Kamoken latest offering feat Malou Beauvoir “Higher Love” cover, has unforgettable musicality and message that you will listen to on repeat.
This new version of this legendary song, which has been created to spread an important message before the US 2020 election is addictive and unapologetically honest. Going from electro, to soul music, passing by some touches of Caribean vibes, the track is a success from start to finish.
Listen to the track right now and discover our conversation with the artists below:
How did you guys connect and how did the collaboration go? Kamoken (aka Chico Boyer and Cheff Loncher) and I connected in 2017 during the recording of my Haitian fusion album “SPIRITWALKER” . I was working with, Haitian Folkloric singer, James Germain, in another studio, when he suggested we meet with Chico BOYER, iconic Haitian Roots Producer and social activist. I cut a few songs with him and co-producer Cheff Loncher and as the sessions continued, we realized that together we had a new and different sound. We finished production of SPIRITWALKER and went on to co-write and produce the single “CELEBRE” for Cancer non profit organization “IHI” and “TOUJOU LA” for Ayiiti Coles.We continued working together through the pandemic in 2020 and we are driven by the goal of “creating music to make a difference” . It is essential to each of us and creates a real bond. Your cover of « Higher Love » quite resonates with the current situation, the US election, the racial violence. Tell us why you chose to work on this cover ? Actually, I decided to record “Higher Love” in an effort to sensitize the Caribbean –American voters to the importance of voting in this upcoming election.I had lived through confinement in NY in March – June 2020, when the COVID pandemic began. I listened to the politicians’ responses to the pandemic and witnessed the impact on all communities. I watched as Trump’s messages strove to divide Americans and fuel the flames for racism in the U.S. and internationally, blindly blaming the Chinese, and other countries for his mismanagement of the crisis. I realized then that GREED, bullying and money had become the main political platform in America…and that the only way to hope to change this broken system was to get every last person out there voting. One evening, when back in Paris, I turned on the radio and heard « HIGHER LOVE » …I realized that I wanted more than anything to “do my part” and to help remind people that we need to look higher…and deeper within ourselves. I believe in America and in the goodness and resilience of the American people. As I listened to the song, I realized that I couldn’t find a better way to put those thoughts across than with Winwood and Jennings iconic song…if I could only find a way to do it justice. So I flew back to NY to record it with (KAMOKEN) Chico Boyer and Cheff Loncher, and we all agreed, “We have to get every Haitian American out in the polls and voting!” Together we created a new version of HIGHER LOVE, reflecting what we each thought would touch voters the most. I wanted to highlight the lyrics and soul of the song, Cheff wanted to keep it fresh and light. Chico wanted the Haitian rhythms. With the participation of ALAN CAVE who chimed in with the ending Haitian chorus, and LAISSA BOYER on background vocals and YAYOI IKAWA on keyboards, we made our version!I then reached out to Democratic organizations “When We all Vote” “Democrats for Biden” , “Haitians for Biden” , etc and put it out there with a message of hope. ° What do you think about the US 2020 election are you happy about the result and the show behind it ? I am OVERJOYED with the results of the elections! I made it a point to go to Florida in order to vote in person and ensure that my vote counted. The madness we experienced over the past 4 years with Donald Trump and his team of crazies is finally over and I feel that we can finally get on the path to heal America. We need to heal from the racial division, the lies, the terrible toll which this virus has taken on all of America, but especially the Black and Hispanic communities which are in the front line. community.With Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, I feel hope for the first time in 4 years! Do you see yourself as activists ? Yes …definitely! We feel that the most important role of an artist is to make people look at sensitive issues from a different perspective. Our role is to take risks and use our voices, as singers, and our words, as songwriters to speak out for those who’s voices are not heard, as they should be. This was my goal with “SPIRITWALKER” in relation to our Haitian Vaudou culture…just as it was our goal with “HIGHER LOVE” . The Haitian-American community was hit very hard with the Covid pandemic in the U.S. as so many were healthcare workers or public servants. I wanted them to know in their own language (Creole), that their voices count…..especially when they vote. What is the last song that you listened to? SHALLOW by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper… I just finished watching “A Star is Born” and loved it! Follow Kamoken on: Malou Beauvoir’s Gallery |
