Today's Song of the Day, as chosen by Gabriel Teodros, host of Early on KEXP, is "clair des antilles" by Day Soul Exquisite, a 2023 single on La fem records.
While the pandemic was obviously a long and fraught-filled time, the bands formed and sowing their seeds during the first two most difficult years are now blossoming. Seattle-based sextet Day Soul Exquisite are one of those bands. Fronted by singer Francesca Eluhu, the group makes Latin American and French Caribbean-fused neo-soul that fits into a variety of arenas, all of which make you want to shimmy. While they've only released a string of singles since their 2021 formation, they've been mesmerizing audiences on stages and at festivals like Capitol Hill Block Party, Folklife, Barboza, The Sunset Tavern, So Dreamy Festival, and more.
Our Song of the Day is the early 2023 single, “clair des antilles,” which starts with a French spoken-word introduction and bursts into a dynamic jazzy production that’s a wistful ode to the French Caribbean. Eluhu describes the meaning behind the song as this:
“My family is from Guadeloupe and I wrote these lyrics while reflecting on how leaning into nature can cleanse the mind of colonial rhetoric disguised as intrusive thoughts. The second verse acknowledges imperialism and calls for a redistribution of wealth: “Hear what they call me? Savage like a pirate…let me follow my instincts and I’ll take back a piece of what the white man stole baby.” Bob Marley’s lyrics, “Emancipate yourself from mental slavery. None but ourselves can free our minds,” is one direct influence that summarizes the message of self love in the song.”
Catch Day Soul Exquisite at Timber Fest on Friday, July 28 and get a sneak peek at their live stage show with a VHS-style recording of their performance at 2022’s So Dreamy Festival below.
