Mykki Blanco is releasing a new album called Stay Close to Music, the follow-up to last year's Broken Hearts & Beauty Sleep, on October 14 via Transgressive. Today, they've shared the single "Steps" that features MNEK and Saul Williams. "I think a song like 'Steps' is a testament to what can happen when three very unique artists are given time to create a meditation together," Blanco said about the song. "To respond to one another when the moment is right—almost like the lines of a haiku. Maybe 'Steps' is a prayer unique in its ability to transcend and transform and provide peace without necessarily providing an answer."
Blanco also shared why the new single is a significant example of their creative growth, describing "Steps" as a diary entry written to themselves. "I think as a songwriter I was not always willing to be so vulnerable. I finally feel I have lived enough, lived long enough and lived through enough to speak simply, plainly and find in the zen like simplicity something honest and true and pure."
Over looping strings, Blanco reflects on their growth and past choices: "Internalize my truth / Speaking from the heart / What the brain can't do," they repeat before MNEK comes in on the song's chorus. "MNEK is a musical powerhouse, composing some of the best dance music of the last decade not only for himself but a slew of other pop stars," Blanco said about their collaborator. "The voice, the talent, the songwriting, MNEK is truly a force to be reckoned with and is such a stand out artist I was truly nervous when I reached out to him to collaborate. We met in his home in London. I think this was key to understanding if there was a vibe, if we felt the energy between us could coalesce in a natural way."
Blanco also commented on working with Saul Williams, who comes in with a verse following the first chorus: "There are certain people I have waited to collaborate with my entire career and Saul Williams is one of those people. In many ways there is a musical lineage that Saul is a part of, that he himself spearheaded, that I feel a very close connection with."
Listen to "Steps" below, and pre-order Stay Close to Music here.
