Dan Black Returns with 'RAW' New Single; Hints at Kelis Collaboration

Electro hipsterpop singer/songwriter Dan Black recently unveiled some details about his forthcoming new album, including a planned duet with electroGODDESS Kelis.  While the as-yet-untitled album's first single, "RAW" won't be dropping digitally until July 31st, you can catch a sneak peak of the new track in a recently released video promoting the new Absolut flavor of vodka, Caipiroska.  The video features Black hard at work in his Paris-based studio, putting the finishing touches on his new single.  While there's not much to go on just yet, all signs point to this being another flawless showcase of Dan Black's intelligent pop prowess.

In a recent interview with Elle Magazine, Black elaborates a bit on his Absolut collaboration, telling the high-end fashion mag about how the liquor brand asked him to write a song inspired by a drink.  He also talks about his soon-to-be-released song with R&B/electronica artist Kelis, entitled "Hearts."  Following Black's 2010 opening slot on the All Hearts Tour, which saw Kelis gig all over North America with her Swedish electrohort Robyn he was asked to work on some material for her upcoming sixth studio album (due later this year).  Black describes the song as "a surprising departure" for both artists, calling it "dramatic and urgent."  The collaboration fell into place during one of their sessions together, and he simply asked to use it and she said yes. Amazing.

Dan Black first stole my heart back in 2008 when he dropped a buzz single, "HYPNTZ," a strange yet fabulous mix of Rihanna's "Umbrella," Notorious B.I.G.'s "Hypnotize" (hence the title) with an instrumental sampling of "Starman" performed by the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra.  Unfortunately, B.I.G.'s notoriously protective estate nixed the use of those lyrics and the single release was scrapped.  While Black did eventually release "Symphonies," utilizing both the Rihanna track as well as the "Starman" instrumental, it wasn't nearly as catchy as it's original incarnation, although a version and a video featuring Kid Cudi did make it infinitely more enjoyable.

In 2009, Black released his debut album UN, featuring a bevvy of flawless electropop jams, including "U + Me =," "Alone," and "Yours" to name a few.  What I love about Dan Black is the quirkiness he brings to his music, not to mention that flawless falsetto of his. Oh...I suppose there's also his adorable hipster good looks that leave me smitten after every performance. *SIGH* 

Stay tuned for more news on his upcoming new album as well as the premiere of the "RAW" video, which is due later this month on MTV.  In the meantime, why don't you check out Dan Black's Absolut video BELOW and read his interview on Elle.com. Yay for new Dan Black!

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