Jess Chalker - 'Secrets'
London-based Australian singer-songwriter/producer Jess Chalker shares playful 80s inspired electro pop on ‘Secrets’.
’Secrets’ is the follow up single to Jess Chalker’s 2019 release ‘Dance in the Dark’ and while both songs channel high energy, danceable influences, ‘Secrets’ shows off a more mischievous and laid-back side to Chalker’s sound. Co-produced by Chalker and frequent collaborator, Ox Why, with the pair playing all instruments , ‘Secrets’ shows off a Haim-esque vocal and a tight, bouncy Fleetwood Mac groove in its instrumentation, leaving the song feeling timeless while still feeling fresh.
Chalker isn’t here to imitate anyone though and isn’t afraid of experimentation. While ‘Secret’ cruises with a fairly regular rhythmic ease, Chalker and Why make room for more stripped dynamics, showcasing short bursts of peculiar arrangements and samples that give the track a pleasant unpredictability and a sense of individuality.
On the ideas behind the track Chalker explains, ”‘I wrote Secrets as a bit of fun, thinking it would be cool to write something kooky and danceable, kind of like an indie-er, 2020 version of Hey Mickey,’ said Chalker.
‘I also love that lyrically and musically Secrets feels really light and playful; it’s a nice flip against a concept that might have otherwise taken itself a bit too seriously.’”
‘Secrets’ is the first of a number of original songs to be released from Chalker between now and the end of the year, excitingly preceding the release of an LP due in late 2020.
Words of Karla Harris
‘Secrets’ was mixed by LA-based Billy Centenaro (Lukas Nelson) and mastered by London’s John Davis (Lana del Rey, Led Zeppelin).