#alexslay

Nashville up-comers Alex Slay and Clover Jamez have been throwing themselves into the city’s budding R&B scene, and it’s no surprise that they’re swiftly becoming some of the most exciting names to look out for. From Slay’s immense press from worldwide publications, local radio interviews and performances at iconic venues like Flamingos, you can only imagine that his collaboration with fellow Nashville star Clover Jamez will be quite the song to behold. As Clover grew up in Pennslyvania influenced by everything from Motown to Blink-182 and later featured on hit shows such as Fox’s Empire and Hulu’s Dave, their vastly different upbringings and musical flairs makes for an engaging experience all throughout their new single ‘Marathon.’

As beautiful clean electric guitar plucks ring out to introduce ‘Marathon’ , Alex and Clover immediately set the tone as one of complete serenity and unparalleled good vibes only. Paired beside a soft and snappy beat and the occasional haunting backing vocal for just another layer of dream-like tranquility, the soundscape of ‘Marathon’ may be one of simplicity and minimalism, but it more than achieves its goal of creating an impenetrable atmosphere of silky smoothness. Urging you allow yourself to fall within the seams of its delicate padding, ‘Marathon’ boasts an instrumental-scape that focuses on pure comfort and serenading your ears with only the most dainty of sounds. As Alex gorgeously sings for most of the duration of the release, his impressive vocal performance throughout possesses an unapologetic charm and swagger that perfectly complements the reposeful R&B tones. Midway through, Clover adds a little flavourful change as he joins into the mix, leading a spoke-sung styled rap-esque segment that whilst standing out, still slots perfectly amidst the overall funk of ‘Marathon’ to a tee and makes it all the more interesting to enjoy.

This whimsical summer dream speaks of a more sincere message beneath the groove-filled surface, as Alex poignantly writes a relatable tune that could stand out to most, but particularly reaches out to those who are creatives as both a hobby or work. Speaking of the journey that many who are creative face, ‘Marathon’ dissects the phases where nothing seems to be working, imposter-syndrome sets in and it feels like giving up is the only option to avoid more frustration and exhaustion. But Alex and Clover wouldn’t let that be the message you take away from ‘Marathon’, instead taking the time to remind that despite all your troubles and difficulties, the best path is to continue progressing and finding your feet: ‘It’s not about the win, but the time that you take.’ Absolutely capturing your mind with nudges of reassurance and the perspective of fellow creatives, the lyricism of ‘Marathon’ so perfectly summarises the highs and the lows, and still pushes you to continue: ‘My best is yet to come... Set your own pace, go your own way, raise your own stakes, I promise you’re okay.’ With so much pressure placed upon perfection, particularly when you’re working for yourself and consumed by your own thoughts, Alex and Clover have truly written a much-needed uplifting message that can be easily replayed every time you need a little pick me up - and that’s not to say that ‘Marathon’ can’t also apply to a wider spectrum of issues, like life in general.

If ‘Marathon’ sounds like the sprinkle of joy you needed, amidst an utterly dreamy soundscape, then you can check it out for yourself here!

Written by: Tatiana Whybrow

Nashville based R&B artist Alex Slay was raised by stars like Stevie Wonder and cultivated by modern envelope pushers like Anderson Paak. With his career taking off at a young age, Alex toured across the world from Venice to Barcelona to hundreds aboard cruise ships.

Now, he's settled down in the unconventional location of Nashville, making a name for himself in the city's budding R&B scene as he plays their iconic venues like Flamingos and Hutton Hotel. First single 'Cherry Wine' debuted only last year, before Slay made a move and released latest track 'Dive In' that's evidently had months and months of perfecting.

This soft and sensual second single is sure to turn heads with Slay's fresh R&B interpretation that mixes elements of neo-soul, jazz and blues to formulate an effortless groove for any audience. Diving straight in with punchy riffs and electronic sound effect twinkles, you'll instantly pick up on the feel-good aura the instrumentals flawlessly have you swaying along to. Lulling the listener in with an atmosphere of complete reverie, Alex's vocals don't hold back as he proudly flaunts his elegant vocal range that's absolutely filled to the brim with soul and passion.

Bouncing off this uplifting energy, it's thoroughly enjoyable to see a track entered around finding your footing in dating and re-gaining confidence that had before been knocked. Within the sounds of 'Dive In', Alex's ever-growing courage is evidently mirrored in his independent and strikingly bold production and instrumentation that dares to take risks at the hope of striving for a timeless and classic sound. Not only is it clear that Alex is ready to fall in love once again, but it's just as clear he's ready for his audience to fall for his reinvented soundscape for decades to come.

Give it a full listen yourself here, as even if you're not into R&B we found this track totally exceeded all genre boundaries making it easy to listen to and enjoyably sunny in sound.

Written by: Tatiana Whybrow Photo Credits: Kirsten Barnett