In this week’s edition of What’s Going On, we’ve got the latest releases from Jake White, Jem, Mabel, and Mapahce. Plus, a hot new remix courtesy of Dolly Parton. Yes, you read that right. As always, if you dig what you’re hearing, be sure to stream and follow these artists.
Dolly Parton – When you think of artists that are known for having hot dance remixes, Dolly Parton likely isn’t the first one that comes to mind. In a rare move, there’s now a new officially sanctioned remix of “Jolene” by American DJ, producer, and famed remixer Destructo. Best known for his work with artists such as Depeche Mode, Rob Zombie, and Yo Gotti, Destructo (aka Gary Richards) takes the country classic into a hypnotic club-focused direction. What does Dolly Parton herself think about the Destructo remix? “My little song ‘Jolene’ has been done so many different ways and I love them all, but I think this one is my favourite. It makes me want to dance! How about you!?”
Listen to the Destructo remix of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” below.
Jake White – No, that’s not a typo. We’re talking Jake White, not Jack White of The White Stripes and The Raconteurs fame. The talented young Michigan-based singer-songwriter is out now with his debut single, “Unwanted.” All about longing for someone who no longer wants you, the stunning pop ballad tugs on your heartstrings. With lyrics that come straight from the heart and vocals that hit you right in the feels, Jake White is definitely one to watch. Speaking on what “Unwanted” means to him, White says: “I recently went through a tough breakup with someone I thought could be the one. It was the first time I was really in love, and now we’re not even friends. That’s tough to process. I’m definitely healing, but occasionally I still dream about him and wake up feeling unsettled and doubting myself.”
Listen to Jake White’s new single “Unwanted” below.
Mabel – After having a great summer with the success of her Pride anthem “Let Them Know”, Mabel is slowing things down with a cover of Cyndi Lauper’s classic “Time After Time.” While not implicitly a festive song, it’s now got a holiday slant thanks to its usage in the McDonald’s Christmas 2021 ad campaign in the UK. It’s also for a great cause as a portion of the proceeds from every download will be going to FareShare, the UK’s national network of charitable food redistributors. Seeing as she’s the daughter of Neneh Cherry, I’m just waiting for Mabel to tackle one of her mother’s signature hits.
Listen to Mabel’s cover of “Time After Time” below.
Jem – Rising singer-songwriter Jem is making a splash with “Secrets”, his debut single. The London-based Turkish artist blends Middle Eastern rhythms with Western sounds and alt-pop sensibilities in a way that’s all his own. Dark, lush, and mysterious, “Secrets” draws you in from the jump. If “Secrets” is a sign of what’s to come, Jem will definitely be around and wowing the pop world for many years. Discussing the writing process, Jem says: “Sometimes I visualise my songs before writing them. With this song, imagery came to me in a dream-like state, and all I did was react musically to how these images made me feel.”
Listen to Jem’s new single “Secrets” below.
Mapache – Los Angeles-based duo Mapache has a new covers EP titled 3 that’s due out on November 19. After having to cancel their 2020 North American tour, Clay Finch and Sam Blasucci of Mapache hunkered down with producer Dan Horne to work on this groovy set of covers. As part of the new EP, they’ve recorded an instrumental cover of Stevie Wonder’s “You Are The Sunshine Of My Life.” Retaining the feel-good vibe of the original, Mapache’s take has a beachy, almost surf-rock appeal. The project sees the duo also tackling songs by Sade, Louvin Brothers, and many more. Something to look forward to!
Listen to Mapache’s cover of “You Are The Sunshine Of My Life” below.
