SassyBlack Credit: Texas Isaiah
SassyBlack
SassyBlack Texas Isaiah

Space-aged Seattle singer/producer SassyBlack just released “Do It,” some new heat from her forthcoming third album Ancient Mahogany Gold. Known for her previous work as part of dynamic Seattle duo THEESatisfaction, SassyBlack makes an original blend of hologram funk and electronic psychedelic soul. Her latest single includes London-based bass player Duane Atherley (AKA Hurcs), Atlanta-based cellist Sister Sai, and Erik Bodin (of Little Dragon) on electric and live drums.

When asked about the song’s meaning, SassyBlack says:
โ€œThis song is an alluring anthem for those who mistake lust for love. Thirst for trust. Routine for romance. Itโ€™s the tiny voice in the back of your mind telling you to just ‘do it,’ although your gut knows much better. It’s an adoration affair between people [who] don’t fit. Between someone who manipulates and someone who is eager to be loved and satisfied with occasionally playing the fool.โ€

So it makes perfect sense that the four-minute track has an edgy-yet-enticing vibe, with the artist wavering between temptation and her steadfast decision to not go there with a lover: “You’re lookin’ mighty good/but I won’t fall for ya.” However, about two-thirds of the way through, it begins to segue into exquisite, self-assured revelation, as SassyBlack sweetly sings:
“I won’t fall for ya/You lookin good, You lookin great/But I won’t, no I won’t/Cause I love me more than you could ever.”

Sadly, SassyBlack’s Portland show (September 18 at Holocene) was cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, but Ancient Mahogany Gold drops on Friday September 13.

Jenni Moore is a former music editor and hip-hop columnist and current freelancer at The Portland Mercury. She also writes about comedy, cannabis, movies, TV, and her hatred of taxidermy.