Eric Hilton Releases New Dub Soul Single, “Farewell To Midnight,” Feat.Puma Ptah
FEATURING ACCLAIMED LYRICIST/VOCALIST PUMA PTAH
“FAREWELL TO MIDNIGHT” AND “FRONT LINE” BOTH STREAMING ONLINE
NOW AND WITH FLOOD
LIMITED EDITION GREEN VINYL 7” NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER
“As a solo artist, Hilton’s true love lies with trip-hop, a genre he helped to create with
a pioneering approach to sound design, highlighted by ingenious sampling, moody
synths and psychedelic lo-fi.” — EDM.com
“Hilton’s more analog approach creates a lush sonic environment that will stand the test
of time and ever-changing trends.” — Magnetic Magazine
STREAM: “FRONT LINE” FEAT. PUMA PTAH
(ON YOUTUBE)
Musically speaking, the A-side, “Farewell to Midnight,” delivers the laid-back groove and sparkling atmospherics that Hilton has perfected in his solo work, while Ptah’s soft and soaring voice seems to answer the question: “What if Marvin Gaye made a reggae record?” It was a vocal performance that Ptah initially found challenging. “‘Farewell’ is in a higher key than my usual range, and initially I wasn’t comfortable singing like this,” said Ptah. “But Eric pushed me. I couldn’t project my voice as easily in that key, so I sang softer. It took a couple of takes and then it was comfortable.” Hilton expanded, “I love working with Puma, he has an incredible voice, he writes beautiful lyrics and brings such a good vibe to every performance. His background is in roots reggae but he’s a real soul singer. ‘Farewell To Midnight’ is my favorite vocal performance by him, and I think we made a really great sounding record.”
Ptah’s questioning lyrics for “Farewell to Midnight” brilliantly contrast the musical sweetness of the record. “Life seems significantly more stressful post-pandemic, everyone’s mind seems to be full of anxiety,” he says. “Suffering is symbolized by midnight; midnight is gonna come no matter what, you just have to be ready for it. Things can fall apart or get dark, but good outcomes can come from that.” Ultimately, “Farewell to Midnight” acknowledges the inevitable darkness we all must contend with, but with eyes looking hopefully towards the impending dawn.
The B-side, “Front Line,” is Afrobeat in flavor, tough and more uptempo. Horn flourishes and a simply burning flute solo funk things up. Once again, Ptah draws his lyrical inspiration from the tribulations of modern life and the will to never stop fighting. “My strength comes from community and family,” he says. “I may not be able to change the world, but I can try to influence and be influenced by my community. If I can be of assistance to them, that’s a realistic hope for me. Start your fight against injustices from within your community.”
Both artists are looking forward to fans hearing this latest chapter in their long musical working relationship. “Eric’s solo music is a breath of fresh air,” Ptah effuses. “It’s hard, especially as an artist to be hopeful in these times — but I’m becoming hopeful again.”
