Joy Orbison collabs with UK rapper Joe James on new single, ‘Bastard’
The track lands alongside a video directed by Josh Renaut
Joy Orbison has linked up with Southend rapper Joe James on a new single titled ‘Bastard’.
Out now via XL Recordings, it pairs a misty beat with James’ understated suburban storytelling.
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Speaking about the track, Joy Orbison said on Instagram: "we made bastard in a few hours, on a rainy day in west london. this was the first time id met Joe but i realised quite quickly that we were both exploring similar musical ideas.
“joe had a really distinct sound in his head which was refreshing. he’d caught me a bit off guard in honesty but eventually i played him something that i doubt i would even have considered before the session. he was instantly like ‘ye, let me try recording something’. the vocal you hear on the track was the only take we recorded. he held the mic while in his hand while perched on the sofa behind me. pretty sure he was sandwiched in by a few people too so i’m surprised we got this in one take. no ad-libs, no doubles, we didn’t even try re-recording it, we knew we had it. there’s a nonchalance to Joe’s delivery that underplays the vivid images he paints in your head.
“i can’t listen to this track without visualising what he’s saying. you work on ideas so much that you can’t help but spoil it for yourself, but bastard took on a life of its own from the second it left the studio. i listened to it on repeat in the cab on the way home as if i was hearing it for the first time. i hope you like it too”.
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The track arrives alongside a visual directed by Josh Renaut, featuring both artists, as well some close-ups of a framed portrait of Cilla Black. Watch it below, and buy/stream ‘Bastard’ here.
Patrick Hinton is Mixmag's Editor & Digital Director, follow him on Twitter