Shenead Poroosotum
The smooth and feel-good track acts as the first single towards a collaborative EP which will be released in early 2021. Having met back in 2019, the pair quickly formed not only a creative bond but also a strong friendship which grew from the two musician's love of classic jazz and contemporary beat-driven music.
Conor and Alice created 'Smile' in the spring and recorded the velvety-sounding number across the summer as lockdown restrictions eased. With a laid-back and positive vibe, the song entwines the idea of living in the present. With 'Smile', the single sets the tone for the EP with Conor embracing a more mellow, serene and reflective style of production. As he draws upon hip-hop influences, Alice's vocals grasp a more melodic and harmonious style, similar to the likes of Corinne Bailey Rae which have enabled the pair to successfully show that their creative collaboration isn't something to be ignored.
Speaking on the lyrics for 'Smile', Alice Auer said “Smile is about not living in your past or future, but instead being positive with where you are right now and what you have. It’s easy to get caught up in other times, but recently I’ve been working on living in the present and focusing on what I currently have."
Conor Albert's debut EP Collage 1 highlighted his production skills that earned him a thumbs up from musicians such as Tom Misch and electronic producer Howard Lawrence from Disclosure. Alice Auer takes most of her inspirations from jazz and soul and released her debut single in October 2019 which showcased her one-of-a-kind vocals and flair for storytelling.
Conor Albert and Alice Auer's collaborative EP is due to be released in early 2021 via Young Poet Records. In the meantime, listen to 'Smile' right here!