An emerging neo soul, R&B singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Perth Alannah Chapman released her debut single 'Waiting' last year.
After releasing her follow-up track 'Let's Go' earlier this year, last month Alannah unveiled her next chapter, the lushly delightful, trip-hop jazzy bop 'Keep It Classy' that's about cherishing those feel-good moments when intimate relationships begin to blossom.
"If everything is perfect, things would get a little boring, so let's keep everything classy, messy and sexy," Alannah says, who worked with two-time WAM Song Of The Year winner Calvin Bennett (Farraday's Cage) to bring her musical ideas to life.
"When I was recording the EP with Calvin, I always used to say everything needed to sound classy and messy but in a sexy, fun kind of way – so this song encapsulates that.
"I don't like to take things too seriously when I write because it's really all about having fun in the process of creating, and thus this song was born."
Here, Alannah shares ten songs that inspired 'Keep It Classy'.
Moonchild - 'The List'
Moonchild is the first band who really got me into beat-making and alt-R&B. I absolutely adore their soundscapes and their ability to combine complex chords changes with pop sensibilities, which makes it a very easy listening and groovy music.
Kaytranada & Kali Uchis - '10%'
This track has an easy, laid-back groove with catchy melodies and he makes me want to bop my head along to. I really like creating melodies and lyrics that get stuck in your head.
Eloise - 'Hangover'
First of all. . . it's ELOISE! Fully in love with her music, her songwriting and her ability to write lyrics that tell a story.
Greentea Peng - 'Hu Man'
I play this song in every live set that I do because I strongly resonate with the lyrics and the flow. The bossa rhythm is a bit sassy and makes me feel a bit sexy when I sing it.
Masego & Medasin - 'Girls That Dance'
What a song for a road trip! Masego is one of my favourite artists. Not only does he produce and write music, but he plays the saxophone. This song is another earworm and I aspire to be as iconic as him.
Joy Crookes - 'Mother May I Sleep With Danger?'
This track makes me want to eat cheese and drink wine. I discovered Joy Crookes early this year and the messages she conveys through her music are important to me.
Caity Baser - 'Friendly Sex'
This is the track I always play whenever I catch up with my ex. ;)
a l l i e - 'Cross My Mind'
Another fun boom-bap groove. When I discovered this song, I played it on repeat for a week. I feel I got really inspired by this one when working on my EP.
Flight Facilities & Giselle - 'Crave You'
I was playing a gig last year and someone said to me I had similar sounds to this song. Was pleasantly surprised when I checked it out. And it's a bop!
Noga Erez - 'End Of The Road'
The Queen of Sass! I love that she raps, she wears powersuits and slays so hard. I'm in awe of her every time I hear one of her new tracks.
