First Listen: Klymaxx knows “How to Survive”

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    (April 1, 2020) It’s difficult to imagine ‘80s R&B without the defining impact of trailblazing female band Klymaxx. The self-contained outfit—in addition to contributing unforgettable crossover hits ranging from the funky “The Men All Pause” and “Meeting in the Ladies’ Room” to the endearingly romantic “I Miss You” and “I’d Still Say Yes”—crushed imposed cultural restrictions on women’s images and roles in the production and presentation of commercial music.

    Following decades of varying formations and reunions, group founder Bernadette Cooper has joined forces once again with original lead vocalist Lorena “Lungs” Stewart for a triad of EP’s conceptually titled Generational. The first installment is subtitled “How to Survive a Midlife Crisis,” and the title cut is a surprisingly understated number which flows smoothly with a timely message of empowerment in keeping with Klymaxx’s trademark theme of self-love.

    (April 1, 2020) It’s difficult to imagine ‘80s R&B without the defining impact of trailblazing female band Klymaxx. The self-contained outfit—in addition to contributing unforgettable crossover hits ranging from the funky “The Men All Pause” and “Meeting in the Ladies’ Room” to the endearingly romantic “I Miss You” and “I’d Still Say Yes”—crushed imposed cultural restrictions on women’s images and roles in the production and presentation of commercial music.

    Following decades of varying formations and reunions, group founder Bernadette Cooper has joined forces once again with original lead vocalist Lorena “Lungs” Stewart for a triad of EP’s conceptually titled Generational. The first installment is subtitled “How to Survive a Midlife Crisis,” and the title cut is a surprisingly understated number which flows smoothly with a timely message of empowerment in keeping with Klymaxx’s trademark theme of self-love.

    “…Stop searching for love supreme, true love will find you,” Stewart croons in tandem with Cooper. “Know your power, know your worth/You gave birth to the world.” Aside from the positive lyrics’ significance for women at large, it’s fitting that the duo is tapping into a rarely directly addressed demographic and topic by zooming in on the challanges faced by those caught in the uncertainties of the middle segment of life.

    Cooper describes “How to Survive a Midlife Crisis” as “a tribute to generations of women who have nurtured families, worked multiple jobs, put their children through school—and did it all independently. Most don’t have the luxury to acknowledge an undiagnosed midlife crisis. I am hoping this project is the anthem to spark inspiration for both women and men to embrace the trials and tribulations of their evolving lives. It’s about letting go of relationships that don’t make you happy, luxuriating in the ones that do, releasing all negativity from your life, and gravitating toward the path of a love designed for you.”

    Take a First Listen to the forward-thinking “How to Survive a Midlife Crisis” below, and let us know how the music and message resonate for you!

    Klymaxx feat. Bernadette Cooper
    and Lorena "Lungs" Stewart

    "How To Survive a Midlife Crisis"

    Listen to the album here