Sinkane - Life & Livin' It (2017)

Sinkane music - every note of it - comes straight from a generosity of spirit, and never has that spirit been on more vivid display than on the new album Life & Livin' It.

Produced by founder and frontman Ahmed Gallab, the album draws from the best elements of Sinkane's previous records: the slinky funk and soul grooves are there, so are the sparkling melodies with roots in sub-Saharan Africa. Life & Livin' It is true to its name: it's an album about all kinds of experiences, an uplifting album about a universal feeling of soul.

My family emigrated to the United States from Sudan, Ahmed explains, "and I grew up around a lot of folks who weren't like me, as an outsider. That's influenced me and my music immensely, and ultimately, this entire project is my way of connecting with all kinds of people - what better way to start a conversation with someone than by telling them a story about yourself that they can relate to?"

When Ahmed sings, he sounds unafraid yet vulnerable. But while he once sang of feeling like he was on Mars, Ahmed is now firmly grounded on Earth. He's no longer searching for his home - he has created a home for himself. There's a party there, and Life & Livin' It is playing on the stereo. You are invited.