Photo Credit: Joshua Shultz
(December 2, 2020) Multi-faceted singer Dylan Chambers is new to us at SoulTracks, but the Arlington, Texas native and L.A. transplant is hitting us just right with our first exposure. Working with producer Stefan Litrownik (Boyz II Men), Chambers is issuing a series of singles capturing classic soul vibes with new energy.
Chambers arrived in Los Angeles nearly a decade ago, and has been paying his dues, playing some of the most popular clubs in the area and gaining a West Coast audience. And that audience should expand with his newest single, an energetic cover of the Jackie Wilson classic, “Higher and Higher.”
Chambers’ version is fairly faithful to the iconic original, but modern instrumentation and recording techniques give it a new sheen that pops from the speakers. And his expressive vocals on top work just great.
(December 2, 2020) Multi-faceted singer Dylan Chambers is new to us at SoulTracks, but the Arlington, Texas native and L.A. transplant is hitting us just right with our first exposure. Working with producer Stefan Litrownik (Boyz II Men), Chambers is issuing a series of singles capturing classic soul vibes with new energy.
Chambers arrived in Los Angeles nearly a decade ago, and has been paying his dues, playing some of the most popular clubs in the area and gaining a West Coast audience. And that audience should expand with his newest single, an energetic cover of the Jackie Wilson classic, “Higher and Higher.”
Chambers’ version is fairly faithful to the iconic original, but modern instrumentation and recording techniques give it a new sheen that pops from the speakers. And his expressive vocals on top work just great.
Dylan tells us, “I always say that if I had a time machine, I would go back to the late 60s/early 70s because I so desperately wish I was alive to experience that magical era of music in real time. Recording my own version of this iconic song by Jackie Wilson was my vehicle back. My good friend and producer, Stefan Litrownik, had the idea for me to try my hand at it a while ago, and I’m glad we finally did it.
I have a deep love and appreciation for classic soul songs and the artists who sang them. They’re like superheroes to me, and the way they were able to express the messages in these songs so well were their superpowers. I gained a greater appreciation for Jackie Wilson through recording this song. It’s technically pretty challenging, so that layered with his performance explains why this song is a masterpiece that’s been loved through the ages. Two fun facts I learned about his version during the process: 1) It was done in one take and 2) the drums are being played by Maurice White from Earth, Wind and Fire. Mind blowing!"
Check out “Higher and Higher,” our newest SoulTracks First Listen, and tell us what you think.
Dylan Chambers – “Higher and Higher”