to receive attention from a diverse set of listeners and critics. Fans of classic rare-groove and soul are likely to appreciate the authentic influences and modern update. Those familiar with Shy FX’s work will be curious to see his production prowess applied to a different sonic canvas. The collaboration with Kojey Radical will undoubtedly draw in his dedicated following, exposing them to KINGH’s artistry. The EP’s summer timing is also strategic, aligning its release with a season often associated with relaxed vibes, outdoor activities, and road trips, thereby enhancing its appeal and potential for widespread adoption in curated playlists and radio rotations. Early critical responses, such as the initial review, highlight the EP’s success in achieving its intended mood and its fresh take on established genres, positioning KINGH as an artist with significant promise and a clear artistic vision.
Wider Industry Context and Implications
KINGH’s ‘DARE TO DREAM’ arrives at a time when the music industry is increasingly embracing genre fluidity and the blending of traditional and contemporary sounds. The EP’s success in fusing rare-groove, soul, and ’80s aesthetics with modern vocal delivery exemplifies this trend. Artists and audiences alike are moving beyond rigid genre classifications, opting instead for a more expansive and inclusive approach to music. This allows artists like KINGH to draw from a wider palette of influences, creating unique sounds that defy easy categorization. The EP’s sophisticated blend contributes to this ongoing evolution, demonstrating how historical musical forms can be revitalized and made relevant for contemporary audiences without losing their original essence.
The strategic choice of an EP format for a debut release is also noteworthy. In today’s digital landscape, EPs serve as effective introductions for new artists, allowing them to showcase their range and artistic direction without the pressure of a full-length album. They offer a concentrated listening experience that can capture attention and build momentum, providing a strong foundation for future projects. For KINGH, ‘DARE TO DREAM’ is a powerful statement that establishes her distinct sound and artistic identity, laying the groundwork for a potentially impactful career. Furthermore, the collaboration between an emerging artist like KINGH and an established producer of Shy FX’s stature on an imprint like Digital Soundboy reinforces the importance of mentorship and cross-generational artistic exchange in the music industry. It highlights how experienced figures can leverage their platforms to amplify new voices and explore new creative territories, benefiting both the artist and the label.
The Future: Beyond the Horizon
The concluding question posed by the initial review — "are we getting a jungle remix of this EP?" — serves as a playful yet significant hint about future possibilities and the enduring legacy of Shy FX’s roots. While ‘DARE TO DREAM’ deliberately steps away from the frantic energy of jungle, the idea of a remix that reinterprets these soulful tracks through a jungle lens is intriguing. Such a move would not only bridge the gap between KINGH’s current sound and Shy FX’s foundational genre but also demonstrate the versatility of the original compositions. It could also be a strategic move to engage Shy FX’s core drum & bass fanbase, drawing them into KINGH’s world through a familiar sonic gateway.
Regardless of whether a jungle remix materializes, ‘DARE TO DREAM’ unequivocally positions KINGH as an artist to watch. Her debut EP is a sophisticated, well-produced, and deeply personal offering that skillfully navigates the intersection of retro influences and contemporary sensibilities. With a clear artistic vision, a compelling vocal style, and the formidable backing of Shy FX and Digital Soundboy, KINGH is poised to carve out a distinctive niche in the global music landscape. The EP is more than just a collection of songs; it is an invitation to experience a new voice, thoughtfully crafted for the journey ahead, promising a bright and dynamic future for this multifaceted artist.
