Edzi’u longs for a romantic Sugar fix in their supple, sensual and seriously addictive new single — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
The Whitehorse-born, Vancouver-based, non-binary, 2Spirit Indigqueer femme artist’s latest single is a near-flawless track crafted from a variety of pop styles and synth-soaked influences. The result is a concise, uber-cool creation that should only heighten Edzi’u’s status in both indigenous and electro-pop circles.
Edzi’u shaped Sugar to be a timeless nugget, bringing to mind icons from Stevie Nicks to Kate Bush, acclaimed performers such as Lucius and Sharon Van Etten and Chicago-based dance duo Drama. It’s a work you can’t help but return to after hearing it.
“Sugar, true to its name, evokes nostalgia with its melody and is reminiscent of past lovers,” Edzi’u says of the followup single to This Love. Their voice is clear, ethereal, and still quite adept at riding a beautiful, sophisticated groove that begins Sugar. After a brief aside where Edzi’u’s enticing vocals are showcased, the single returns to the surefire, confident groove that both shines and soars.
In addition to writing and producing Sugar, both Edzi’u and Lin Gardiner added keyboards and programming to the song. Sugar offers concise but vivid imagery, while Clef Seeley also provides rich synth textures to help words and sound meld. Lyrically, Edzi’u recalls all the ways a lover can make someone feel be it emotionally, spiritually or physically:
“It’s the way you pull me down babe
It’s the way you bite my lips babe
The way you rock me back and forth babe
The way, the way you move
And I’ll be all you need.”
Sugar, which Edzi’u just performed at the Jam In Jubilee in Abbotsford, B.C., is almost criminally infectious. It’s a credit to Edzi’u, who uses this single to epitomize their less-is-more philosophy. In short, Sugar is an ear-candy jewel one could loop for hours. It’s also screaming to be a hypnotic, alluring remix in the not-too-distant future.
Edzi’u, a Tahltan and Tlingit artist, made their international debut at the Document Film Festival in Glasgow in 2019. The artist, who studied music theory and composition in Vancouver, currently doubles as a journalist for Indigenous Pathways.
Check out Sugar above, hear more from Edzi’u below, and show your sweet side on her website, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
