After almost retiring from music, Sidewalk Hustle-favourite Shamir has returned with a new album titled Hope.
The surprise new project (and follow-up to 2015’s Ratchet) spans ten tracks and features the Las Vegas singer/songwriter breaking from his pop style and exhibiting a grungier, lo-fi sound.
Shamir included this note with the album:
I was gonna quit music this weekend. From day 1 it was clear I was an accidental pop star. I loved the idea of it, I mean who doesn’t? Still the wear of staying polished with how I’m presented and how my music was presented took a huge toll on me mentally. I started to hate music, the thing I loved the most! When I would listen to immaculate recordings with my friends their praise over the quality of the art as opposed to the art itself made me feel really sad for music as a medium in general. My music only feels exciting for me if it’s in the moment, and thats what this album is. I made this album this past weekend stuck in my room with just a 4 track feeling hopeless about my love for music. I’m not gonna lie, this album is hard to listen to, but it was even harder for me to share. I love pop music, I love outsider music, and i love lofi music, this is my way of combining all 3. Anyway I played, wrote, produced, and mixed everything and big thanks to Kieran Ferris for mastering an album with an hours notice! its free! Enjoy! Love Yall! Still more 2 come!!!!!!!
Listen to Hope below.