Harlequiin & NYM Share New Single ‘I Bet The Dealer Has Deleted Me’
Harlequiin returns with the atmospheric, beguiling new single ‘I Bet The Dealer Has Deleted Me’, this time collaborating with uba-talented vocalist NYM.
The brainchild of London-based alternative-electronic artist, producer, multi-instrumentalist and renowned session and touring musician Rory Simmons, the track blends the experimental electronica that stylises Harlequiin’s sound with the jazz musicianship which has shaped Rory’s career.
Touring and recording with the likes of Jamie Cullum, The Maccabees, Blur, Raye, Paolo Nutini, Mount Kimbie, Labrinth, Friendly Fires, and Dermot Kennedy (to name just a few), Rory has performed at renowned venues such as Montreux Jazz Festival, Carnegie Hall, and the Hollywood Bowl. Released following the success of the previous album Even As She Spoke, She Began To Lose Her Form and the previous single ‘Hand That Move You’ which gained support from BBC Radio 6 Music and Radio X among others, the new single the rich musicality and inventive, experimental ideas which make Rory’s music so exciting and original.
Showcasing a unique blend of inventive electronics and neo-soul undertones, ‘I Bet The Dealer Has Deleted Me’ highlights Simmon’s feel for building experimental and musically rich soundscapes with shuffling lo-fi beats and an unpredictable, sound palette which blends live instrumentation with analogue synths.
Featuring acclaimed vocalist NYM (known for her work touring as a backing vocalist for the likes of Piloma Faith, Florence And The Machine, EVE, Sister Sledge, Muse, Elbow, Sam Smith, Emeli Sande, Shingai Shoniwa, as well as being a presenter on Soho Radio, and voiceover artist for Adidas among others), the track is given a smokey, mysterious yet captivating top line which glides above the shimmering electronic backdrop.
Talking about the single the pair explain:
RORY: “We (Harlequinn & NYM) worked on this track about 4 years and always knew it had to see the light of day. We tried pulling it apart in different ways, adding middle 8s, tweaking harmonic moments in it- but overthinking sometimes drowns the spontaneity and authenticity in ideas. We decided to boil it back down to its raw simplicity. First thought-best thought, as they say! This is a track we’re both really proud of- and we wanted it to feel like this trippy little vignette, with that brooding energy.”
NYM: “This song kind of sounds like I’m talking about a relationship between myself and another person but it’s actually about the relationship we have with our own mental health. Sort of like having a chat with yourself about ending your self destructive tendencies. It’s basically an internal monologue”
Harlequiin, the musical alias of Rory Simmons, has already garnered critical acclaim across the industry. His previous work has received radio play and recognition from BBC Radio 6 Music and Radio X as well as gaining high praise across music press including The Guardian, Wonderland, High Snobiety, Complex and Rough Trade to name just a few.
A versatile musician, composer, and producer, Rory has toured the world extensively as a trumpet player with artists ranging from Jamie Cullum to Blur. In addition to performing, Simmons has composed music for film, television, and contemporary classical settings, showcasing his broad artistic range. His contributions to various projects have established him as a significant figure in the UK music scene, blending improvisation with innovation. His experience underscores his diverse artistry and ability to traverse multiple musical landscapes.
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