This Friday, Aaron Frazer (of Durand Jones & The Indications) will release his debut album, Introducing…, on Dead Oceans/Easy Eye Sound. Today, he presents a new single, “Can’t Leave It Alone,” a track where producer Dan Auerbach’s sensibilities shine. “I have a soft spot for mid 2000s hip hop with marching band vibes,” says Frazer of the new song. “It just takes me back to the formative songs I heard emanating from 92.3 on my boombox. Yung Wun had ‘Tear it Up,’ Shawty Lo had ‘Dey Know,’ Jay Z ‘Roc Boys,’ Young Buck ‘Get Bucked.’ I wanted to write something in tribute to that sound, and who knows maybe a marching band out there will play it at a football game someday. ‘Can’t Leave it Alone’ is an on-again-off-again anthem for the people who can’t seem to call it quits with their exes. Sometimes when they’re wrong, it feels extra right.”
A testament to his wide-ranging influence and deep gratitude for his musical community, Introducing… is both loving and gracious, critical without losing hope, and a showcase of a young artist on a seriously soulful ascent. Working with Auerbach, Frazer works to combine ‘70s soul with Auerbach’s particular sensibilities. Across Introducing…’s 12 tracks are songs with a message in the key of Gil Scott-Heron, as well as uplifting tales of love told through a blend of disco, gospel, and doo-wop.
Introducing… was recorded in a week at Auerbach’s antique and ephemera-laden studio in Nashville following a rapid and prolific songwriting session. Auerbach called on a crew of heavy session players — including members of the Memphis Boys (who played on Dusty Springfield’s “Son of A Preacher Man” and Aretha Franklin’s “You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman”), symphony percussionist Sam Bacco, and members of the Daptone-Big Crown Records universe. With a collaborative vision, Introducing… manages to hit the sweet spot between intuition, intentionality, and craft – a love song that’s both personal and universal.