Sudanese-American artist Dua Saleh is set to release their latest album, "Of Earth & Wires," on May 15 through Ghostly International. This new body of work follows Saleh's critically acclaimed 2024 debut album, "I Should Call Them," and builds upon their previous EPs: "Nūr" (2019), "ROSETTA" (2020), and "Crossover" (2021). The album features notable collaborations, with Bon Iver appearing on two tracks, "Flood" and "Glow," for which accompanying music videos have also been unveiled. Billy Lemos, known for his work with SZA and Tinashe, served as the executive producer, while Gaidaa and aja monet also contribute to the tracklist. Saleh's collaboration with Bon Iver is not new, as they previously worked together on the 2020 song "Bloodrush" and co-wrote Travis Scott's 2023 track "My Eyes." The new tracks, particularly "Flood," draw inspiration from Saleh's personal experiences, reflecting on climate-related flooding during their time in Cardiff, Wales. Saleh expressed profound appreciation for Bon Iver's collaborative spirit and intuitive musicality, highlighting the organic and effortless nature of their creative process during recording sessions in Minneapolis.
Dua Saleh's "Of Earth & Wires" Set for May Release, Featuring Bon Iver
In a highly anticipated announcement, Sudanese-American musician Dua Saleh has revealed details about their upcoming album, "Of Earth & Wires," slated for release on May 15. The album, distributed under the esteemed Ghostly International label, marks a significant return for Saleh following their 2024 debut. Accompanying this exciting news are two new singles, "Flood" and "Glow," both showcasing collaborations with the acclaimed musical act Bon Iver. Enthusiasts can now view the captivating music videos for these tracks, offering a visual dimension to Saleh's latest sonic explorations.
The creative force behind "Of Earth & Wires" includes executive producer Billy Lemos, whose impressive resume boasts collaborations with prominent artists such as SZA and Tinashe. Beyond the Bon Iver features, the album's diverse lineup also includes contributions from Gaidaa and aja monet, promising a rich tapestry of sounds and influences. This latest endeavor follows Saleh's trilogy of EPs—"Nūr" (2019), "ROSETTA" (2020), and "Crossover" (2021)—which laid the groundwork for their distinct artistic voice.
The partnership between Saleh and Bon Iver extends beyond this new album; their previous collaborations include the 2020 track "Bloodrush," featuring Andrew Broder, Denzel Curry, and Haleek Maul, as well as co-writing credits on Travis Scott's 2023 song "My Eyes." The latest joint efforts for "Of Earth & Wires" materialized during a collaborative recording session held in Minneapolis. "Flood," one of the new singles, draws deeply from Saleh's personal narrative, specifically their experiences with climate-induced flooding during their residency in Cardiff, Wales.
Reflecting on the creative journey, Saleh shared insights into the collaboration with Bon Iver: "We were all writing together, following instinct." They further commended Bon Iver's "enthusiasm, emotional honesty, and melodic intuition," which collectively contributed to an effortless creative exchange. Saleh particularly noted Bon Iver's sustained engagement throughout the process, from initial demos to re-tracking vocals and shaping arrangements as the songs evolved, underscoring the profound synergy between the artists.
This album feels like a journey through contemporary sounds, blending personal narratives with expansive musical landscapes. Dua Saleh's continued ability to innovate and collaborate with such diverse talents highlights their growing influence in the music industry. The thematic depth, especially in tracks like "Flood," reminds us of the power of music to reflect real-world issues, urging listeners to connect on a deeper, more empathetic level. It’s a testament to artistry that transcends boundaries and speaks to universal human experiences.