Devonté Hynes: We Are Who We Are

<p><span><span>- In his original score for the <strong>HBO</strong> series <em>We Are Who We Are</em>, Devonte ‘Dev’ Hynes, the man behind the <strong>Blood Orange</strong> persona, offers some of his most emotive classical arrangements yet. In the same way that his work as Blood Orange explored tranquil R&amp;B riven with a subversive vein of discontent - his new, original score challenges contemporary classical with the inclusion of synthesisers and drones.

Leah Flanagan - 'Colour by Number'

Defiant, hopeful and steep in the dexterities of a songwriter deeply connected to her purpose, Leah Flanagan's music resonates like sweet moments of peace amongst the chaos of a crowded room.

Growing up in the tropics of Darwin in Australia’s Northern Territory, Flanagan was raised by a community of cultures bolstering her proud Italian, First Nations (Alyawarre) and Irish heritage. She has never been a stranger to narrative. In many ways, the stories have found her: classically trained and navigating the margins between soul, jazz and lovingly crafted pop stylings, Flanagan’s sound is her own. Space is redefined as an instrument in its own right, used with care to bind an offering that’s equal parts fearless and elegant. Echoes of Norah Jones, Corinne Bailey Rae and Martha Wainwright ring true in Flanagan’s delivery, while the experiences that shape her form the affecting subject of her lyricism.

A simple drawing exercise, intended especially for children, consisting of a line drawing that divides the artwork into distinct spaces - the essence of Flanagan’s new body of work, written and sung for young son and family.

Colour By Number offers us the gift of intimate insight into the values, experiences and perspectives that have helped to shape Flanagan’s existence - Grounded, hopeful and steeped in the dexterities of a songwriter deeply connected to her purpose, Leah Flanagan’s music resonates like sweet moments of peace amidst the chaos of a crowded room.

Produced by Sarah Belkner and recorded by Richard “Richie” Belkner (Sarah Blasko, Tkay Maidza, Ngaiire) at Free Energy Device Studios, trust is the hallmark of this gorgeous collection of works. A rich and skillfully orchestrated instrumentation teeters on the edge of abandon while the care with which Flanagan uses her voice holds the listener throughout.