MusicFreaks

Tag: XL Recordings

  • Peggy Gou taps the “uplifting energy of summer” for infectious single ‘Wo,man’ featuring Ayra Starr

    Summer is calling, and with it comes the infectious energy of music. DJ and producer Peggy Gou has teamed up with Nigerian afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr to deliver a track that perfectly captures the euphoric spirit of the season: Wo,man.

    Released recently via XL Recordings, this new single marks Gou’s latest offering since her 2024 debut album I Hear You, positioning it as a bright, dancefloor anthem ready for endless summer nights. The track masterfully blends Gou’s restlessly energetic production with Starr’s captivating vocals, featuring the instantly earwormy chorus hook of “Adigidang dang dang di dang”.

    The resulting sound is a vibrant collision of worlds—Gou’s signature electronic pulse meets the infectious rhythm of afrobeats, creating a sonic experience that feels both worldly and irresistibly fun.

    Speaking about the creation of the song, Gou emphasized the natural chemistry between the two artists. “When I was working on Wo,man, I knew I wanted a voice that could match the song’s uplifting energy for summer,” she shared. “Bringing our two worlds together felt completely natural, and Ayra brought the perfect balance of sexiness and swag into the record. I hope this record brings fun summer memories to all who love it.”

    Ayra Starr echoed this sentiment, celebrating the creative experience. “I love Peggy – she’s such a cool artist,” Starr said. “It was so much fun to make this song with her. It felt like such a summer vibe – I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I enjoyed making it!”

    This collaboration is not an isolated event; Gou and Starr have a history of creative interplay, having previously linked up when Gou remixed Starr’s single Where Do We Go earlier this year.

    To celebrate the release of Wo,man, Peggy Gou is extending the party beyond music by opening a special event. For one day and night only, she is launching a pop-up boutique in London, dubbed ‘The Gou,tique’. The event takes place at Dream Bags Jaguar Shoes on Kingsland Road in east London from 4pm to 9pm, offering free entry on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Guests will receive 200 mystery items from Gou’s personal collection, alongside 100 pieces of archival Peggy Gou merchandise. The event will be set to the soundtrack of DJs from Gou’s Gudu Records roster.

    Gou is already gearing up for a busy summer schedule, including a headline performance at London’s Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich on August 2nd.

    Credit: NME

  • Everything Is Recorded Raps With Peter Gabriel, .idk

    Richard Russell (photo: Aliyah Otchere).

    Richard Russell’s project Everything Is Recorded is back, bringing another deliciously unexpected collaboration to the table. The XL Recordings founder has teamed up with Peter Gabriel and Maryland rapper .idk. for the new rap single “Beyond the Brilliant Haze,” which is now available everywhere via XL.

    This track marks a vibrant departure from the spectral folk and soul textures that defined Russell’s acclaimed 2025 album Temporary. While Temporary was steeped in atmosphere, “Beyond the Brilliant Haze” throws a sharp left turn, introducing an electrifying blend of disparate musical worlds.

    The collaboration itself is a masterclass in sonic juxtaposition, uniting three distinct artistic voices. The song showcases how wildly different sounds can fuse into something stunningly cohesive.

    Before this new venture, Russell had explored creative chemistry with Gabriel on “Four Kinds of Horses” from Gabriel’s 2023 album i/o. This latest pairing continues that successful dynamic, building on a foundation of shared musical vision.

    The resulting single was mixed by Grammy-winning producer Mike Elizondo, perfectly capturing the contrasting energies at play. For .idk., born Jason Mills, the opportunity felt like an unexpected adventure. “Working with Peter and Richard was a complete honor,” he shared, describing the final result as a beautiful mess of juxtaposition.

    Gabriel echoed this sentiment, appreciating how disparate elements can be fused together. He noted that bringing .idk. into the project was an inspired choice, injecting strong musical contrasts that elevated the song. The track ultimately demonstrates that when true creative friction is embraced, the most brilliant melodies emerge.

    Credit: Spin