Photo courtesy of Sam Huber
(September 2, 2020) It’s not that Sam Huber and former Public Enemy member Keith Shocklee aren’t aware of what’s going on in the world right now. As a matter of fact, the Shocklee remix of Huber’s summer funk anthem, “No Pressure,” came about because they are keenly aware of what’s going on in the world.
The song is the first single from Laswell-Shocklee: The Sam Huber Remixes, a project of remixes of Huber’s 2020 album Gravity Insanity. Huber said that he wanted “No Pressure” to be the classic summer anthem. Pure escapism and the he makes that intention clear in the lyrics. “The world’s a mess and it will always be a mess you know/Just get ready in your mind and let it go.”
(September 2, 2020) It’s not that Sam Huber and former Public Enemy member Keith Shocklee aren’t aware of what’s going on in the world right now. As a matter of fact, the Shocklee remix of Huber’s summer funk anthem, “No Pressure,” came about because they are keenly aware of what’s going on in the world.
The song is the first single from Laswell-Shocklee: The Sam Huber Remixes, a project of remixes of Huber’s 2020 album Gravity Insanity. Huber said that he wanted “No Pressure” to be the classic summer anthem. Pure escapism and the he makes that intention clear in the lyrics. “The world’s a mess and it will always be a mess you know/Just get ready in your mind and let it go.”
“No Pressure” has a feel-good message that, you know, feels somewhat at odds with the times. But that’s exactly the point, according to Huber. "That song is pure escapist stuff. It's a prescription for the world to take some chill time, don't get so depressed. It was something I needed for myself and something I thought other people needed too, especially now."
The video captures the party vibe. Shot at historic Minton’s Playhouse, the birthplace of be-bop, it shows Huber having a funky good time. His laid-back baritone is perfect for a song that celebrates hedonism and allows viewers and listeners to do so vicariously. In other words, Huber, Shocklee, Laswell and friends violate masking and social distancing protocols, so you won’t have to. Enjoy.
By Howard Dukes
World Premiere
Sam Huber – “No Pressure” (Remix)