Song of the Day: Chants featuring Mereki - Gossamer

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part of our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJ’s think you should hear. Today’s song, featured on the Afternoon Show with Kevin Cole, is “Gossamer” by Chants Featuring Mereki from the 2015 album We Are All Underwater on Hush Hush Records.

Chants featuring Mereki - Gossamer (MP3)

Madison, Wisconsin-based producer/percussionist Jordan Cohen, a.k.a. Chants, comes up for air with his third full-length, We Are All Underwater, his latest for Seattle-based label Hush Hush, ran by KEXP DJ Alex Ruder.

For the new release, Cohen integrates the bedroom-recorded intimacy of his previous releases with the dance floor-ready rhythms he's been exploring with his remixes. "I think it ended up as more of an introspective headphone vibe than I expected," he says in an interview with ToneMadison.com. "Still, I think it kind of draws a line as far as the sound that I'd been angling towards for awhile. I had certain unwritten rules about having certain elements (like hooks or a particular feeling), and after this album I'm ready to throw out the rule book."

Today's Song of the Day features guest vocals from Australian-born Los-Angeles-based artist Mereki, whose otherworldly sound ignited the inspiration for the whole album. Via Twitter, Cohen explains, "She sent me an acapella vocal before I had made any music," setting the pace for the emotional and melodic tone of the whole release.

There are no Seattle shows booked, for now, but keep an eye out for future dates via Facebook and Twitter. Enjoy the blissed-out beats of "Gossamer" below: