The latest cut from alt-popper Shura taps into a uniquely modern aspect of contemporary dating: the IRL meet-cute following online courtship. “The stage,” the third pre-release track from her forthcoming album, forevher, is a swirling strut of a song with honeyed vocals and a late Tame Impala groove. “Done with music, babe,” she blurts on the refrain. The irony isn’t lost on us; we’re nowhere near finished with what’s gearing up to be another solid set from the U.K.-based artist.
Shura details the story behind the track, the first date with her girlfriend after weeks of long-distance communication:
I had travelled to NYC to go on it, so I was a little bit nervous as this was definitely the most high stakes date I’d ever been on. I DM-ed my friends MUNA, who were playing a show the night that I arrived, and asked them if they could get us both in … They loved the concept of a first date at a MUNA gig. I wasn’t sure how the date was going until she took my hand whilst trying to lead me to a spot where I could see them play (i.e. basically nowhere in the venue as I’m too short!). Then I knew it was all going to be OK.
Shura has called forevher (out Aug. 16 on Secret Canadian) “a soul record, sung by someone who doesn’t have a traditional soul voice.” Nothing’s Real co-producer Joel Potts returns, joining Jona Ma (Jagwar Ma), Will Miller (Whitney) and T-E-E-D. Rosie Lowe, Kerry Leatham and Reva (Nimmo) all show up for additional vocals, as well.
Check out “the stage” below.