We've heard Mykki Blanco rap, but that's only a fraction of their vocal power as suggested by their latest single "Family Ties," which features R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe. "'Family Ties" is the first song where I sonically found my voice—and I mean that in a very literal way," the musician shared. "It's the first song in my entire career where I am singing, I don't rap." This single is also the first new music from Blanco following last year's Broken Hearts & Beauty Sleep.
The track is a small window into a past relationship for Blanco. "I wrote this song about the relationship between my ex-boyfriend and his father that has had bouts of mental illness. When the person you love is going through a situation that you can't alter in any way, or help or be active in trying to correct it not only hurts them but it hurts you. I think the core meaning of this song is compassion in the face of helplessness.”
The collaboration with Stipe—who noted that Blanco has a "gorgeous voice, resolute and strong" in a brief statement—came about after they reached out to the musician via email. “I have been a fan of Michael Stipe and R.E.M. forever. I had his email and, ya know, it’s one of those things when you acquire a living musical icon’s email and you think, ‘I have this now, but am I ever going to use it? Should I ever use it?" Blanco said. We're sure as hell glad they did.
You can hear "Family Ties" below accompanied by a gorgeous black-and-white video directed by Kit Monteith and Krishna Muthurangu.
