You might be surprised to learn that the echoes of Prince, the genre-bending icon, are resonating in the most unexpected corners of the music world.
Prince's influence is everywhere, isn't it? His music, a vibrant tapestry of funk, R&B, pop, and rock, has touched artists across generations. But what if I told you that his funky spirit has found its way into the DIY recording studios of South London's indie scene?
British indie music has always been at the forefront of cultural innovation, yet it seems worlds away from Prince's sound, despite its universal appeal. However, Dry Cleaning's latest album, Secret Life, bridges this gap beautifully.
The lead single, 'Hit My Head All Day,' from their third album, is a funky, industrial track that takes inspiration from Prince's 1985 track, 'America'. The song is a testament to Prince's influence.
Guitarist Tom Dowse from Dry Cleaning explained that 'Hit My Head' has a fascinating quality. He mentioned the industrial-sounding drums combined with a funk element, reminiscent of Prince's 'America.' Dowse recalls being captivated by the 12-inch version of 'America', a sprawling 25-minute jam that served as his introduction to Prince's music.
But here's where it gets controversial... This approach is not one most engineers would recommend, as it was a stressful experience for Prince's staff engineer, Susan Rogers. She recalled the band jamming for extended periods, pushing the limits of the tape, and the song evolving organically from rehearsals. This process, however, is what gives the finished track its magic, and it's understandable why a band like Dry Cleaning would draw inspiration from it.
Dry Cleaning's approach, which embraces the possibilities of instrumental arrangement, allows Florence Shaw's spoken vocals to shine. On 'Hit My Head All Day,' Dry Cleaning maintains a structural clarity, with Dowse's guitars dancing over Lewis Maynard's basslines, resulting in a six-minute track.
This track is a standout on the new record, proving how innovation brings musical worlds together. From the ambitious sounds of Prince's funky studio to the rehearsal rooms of South London, experimentation creates a link, and both tracks are prime examples of this.
And this is the part most people miss... The impact of Prince's influence goes beyond just the music; it's about the creative process, the willingness to experiment, and the freedom to push boundaries. What do you think about the influence of different music genres on each other? Do you have any favorite examples of artists or songs that have successfully blended different styles? Let me know in the comments!
