Produced by a stable of some of Canada’s finest musical minds including DJ Kemo (The Rascalz, Kardinal Offishall), Chin Injeti (DJ Khalil, Eminem, Drake) and Daniel Lee (Hooded Fang, Phedre), Record Kicks proudly presents The Gumption the awaited new album by Canadian soul star Tanika Charles that will hit the streets worldwide on May 10th.
“What gave you the gumption?” Tanika Charles rhetorically asks during the introductory notes of her sophomore album appropriately titled The Gumption. While the apprehensive lover at the receiving end of that inquisition should feel slighted by the remark, it also alludes to the assuredness Tanika has gained since the release of her Juno Award and Polaris Music Prize-nominated debut Soul Run. The Gumption picks up where Soul Run left off, continuing her tradition of marrying classic soul with modern production styles. Across a dozen songs spanning 38 minutes, Tanika addresses moments of vulnerability, vindication, uncertain love, forbidden fruit and the state of the world today. “It’s a little more mature. It’s not feeling guilty about being up front, not being afraid to address situations that aren’t comfortable for me. I’m comfortable in my skin now in a way I never was before. The overall theme is growth. I feel the music reflects that, and my words reflects that. Even the album cover tries to convey the feeling too. I’m not putting up with unnecessary nonsense anymore.”
Predominately guitar-driven mid-tempo soul, with a handful of dance floor friendly tunes and some psychedelic leanings, The Gumption was indirectly influenced by the likes of Alabama Shakes, The Supremes, Khruangbin, D’Angelo, and Moses Sumney. It is sonically moody at times, but with consistent silver-lining arcs. “I’ve grown up and learned to deal with situations significantly better. We have a tendency to hold back our innermost feelings for fear of hurting others. Even when we’re happy we worry about over-sharing, as if joy is a competition you don’t want to gloat about.”
Today Glide is excited to premiere “First & Last”, one of the standout tracks on The Gumption. The song begins with a slinky funk riff that brings to mind the retro stylings of the Dap Kings, and then Tanika jumps in with vocals that balance confidence and swagger. There is something confessional about the lyrics, but also a revelatory sense of hope as Tanika seems to be letting her demons fly free. Straddling the line between classic soul and airy, contemporary sounds, Tanika proves her penchant for writing and singing infectious tunes that connect to the heart, mind and soul of the listener.
Tanika Charles says, “This is about unexpected break-ups. You thought everything was fine, but you come home and find your person isn’t there. It sucks and you have to adjust. It really sucks”.
LISTEN:
