ALBUMS // Shamir – Hope

“I was gonna quit music this weekend. From day 1 it was clear i was an accidental pop star. I loved the idea of it, i mean who doesn’t? Still the wear of staying polished with how im presented and how my music was presented took a huge toll on me mentally. I started to hate music, the thing i loved the most! When i would listen to immaculate recordings with my friends their praise over the quality of the art as opposed to the art itself made me feel really sad for music as a medium in general. My music only feels exciting for me if its in the moment, and thats what this album is. I made this album this past weekend stuck in my room with just a 4 track feeling hopeless about my love for music. Im not gonna lie, this album is hard to listen to, but it was even harder for me to share. I love pop music, i love outsider music, and i love lofi music, this is my way of combining all 3. Anyway I played, wrote, produced, and mixed everything and big thanks to Kieran Ferris for Mastering an album with an hours notice! its free! Enjoy! Love Yall! Still more 2 come!!!!!!!”

I listened to Shamir’s new album this morning and I felt the love nestled between each fuzzy note. It spoke to me the way I felt spoken to the first time I listened to the Northtown EP. The sound of something urgent, necessary, and healing.
I tried to imagine feeling hopeless about music, which was one of about 3 things that still gave me hope at a time when nothing else did anymore. It made me really sad.
I’m glad Shamir didn’t quit music. I’m glad he’s protecting his hope and love, and I’m thankful he’s sharing it with us.
This is an album to come back to every time you need to remember how to love something. In other words, this album is for whenever you need hope <3
On a less feelsy note, Hope is a stunning affirmation of Shamir’s musical versatility. In 35 minutes the young musician guides us with the power of his voice on a tour de force through lo-fi indie rock, bluesy soul, synth-heavy pop, and 80s flavored melodies.