Elsewhere

Stratford-raised Denai Moore has gone through a telling transition since first uploading an early recording of her 2012 demo Flaws. It was a beautifully sung, folk and R’n’B-informed track that deservedly brought Denai quick attention, and gave an indication that this songwriter had broad ideas; there belied a grit to her songwriting that was fresh and unique. Things moved quickly - Denai signed to London independent label, Because Music, and then Ben Drew was in touch; he’d heard a couple of Denai’s songs and wanted to work with her on production, eventually producing The Lake EP in 2013. A much vaunted solo spot on the BBC’s Later… with Jools Holland followed, Denai commanding a grand piano under the studio spotlight. The captivating ‘I Swore EP’ drew 2014 to a melodic close and gave a hint as to what’s to come. These songs at their rawest in subject matter are united by heartbreak, testing times, and impending opportunity, all written and performed by a young woman with the world at her feet and her expectations looking up to the stars. Produced predominantly alongside Rodaidh McDonald (The XX/Sampha/Daughter) at his XL Studios, the space and atmosphere that revolves around Denai’s beautiful vocal makes for a chilling, intoxicating and quite beautiful listen. Barely into her twenty-second year, Denai has achieved plenty, but in real terms, has barely begun in reaching an audience that could realistically crossover any makeshift divide or genre specifics.