Sampha releases first single in six years, 'Spirit 2.0'

Sampha has just released his first single in six years, 'Spirit 2.0' — marking the singer-songwriter's first release since 2017's ‘Process Album’.

The track features a plethora of collaborators, including South London jazz composer and drummer Yussef Dayes, Spanish producer El Guincho, Canadian composer Owen Pallet — plus vocals from Yaeji and one half of twin sister duo Ibeyi, Lisa Kaindé Diaz.

Prior to the tracks release, Sampha previewed the song during shows in New York and London.

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Speaking on the new track, Sampha said: “It's about the importance of connection to both myself and others, and the beauty and harsh realities of just existing,”

He continued by saying, “It’s about acknowledging those moments when you need help—that requires real strength. I hope people can enjoy that feeling of someone being there for you, even if that person doesn’t have the answers.

"Just calling someone up without overthinking... letting go and just dancing… wanting to see past the mundanity of things and appreciating the magic of it all, from birds nests to spaceships.”

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Though this marks Sampha's first release in six years, the musician has been busy in the studio on a number of other projects, including creating a track for 2018 film Beautiful Boy and, most recently, contributing to the Warp-released soundtrack for Peckham-based rom-com Rye Lane.

Sampha has also been working with a number of producers/artists on recent projects — including Stormzy's 'This is What I Mean', Kendrick Lamar's 'Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers', SBTRKT's 'Evening Glow' and Headie One and Fred again..'s 'Soldiers'.

Stream Spirit 2.0 here

Photo by London based Director and Photographer, Jesse Crankson

Tiffany Ibe is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Instagram