Name: Holding On To A Dream
Brand: sir Was

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

CD-MI-0550

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Colour

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music US

Limited edition

Release date

2019-09-20

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier US

Redeye

Tax rate US

Sales:8.875

UPC / Barcode

5060146099868

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Total Cap

1 / CD / Extended format: No / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

Artist

sir Was

Genre US

R&B / Neo-Soul

Label US

Memphis Industries

sir Was is the musical journey of Joel Wästberg, hailing from Sweden. With his unique blend of genres and captivating melodies, he has carved out a distinct sound that resonates with listeners worldwide. Drawing inspiration from various influences, sir Was creates music that transcends boundaries and defies categorization. His soulful vocals and intricate instrumentation transport listeners to another realm, where they can immerse themselves in the beauty of his artistry. Whether it's through his thought-provoking lyrics or infectious beats, sir Was never fails to leave a lasting impression on all who encounter his music.
From humble beginnings to international acclaim, sir Was has come a long way in his musical career. He first burst onto the scene with his debut album [title], which garnered critical praise for its innovative sound and introspective lyrics. Since then, he has continued to push the boundaries of what is possible in music, constantly evolving and experimenting with new sounds and styles.
With each release, sir Was continues to captivate audiences with his mesmerizing performances and undeniable talent. Whether he's performing live or crafting intricate studio productions, he always brings an unparalleled level of passion and authenticity to everything he does. As an artist who refuses to be confined by conventional norms, sir Was is truly a force to be reckoned with in the world of music.

The new album from Joel Wästberg a.k.a sir Was, “Holding on To a Dream”, is a mesmerising twisting of genres - from classic soul and old-school hip-hop, to beautifully fresh pop structures. The new record is dense with ideas and adventurous, a sonic-leap forth. “I was interested in having a lusher sound, more rich,” Wästberg says. “With the first record I had this idea that I wanted it to sound like an old vinyl record. I wanted this lo-fi, old-school sound. When I realized that I was actually making another album, I felt a bit scared of the whole thing, but it didn’t take me that long to realise that the only thing I could do was to make something that felt really right in my body and soul. I’ve realised that there’s nothing to be afraid of. I’m ready to explore so much more.” The sense of exploration resonates throughout the record and can be defined by its start and end points. Opening track ‘Fly Away’ begins the expedition, a gleaming reflection of past insecurities as a jump-off point for the next chapter, all subtle beats and stark bursts of guitars that leap out of the mix. Elsewhere, ‘No Giving Up’ is a tender recollection of a past relationship, set to an equally affectionate composition, a glowing example of Wästberg’s growing songwriting skills, while ‘The Sun Will Shine’ showcases another side of Joel’s skillset, a playful production full of inspired ideas and nuances; a Les Fleurseque mellow breeze in the heat of the summer. The record’s boldest moment is reserved for ‘Deployed’, a collaboration with Little Dragon’s Yukimi Nagano. “Me and Little Dragon go way back. I’ve been hanging out with them for many years, and they were very supportive with my first album,” Wästberg explains. “I remember that Yukimi was always asking me if I was making my own music. One day I was working in my small studio room, and Little Dragon were one floor up. Yukimi knocked on the door and asked if she could listen. I played her some of my songs and she said, “This is great, go out and talk to the world!”. That was before my first album. So having Little Dragon as a feature here makes so much sense.” Beautifully bright and sincere, ’Deployed’ is a perhaps the most vivid pop song that sir Was has released to-date. A heartfelt accounting of relationships, of knowing when to let go and when to fight for them, ‘Holding On To A Dream’, is a dreamy, groovy, lustrous treat of a record.

Holding On To A Dream

Music US

Buy sir Was - Holding On To A Dream (Vinyl, CD) now from Rough Trade - independent purveyors of great music, since 1976.