Hyperpop trailblazer Danny L Harle is about to drop "the big one." Last fall he announced his official debut album Cerulean, out next month, with the lead single "Crystallise My Tears" featuring Oklou and MNEK. Today he's shared another preview "Raft In The Sea," featuring heavy-hitter pop songwriter and artist Julia Michaels.
"Raft In The Sea" is dreamy, metallic pop. Although it has an earworminess to it, there's a striking sadness as well. Michaels' vocals sound particularly devastating here — it's not the smoky or blunt or laidback tone she's known for. Her voice is high-pitched, fragile, maybe a little icy. Almost snowflake-like. Harle keeps the track moving with a punching dance beat, some trumpets, and spritely melodies.
In a press release, Harle shared his experience about working with Michaels:
I was incredibly honoured to work with Julia - she does not need to do anything for anyone. I initially met her during a Dua Lipa session, and my jaw literally dropped when I heard her sing this idea in the room. I heard something in her voice that I’d not heard in her own music. In a similar way to working with MNEK, I wanted to bring out the rawness and melancholy of her voice. When we were making this song, I asked her, ‘Can you just be sad?’ And she said, ‘For you Danny, I will.’ Her performance is just incredible.
Listen below.
Cerulean is out 2/13 via XL. Pre-order here.
