(October 7, 2023) As one half of the incomparable The Foreign Exchange, Nicolay has provided many memorable electronic flourishes for SoulTracks supporters. When slicing and dicing the Dutch producer’s beats and soundscapes, the results drop a rainbow of grooves, sonic glory, and abundant soulful bliss.
Then there is Davis Bain, who is primed and ready to make his bow for ST, whose Minneapolis roots have driven his artistic journey. But it was the discovery of his estranged father’s recordings that prompted an ‘atta boy’ for Bain to devote his skills towards indie R&B/soul audiences. His collaborator, fellow producer Afrokeys, joined forces for the first two full lengths: the 2014 debut Love in Blue, followed 5 years later with Around the Sun.
(October 7, 2023) As one half of the incomparable The Foreign Exchange, Nicolay has provided many memorable electronic flourishes for SoulTracks supporters. When slicing and dicing the Dutch producer’s beats and soundscapes, the results drop a rainbow of grooves, sonic glory, and abundant soulful bliss.
Then there is Davis Bain, who is primed and ready to make his bow for ST, whose Minneapolis roots have driven his artistic journey. But it was the discovery of his estranged father’s recordings that prompted an ‘atta boy’ for Bain to devote his skills towards indie R&B/soul audiences. His collaborator, fellow producer Afrokeys, joined forces for the first two full lengths: the 2014 debut Love in Blue, followed 5 years later with Around the Sun.
After I checked out his discography including the percussive, chilled-out remix of “Love Save” piloted by Nicolay, I discovered Bain’s warmth appeal as a singer, songwriter andmusician who delivers a softer alternative to the increasing high-octane R&B - without the bravado and the brash.
Now, the cool news is that fans of Bain and Nicolay will appreciate Bain’s 3rd upcoming project on The Foreign Exchange imprint, as the two talents connect their musical savvy. And we introduce Bain to First Listen with the title track from Lifetime, a precious pop/R&B bouquet. Naturally, Nicolay always finds a way to build upon a soundtrack, and anchored by Nicolay’s subdued beats, Bain’s hypnotic guitars and his tender, soulful lead voice, “Lifetime” returns with the chill and a storyline illustrating how high joy can elevate the senses:
“Under the blue skies I dream,
There is a beauty that I feel head to toe,
Your love’s the highest high for me,
And on our way.”
Extra thanks to Bain for choosing a like-minded producer/musician in their vision of an uncluttered “Lifetime.”
By Peggy Oliver
Bain - "Lifetime"