Swahili Blonde – “Discover Aurora” (audio) (premiere)

Led by singer and musician Nicole Turley, Swahili Blonde featured such guests as John Frusciante and members of Devo, Duran Duran, and Warpaint on past releases. For the new EP Deities in Decline, however, Turley has set off on her own, helming the entire project, and one of those end results, “Discover Aurora” can be heard below. Featuring a mix of electronic and afrobeat influences, it’s art pop that remains grounded without becoming lost in pretension.

“I wrote ‘Discover Aurora’ for my goddaughter when she was still growing in her mama’s tummy,” she tells PopMatters. “It’s a song of strength and hope. Encouraging her to embrace her tribe of people; the family she’s born into and the family she will choose along the way. To honor herself and her soul fearlessly. To abide by her sense of wonder and discovery. And always have the courage to be her authentic self. It’s a letter of love to her, and a good touchstone of things to remember for all of us.”

Deities in Decline will be released 21 July on Neurotic Yell Records.