One of the most refreshing new voices emerging from Paris, Zoe’s Shanghai delivers intimate stories across their new EP Undergrowth – released via naïve.

Blending a kaleidoscope of spacey, melodic jazz and tender vocals dripping with atmosphere and intent, Undergrowth EP marks a dream-like body of work from Zoe’s Shanghai on their dominant return this year. With vivid expressions of love, heartbreak and growth, the Paris-based outfit explores otherworldly connections and the complexities of finding self-enlightenment – a rigorous limbo that transforms vulnerable affirmations into something inspired and universal. Delivering a glistening insight into their universe of sound, Zoe’s Shanghai continues to build significant attention as a key new name across the landscape.

Opening with “Refuge”, the six-track EP instantly provides groundwork for the band’s endless chase for creative and ethereal growth, seeking solace within the chaos of our existence. Up next, “When I Care” seamlessly connects experimental arrangements with sun-kissed jazz and house, creating an intimate tone for Zoé Renié Harris (guitarist and lead singer) to focus on healing as it becomes a driving force for her to slow down and observe. 

Steadily manoeuvring through midnight, hazy session on the stunning lead track “At Night”, where Zoe’s intimate temptations playfully flirt with warped synths and rolling jazz percussion, we reach the apex of psychedelia across the run of “Scratching” (watch), “Some Words” and “Aman” – closing out the EP with free-flowing vibrations as the band displays tender silhouettes that feel as beautiful as they are meaningful.

Speaking on the EP, Zoé mentions: “This collection of songs sings about processes of change. It’s a way of appearing when uninvited, or working on yourself whilst it feels like nothing is happening. These tracks wander through the panic and disorientation of loneliness at night, the thankless efforts of trying to love someone who is almost surely not ready to receive it, the slow and confused battle towards trusting a partner and the hidden wisdom in not reaching what you’d hoped for.”

Coming from a lineage where exploring vintage vinyl collections was essential to daily life, the Jamaican heritage artist naturally embraced music as an outlet for expression, allowing space to personify her evolving environment through creation and performance. From London to Cuba to Paris, Zoé’s vibrant, free-form artistry and story-telling encapsulate the affinities of our existence and aim to empower creatives pushing social and cultural boundaries set in their way.  

Alongside Mehdi (bassist), Emerik (pianist) and Landy (drummer), Zoe’s Shanghai exploded into the ether in 2019 following their breakout debut “No Cure” – an amalgamation of eclectic jazz and neo-soul amassing well over 2M streams independently and would later earn them an incendiary live session across international music platform PLAYING FOR CHANGE (watch) and Gilles Peterson’s BROWNSWOOD BASEMENT (watch). 

2021 saw Zoe’s Shanghai deliver their wonderfully high-calibre debut album Lava Love, transitioning the band’s kaleidoscope of musical colours, feelings and reflections into the fashion landscape. The powerful lead track “Mother” was plugged by one of the most influential figures of our generation, the late Virgil Abloh, who featured the record across Louis Vuitton’s Fall 2021 Capsule – a pivotal moment that announced the four-piece as one of the most exciting new bands crashing into wider consciousness.

Having already garnered critical attention across the landscape from WONDERLAND to NOTION to COLORSXSTUDIOS, Zoe’s Shanghai looks set to command 2024 as they continue to grow as one of the year’s key breakout names in the making.

UNDERGROWTH EP

TRACKLIST

1. “Refuge”

2. “When I Care”

3. “At Night”

4. “Scratching”

5. “Some Words”

6. “Aman”

Music Video credits:

Production / Management Safran Lecuivre

Camera assistant / Camera assistant Guillaume Chlique

Recorded at / Recorded at Studio 33

Mixing & Mastering / Mix & Master Alain Wits

Acknowledgments / Special thanks Michael Price, Lucie Morpurgo, Jean-Baptiste Plard

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