There was a time when the airwaves were alive with moody, melodic songs by artists like Toni Braxton and Brenda Russell. If you hunger for that type of music, you’ll be enthralled by “Waves”, a new EP called Gravity by Detroit artist/songwriter Stephanie Michelle.
Reflecting on the song’s origin, Stephanie says: “The song is very personal to me since it was inspired by true events – up to and including the ‘set me free.’ I had been seeing someone and we couldn’t quite connect. It was very much a back and forth, a feeling like I was drowning in her ocean (I can’t swim either). How did the story end? I played the song for her and, while she liked it, she took it very personally. which I believe led to her setting me free.”
The new EP also features “Forever (Mantra)”, a dream-pop gem that manages to sound both British and West African simultaneously. Another highlight is “Numb”, where the haunting piano and vocal draw you into a powerful emotion that feels truly cinematic. (Note to music supervisors in LA: this song begs to be in a movie or Netflix series.)
The entire Gravity EP is sensuous, seductive and downright addictive. Now that Brenda Russell is writing music for Broadway shows, Stephanie Michelle wears the crown in sophisticated pop songwriting.
Listen to “Waves” below, and find the Gravity EP on the streaming services.
