At this point in her recording career, Chief Cleopatra has already demonstrated an affinity for artists as wide-ranging as Aretha Franklin and Wu-Tang Clan through her singles which feel equally inspired by soul and R&B as they do her surrounding Austin indie rock scene. Yet her latest track “Fortuity” expands that palette even further, bringing in a clear doo-wop influence with the help of a backing band featuring members of the psych-rock outfit The Bright Light Social Hour.
The track arrives ahead of her newly announced Luna EP, set for release on March 4 via her new label home of Park the Van Records. “It’s actually funny because I recorded myself performing this song and then I lost the recording,” she explains, noting that she finally came across it again six months later. “Eventually I showed it to my guitarist and he loved it and encouraged me to put it on the next EP. I love this song because anyone can imagine this chance encounter with someone who takes your breath away. The song has a magic to it that the listener can believe in. I automatically thought of a ’50s doo-wop feel on the bass while writing this song, so I’m happy that vibe intensified on the final version. Probably my favorite song off the EP."
The single arrives with a video of Chief Cleopatra performing the track in the sunny outdoors in front of a very-Austin mural before taking things indoors to a dimly lit venue that matches the track’s intimate vibe. Watch it below.
