MAYOR - Running From Sunshine (Single)
Having gained national radio support from Huey Morgan on BBC 6 Music & Tony Minvieille on Jazz FM with their singles ‘Red Flower’ and‘Guilty Pleasure’, MAYOR prepare to unveil a magnificent blend of electronic music and contemporary soul via their debut EP ‘Running From Sunshine’.
Set for release on 14th November 2024 via PLYGRND (home to Pale Jay, Relyae, Kiefer, Erick The Architect, Mick Jenkins and many more). The duo is composed of Dutch producer / drummer Dayle Hamers and L.A based vocalist / guitarist Ray Goren (who grew up around the South Central blues scene, and shared a stage with BB King at only 13 years old). He also scored his first top 20 billboard single last year with Bebe Rexha. T ogether they create a powerful alchemy, possessing potent talent for crafting golden-tinged modern soul jams.
Drawing upon their eclectic musical influences (Prince, Daft Punk, Flying Lotus, Tame Impala, Bee Gees, Michael Jackson and many more), this EP is endowed with an undeniably intoxicating groove, filled with contemporary R&B notes, a tinge of synth-based psychedelia, allowing Ray's silky falsetto tones to work their magic. EP opener & title track,
‘Running From Sunshine’ is a heartwarming slice of sonic bliss—a vibrant burst of colour that rejuvenates everything it touches, with sun-kissed synth lines, infectious grooves, and irresistible vocals. On the track’s genesis, Ray & Dayle explain: ‘‘Running from sunshine ' is a song about living in the moment and letting go. It’s about not letting Past traumas negatively impact your future. When you live in darkness, when something genuinely good comes along, it can scare the hell out of you. Don’t let fear be your guiding factor, and self sabotage a beautiful thing. We hope running from sunshine can embody the hope in your soul, and help bring it out.’’
Next up, 'Red Flower’ feels like the cherry on top of a beautiful summer day, with its vibrant interweaving guitar chords, enhanced by a subtle tremolo. On the track, the duo explain: “Red Flower (Beautiful Things)' revolves around the theme of gratitude: It's so important to hand people their flowers while they can smell them. To let them know they are loved and appreciated just as they are while they are here physically with us”.
Transmitting sensual frequencies across the globe, ‘Guilty Pleasures’ features a golden oldies inspired guitar-riff, gliding alongside crisp, punchy drums and an understated bassline, providing a beautiful backdrop for the gentle lyrics to settle atop like early morning dew. The lyrics paint a picture of the things in life that are often forbidden, but always taste the sweetest. With layered guitar driven by a drony gripping bass, ‘Miss my baby’ seamlessly blends electronic elements with hazy, ethereal R&B touches, laying down the final foundations of the transatlantic pair's sound exploration.