What is music, other than deep-rooted personal expression? A cathartic tool for processing troubling feelings? Josef Lamercier certainly agrees, having just released a stunningly delicate and gentle single, a nugget of introspection and nostalgia steeped in real-life experiences. ‘The Moon A Balloon’ is exactly that. Built on Lamercier’s signature alternative R&B style, the record is buoyant on a sonic level, yet striking and hard-hitting on a lyrical one. Broken beats and liminal atmospheres are the perfect match for Josef’s intimate, nuanced vocals.
Hailing from New Orleans, the talented American artist has been enjoying an elite career so far, nursing a successful solo project alongside his many songwriting credits for other fellow creatives. ‘The Moon A Balloon’ marks his return to the music scene after last year’s album ‘Merci’. It’s been just over twelve months, yet Lamercier appears more effective than ever, crafting an honest, emotional jewel with a heightened sense of poignancy. The new single benefits from UK producer Maths Time Joy (Nao, Snakehips, Sinead Harnett, Gallant) with additional string arrangements by long-time collaborator Troy Everett.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the song, Lamercier explains: “To me, it’s a musical stamp of tragedy and overcoming childhood wounds in my journey. Sonically, it’s the first time I’ve truly expressed my story of Hurricane Katrina and how it’s shaped me as both an artist and a person.”
Recommended! Discover ‘The Moon A Balloon’ on Spotify:
