British/Algerian Soul and R&B artist Yazmine MB returns with her debut EP ‘HEALER’ today, we are sharing the whole EP below. From grappling with old habits, her lyrics deal with relatable down to earth issues from dating disappointments or simply navigating the complexities of adulthood, this collection of songs present a raw and unfiltered narrative of growth, infusing every track with a soulful resonance.
Accompanying the EP is the focus track and music video for ‘DONE MY TIME,‘ a jazz-flecked track backed by a full orchestra and horns that shows off her radiantly soulful vocal delivery riven with a playful honesty reminiscent of Amy Winehouse‘s Frank. which is timely given the chatter around the new Amy biopic.
Crafted between the ages of 15 and 18, during turbulent times, ‘HEALER’ acts as Yazmine’s personal band-aid, a source she revisits whenever she needs a lift, aiming for it to provide similar healing for her listeners. Evolving from their skeletal origins of lyrics and basic chords, Yazmine MB breathes new life into the songs she wrote as a teenager – translating them into fully realised compositions enriched with a vibrant blend of jazz, soul, and R&B elements.
“This EP is like my band-aid,” said Yazmine MB. “I listen to it every time I need a pick-me-up. The track list is ordered to show the healing process – that it’s not linear. You get a bit better, you pick yourself up, and then maybe for a while, you dip again, and that’s ok. You’re human.”
Attention must be drawn towards the EP’s focus track, ‘DONE MY TIME’. Written at 16 after binge watching ‘Orange Is The New Black’, the track reminisces on relationships that Yazmine hasn’t even had yet. Utilising the prison metaphor, it portrays the feeling of being confined in relationships that lack fulfilment. Recorded at Lightship 95 Studios and arranged and co-produced by mix engineer Mike Collins, the addition of a full orchestra, saxophone, trumpet, violin, and a lively jazz ensemble infuse ‘DONE MY TIME’ with a playful honesty reminiscent of Amy Winehouse’s ‘Frank’, setting the tone for ‘HEALER’.
“Everyones heard ‘I’m done with dating’ but ‘done my time’? Not so much. I wanted jazz and drama so before I’d written the chorus I envisioned a big brass section and dancers with top hats and tap shoes. I wrote the lyrics and vocal melody first and then sat at my laptop with the most basic Logic Pro instruments and composed the whole instrumental. Recorded at Lightship 95 studios (in a literal boat)I collabed with some old friends from BRIT and some students at Guildhall but was missing a violin player until a day before the session. I was walking around my local high street racking my brains for how I’d find a violinist overnight before I came across the most majestic busker playing in the street. I listened for a bit and then ran over to his spot, giving him my card and getting him down to the studio that following week.”
Yazmine MB’s musical journey began in London’s vibrant scene, shaped by her jazz singer mother. Surrounded by artists and venues, she explored music from an early age, mastering guitar, flute, choir, and piano. Influenced by icons like Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badus and Amy Winehouse, she developed her unique style. Now, a BRIT School graduate, Yazmine MB has captivated audiences at Lafayette, The 100 Club, and Whitecross Festival. With a growing fan base of 25k, she anticipates an exciting 2024, with the debut of ‘HEALER’ and gracing stages at UK festivals this summer.
In honour of the debut of ‘HEALER,’ Yazmine MB is set to headline an EP launch event at Camden’s Open Air Gallery on 18th April. Alongside premiering the EP’s tracks, she will share the stage with fellow musicians, DJs, and up-and-coming artists, promising an enchanting evening blending afrobeats, jazz, amapiano, soul, and R&B amidst the stunning backdrop of the gallery’s freshly refurbished artwork. (TICKETS)
Music video for DONE MY TIME also!
