On track to be one of the most exciting artists for the next wave of soul music in 2024, GINGE built a foundation with her EPs titled Belly and Bummer, receiving initial acclaim and booking slots at festivals. A bubbly blend of neo-soul, jazz and R&B has appeared across a colourful discography, the most recent addition, the new album Playing Around, was quickly added to sought-after tastemaker playlists and is popping up in the music press.
Playing Around is filled with GINGE’s personality, her writing cradles personal stories, bouncy grooves and sparkling production. There’s a whimsical child-like essence that GINGE embodies sonically, the nostalgic guitar tones, keys and twinkling synths setting out a tone that makes the album feel like a playground.
There’s still plenty of talent on show, however, with GINGE delivering astounding vocal performances balancing the eclectic influences and wrapping them together as the frontwoman. Most of the album is light, breezy and fun, but the moments of deeper-felt emotions are special and thoughtful, with romance emerging from a moment of joy.
The instrumentation has plenty of the aforementioned wistfulness, but there are also some gorgeous arrangements, knowing when to keep things simple flowing and when to expand out into swaying brass melodies and momentous vocal layers. The project shows signs of talent on the rise, and GINGE at her best, a unique 13-track to take into autumn.
GINGE explains, “Making this album has really been a playground in itself. It feels like I combined all my previously released music into one poppy neo-soul bubble with some RnB as well. It has become a playful yet intimate exploration of any type of love and attachment. I used to make it all so heavy and now I just try to make it a bit lighter, fun and whimsical.”