Kokoroko Unveils New Single “Closer To Me” Ahead of Upcoming Album
London-based contemporary jazz collective Kokoroko has released their latest single, “Closer To Me,” a preview of their highly anticipated second studio album, Tuff Times Never Last, set to drop on July 11, 2025. The track, produced by Miles James—known for his work with artists like Little Simz and Tom Misch—offers an upbeat vibe that signals the approaching summer.
The Essence of “Closer To Me”
Lyrically woven around themes of intimacy and longing, “Closer To Me” follows the romantic vein established in their earlier single, “Sweetie.” This new track expresses these emotions with a greater depth of earnestness, highlighted by the hypnotic refrain: “When you call me baby / Baby make me lose control / Do I like it maybe / Sweet my mind and sweet my soul.”
Sheila Maurice-Grey, co-bandleader of Kokoroko, reflected on their decision to explore love more directly in their music, stating, “You can feel like especially as musicians, you don’t want to write about love because everyone’s writing about love. But then sometimes that’s actually, that’s all I want to write about. So why not lean into it?” This perspective underscores the group’s willingness to embrace common themes while delivering a unique creative vision.
A Blend of Influences
Musically, “Closer To Me” is described as a Hip-Hop record at its core, characterized by its drum patterns and sampling, despite lacking traditional rapping. Co-bandleader Onome Edgeworth emphasized the track’s Hip-Hop essence, saying, “It’s like the old Common records.” The single represents an evolution in the band’s songwriting, striking a balance between accessibility and musicality while incorporating elements reminiscent of the Soulquarians era, avant-garde funk, and neo-soul.
Album Insights
- Tuff Times Never Last will include 11 tracks that explore various themes such as togetherness, community, sensuality, loss, and perseverance. The album aims to serve as a vibrant reminder of the dualities of life and the necessity to embrace them.
The accompanying artwork, illustrated by Luci Pina, adds another layer of depth to the project, depicting Kokoroko’s homage to London in the summertime. Previous work firmly rooted in afrobeat jazz continues to influence the band’s sound, while this album draws from diverse genres like British R&B from the 80s, neo-soul, West African disco, bossa nova, and funk.
Live Performances
Fans can catch Kokoroko live as they embark on a tour across the United States, with performances scheduled in cities such as Philadelphia, Brooklyn, and Los Angeles. These dates build excitement for both the single and the upcoming album:
- 7/30 – Philadelphia, PA
- 8/01 – Brooklyn, NY
- 8/02 – Newport, RI (Newport Jazz Festival)
- 8/03 – Washington, DC
- 8/05 – Chicago, IL
- 8/08 – Englewood, CO
- 8/10 – Telluride, CO (Telluride Jazz Festival)
- 8/12 – La Jolla, CA
- 8/13 – Los Angeles, CA
- 8/14 – San Francisco, CA
An Evolving Narrative
“Closer To Me” not only signifies a new chapter for Kokoroko but also mirrors the broader thematic shifts within contemporary music that highlight authentic emotional expressions. The collective’s bold venture into love-centric narratives sets them apart in a competitive landscape, encapsulating the essence of connection in their art.
Listeners can experience the vibrant melodies and evocative lyrics of “Closer To Me” and anticipate the full album, Tuff Times Never Last, by following this link.
The release of this single, combined with the upcoming album and live performances, positions Kokoroko as pivotal players in the contemporary jazz scene, poised to capture the hearts of new fans while resonating with long-time followers.
