Circuit Sweet Introducing, News, Reviews

Introducing: Dexter – New Single & Video “Blue Skies” Out Now via Common Knowledge

June 8, 2021
Photo Credit: Amity Bloc

INTRODUCING DEXTER 

WITH LATEST SINGLE & VIDEO ‘BLUE SKIES

OUT NOW VIA NEWLY LAUNCHED 

COMMON KNOWLEDGE

South West London’s dexter releases her latest single and video ‘Blue Skies’, out now on newly launched creative incubator Common Knowledge via AWAL. dexter is the moniker of 18-year-old Charmaine, who caught ears with a series of self-uploads in 2020 which were created entirely on her phone. They caught the attention of the likes of Annie Mac and Sian Eleri on BBC Radio1, and were independently picked up by playlists including Spotify’s Our Generation and Fresh Finds

This compelling artist brings this unique authenticity to their creations. Managing to exude charm and create these vibrant and immersive compositions that emit such soul and a feel-good vibe. The raw and reflective lyrics bring this clear vision to the piece and assist with the alluring atmosphere. dexter manages their vocal melodies to soar above the bed of intricate instrumentation. The guitar tone and bright rhythm looped throughout allow this elevated notion to be captured within the ensemble and this tone sparks the summery feel-good vibe which is then fortified with the lyrics and contemporary ambiance. The passages of this arrangement and the energy of dexter showcase this visionary artist in a personal, intimate light.

‘Blue Skies’ is a candid reflection on longing for warmer days, and arrives with a video directed by Amity Bloc, which was shot on dexter’s home turf. Of the track’s creation, she reflects “Blue Skies was written in one day with my producer Dom Valentino. It was the last day of February, and it was a really cold and grey day. Dom started playing a guitar loop over and over, and it sounded really Summery – so I started thinking about how maybe when it was April and May and the sun and flowers were out, I’d feel happier too, so that’s where the lyrics came from. Those are my friends with me in the video – when we shot it we were worried it would be grey, but it was so Sunny.”

‘Blue Skies’ represents a natural progression for dexter following her previous tracks including ‘Maybe the Problem Is Me’ and ‘Same Way‘, which together have amassed over one million combined streams. Amongst all of the growing attention and acclaim, Charmaine had kept her project entirely a secret, working under the name ‘dexter’ anonymously. A recent reveal to her family has meant the project is less shrouded in secrecy, however the alias has stuck and dexter has firmly arrived. With the recent acquisition of a second hand MacBook and her first vocal mic, she is in the final throes of her A Levels whilst working on her debut body of work. 

A delicate blend of Bedroom Pop and RnB, ‘Blue Skies’ highlights dexter’s relatable and confessional songwriting style. The track maintains the self-recorded intimacy of her early singer-songwriter output whilst expanding the sonic palette to include hip hop influenced drum beats and light, jazz electric guitar riffs that soar above the track. Her vocals deliver gentle and heartfelt melodies that are immediately catchy but also display flourishes which nod towards Neo-soul influences. Capturing a raw sense of youthful melancholy and a bittersweet self-awareness, dexter’s latest offering will no doubt resonate with her audience and beyond. The new release also sees dexter team up with Common Knowledge, who are dedicated to funding and supporting independent artists in their most formative releases.

Listen to ‘Blue Skies’ on all platforms here:

https://dexter.ffm.to/blueskies

https://www.instagram.com/dexterinthenewsagent/

https://twitter.com/dexternewsagent?s=21

You Might Also Like

No Comments

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.