Niecy Blues – Exit Simulation

South Carolina singer and producer Niecy Blues’ debut album Exit Simulation arrived last November via Kranky and has been steadily finding new audiences through the winter (the album was featured on a marg.mp3 TikTok, included in Carmen Villain, Helado Negro, and Patten’s Boomkat best-of-lists, and just reviewed on Pitchfork in January). Niecy grew up in a religious household, where she absorbed harmonic spirituals within hallowed sanctuaries. She describes those early encounters in release notes as her “first experience with ambient music … slow songs of worship, with delay on the guitar… even if you don’t believe, you feel something.” Like fellow Kranky artist Grouper, Niecy Blues is a solo endeavor that revels in drifting washes of sound. But Niecy’s musical language, shaped as it is by the church, R&B balladry and hints of jazz, mixes these washes until they exude a soulful, shimmering aura. Don’t miss Niecy Blues performing live at In Sheep’s Clothing HQ on February 23rd. Tickets here.

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