Willow Kayne takes you to audio new heights with her new 'Mr. Universe' song
It’s a New Music Friday so of course Willow Kayne is coming through correct with her new ‘Mr. Universe’ anthem. It’s way more than just a casual anthem.
Willow Kayne’s new ‘Mr. Universe’ hits way different
From the start through the non-stop speedy ending, it’s all pure audio vibes with Willow. General Levy comes through on the assist to bring the song full circle. Buckle up.
In just 18 months, London based vocalist and visual artist Willow Kayne has enjoyed a prodigious ascent to the pinnacle of pop music’s more daring corners. Her postmodern approach to songwriting was rewarded in 2021 with Willow receiving the Ivor Novello Rising Star award, setting her on a path to achieve greatness early in her career. Her riotously received debut EP Playground Antics was the catalyst for an explosion of rave reviews, while with live shows and online previews, she has shared a glimpse of the soundtrack to her ever-expanding sonic world. With recent singles "Final Notice" and "White City," Willow shared more propulsive and surreal facets of her arsenal, while "Rat Race" allowed Willow to delve deep into introspection in her own unique way. Today, Willow takes inspiration from the uniting properties of music with a brand new track, "Mr. Universe."
A wholehearted tribute to the sound of 90s jungle, "Mr. Universe" encapsulates the more nostalgic corners of Willow’s influences more than ever before. Bringing together three generations of ravers with a veteran of drum’n’bass in General Levy and one of the UK’s most ardent soldiers of the scene Toddla T, "Mr. Universe" combines irresistible pop songwriting with the mist-filled sounds of club and carnival. Opening to a dub-influenced hook that embeds itself in the listener’s consciousness from the outset, "Mr. Universe" then descends into break-infused madness, with General Levy unloading rapidfire flows over chest-rattling bass and triumphant horns recorded in Jamaica. "Mr Universe’" sees out the summer by taking the sunkissed sounds of carnivals and transposing them directly for the club, without sacrificing any of the postmodern touches that Willow Kayne has become known for.
Willow knows she has one with this anthem. She’s since stepped up to talk about the record.
“I’ve been wanting to make a track like Mr Universe for a hot minute, live instruments with a classic old-school bassline. I felt like we needed a feel good tune, something to dance to while the world is on fire. Originally, Toddla and I were just kind of messing around but as the track started to form I knew we had accidentally hit gold!! We were discussing feature ideas and General Levy felt perfect… someone who has been on my bucket list since I was 17, but also felt like a generational link up. A proper 360 moment. I’m heavily inspired by old school jungle such as Mbeat, EZ rollers etc - something which I think shines through in this song, with a modern twist. It’s a song about being United, saved by the music, being brought together. A proper feel good track.”
"Mr. Universe" finds Willow Kayne in full creative bloom. Writing music purely for enjoyment and for the love of her influences, the track is the sound of a young artist flowing freely on what sounds right - keenly experimenting with her own sonic palette to extend the fantastical audible universe she already exists within.
Willow Kayne will also headline a very special multi-sensory show at London’s XOYO on September 29th, following on from her sold out dual headline dates earlier in the year, as well as triumphant set at this year’s Glastonbury Festival and London’s All Points East festival with stylistic idols Gorillaz.
