Arlo Parks has released the deluxe version of her critically acclaimed second album My Soft Machine, rounding off a momentous year for the artist who also released her debut book THE MAGIC BORDER. Having recently shared her evocative version of Jai Paul’s "Jasmine", produced by Dave Okumu, listeners can now enjoy the additional five, previously unheard recordings - featuring a new version of "I’m Sorry", with Congolese-Belgian singer/rapper Lous and The Yakuza, "Blades" with bars from US hip-hop upstart redveil, a cover of Tirzah’s hit "Holding On" and acoustic versions of album favourites "Devotion" and "Pegasus".
"Jasmine", which received Jai Paul’s stamp of approval, is accompanied by a Joel Barney-directed and Ali Raymond (Beatnik Creative)-produced visualiser, which was shot in New York.
Afros in tha City: What does the track Jasmine mean to you, Arlo?
AM: "'Jasmine' has always moved me deeply - to me it's this shadowy, timeless and incredibly profound love song. I really wanted to draw out the yearning of the lyrics and pay homage to an artist who has had a seismic impact on me and on culture. Receiving Jai Paul's blessing to create this cover with Dave Okumu was one of the highlights of my creative journey so far".
My Soft Machine, released earlier this year serves as a testament to Parks' artistic evolution, highlighting her unique storytelling prowess and introspective lyricism. The album, recorded across London and Los Angeles, boasts an impressive array of producers, including Paul Epworth, Ariel Rechtshaid, Romil Hemnani (of Brockhampton), Buddy Ross (known for collaborations with Frank Ocean), Carter Lang (known for work with SZA), and self-production by Arlo herself. Leading up to its release, Arlo graced the covers of The Guardian Film & Music, GQ Hype, DORK, DIY, MusicWeek, Gay Times and Paste Magazine and has been named among Rolling Stone, Rough Trade and Associated Press’ Albums of the Year.
This follows her highly acclaimed debut album, Collapsed in Sunbeams, which garnered two Grammy nominations, a BRIT Award, the Honda Mercury Prize, and the BBC Introducing Artist Of The Year Award, as well as chart success and recognition for her advocacy work with UNICEF and CALM, the UK mental health charity.
Arlo's debut book, THE MAGIC BORDER: Poetry And Fragments From My Soft Machine published by HarperCollins Publishing, consists of the lyrics from her recent sophomore album, My Soft Machine, as well as new exclusive images by Daniyel Lowden and 20 new poems. Parks' writing has garnered high praise from fellow musician Florence Welch, who described her writing as, "poetry you can taste,'' with Katie Gavin of MUNA adding, "Arlo Parks pulls beauty around her as a war tactic, and she shares the spoils with us. I am grateful and invigorated."