Ahead of their forthcoming debut record âBlack Lightâ out August 27th 2021, New York City quartet Dakota Jones showcase the pulsating new track âLord Pleaseâ â a striking hymn for the misguided.
In an age where artistic merit is awarded to those who shout the loudest, Dakota Jones pride themselves on an unwavering ability to leave a lasting impression. Spearheaded by Tristan Carter-Jones fierce and unashamedly uncensored songwriting, the bandâs fast-growing reputation as formidable live act has stamped Dakota Jones with the hel-hath-no-fury power of Chaka Khan, the wild spontaneity of Janis Joplin, and the honey-dripping sensuality of Marvin Gaye. Their debut albumâs message of proud black heritage and triumphant queerness manifests itself in Carter-Jonesâ ability to challenge norms of adulthood and femininity as she takes a deep dive into some of lifeâs most visceral emotions.
âIâm a black, queer woman expressing myself through love and music. Some folks still find that to be a transgressive act in and of itself. I work to fight that idea. I write a lot about my sexuality and the ways in which I express it. Songs about sex and love bounce back and forth between songs about heartache, hangovers and self-medication, and the pleasure and pain of truly finding yourself. I donât think we get to hear these things from a womanâs mouth as often as we should.â
The new track âLord Pleaseâ opens with pleading from Carter-Jones as she recites the line âHelp me help myself, please someone help me help myself,â over a naked soundscape with only the beat of a single drum in her presence. The track gradually builds into a display of united chants that expose the band in a gleaming light.
âLord Please is a real prayer that I say to myself more than I'd care to admit,â explains Carter-Jones. âA prayer for the feeling of anxiety, for being overwhelmed, for not knowing whether to go left or right.â She dissects the track further, outlining how Lord Please is âa prayer for the guidance to do what you need to do. Lord please help me keep my head on straight.â
Stripped from their debut record âBlack Lightâ out 27th August 2021, âLord Pleaseâcontinues Dakota Jonesâ streak of soulful blues blended with dark, sensuous vocals. Placed amongst the flirtatious title track âBlacklightâ and funk-laden âWe Playin Bad Gamesâ, the new single is a slight diversion in sound whilst still retaining the classic Dakota Jones touch.
Dakota Jones are a rising funk, soul and blues rock band from Brooklyn, New York City. Comprising of Tristan Carter-Jones(vocals), Scott Kramp (bass) Steve Ross (drums), and acclaimed musician Randy Jacobs (guitar) – former member of Was(Not Was) who has recorded for Seal, Bonnie Raitt, Tears for Fears, Elton John and many others. Though Carter-Jones and Ross first met in 1999 whilst at primary school, the band formed years later following a series of home jam sessions in 2016. The bandâs collective alias originates from Carter-Jonesâs middle name, âDakotaâ. Dakota Jones have since released a string of acclaimed singles and EPs as well as received international attention for their track, âHave Mercyâ after it featured on Netflixâs 2019 film, Always Be My Maybe starring Ali Wong and Randall Park â and now after years of hard work and determination, the band are finally set to reveal their long-awaited debut album.
âWeâd been regularly releasing EPs, waiting for our chance to come, and wondering what that would look like,âsays Carter-Jones.âWe didnât realise until we started making this record that we needed to stop waiting for some break to come along, and just do it ourselves, independently.â âBlack Light really dives into a place of funk soul and everything that comes with it. Thereâs joy and dancing, sleek guitar licks and funky bass slaps. Thereâs pain and longing, and thereâs the feeling of relief when you come out of that place and find your joy and purpose again. Black Light is my story.â
