“Malik” and “Amir” are composite character sketches of past lovers, while the closing track “Fellowship” celebrates friendship. I think it's such a great city because I get to work and I can do sessions and all of this, but then also the people that I work with are so much fun to be around.” Even with 808s from “ Mo Bamba” and “ Panini” production duo Take A Daytrip, the music hangs in the air like a generous dollop of whipped cream atop a dessert.ĭEACON’s joy is a perfect fit for the beginning of spring, as people tentatively return to gathering together safely. so much is that people in the industry are so kind. On the phone, Wise raves about his current home: “Part of the reason why I love L.A. The singer enlisted new collaborators like British singers Sampha and NAO (each of whom he had previously opened for in 2016) to attain the album’s bright sound, recorded between Los Angeles and London over the past three years. Released March 26, it celebrates Black gay love with a giddiness to rival pop hits from ‘60s Motown or ‘90s R&B, a pivot from the darker tones of previous serpentwithfeet releases. Midway through “Same Size Shoe” from his new album DEACON, the Baltimore-born singer also known as Josiah Wise introduces a “trumpet” fanfare that’s his own voice layered several times over, heralding a love steeped in understanding and empathy. Serpentwithfeet is happy, and you can hear it even when his voice goes beyond language.