Honoring those who came before you is a deep-rooted tradition in many cultures, and it’s no rare sight to see musicians pay homage to their inspirations. Today’s premiere is related to that practice, albeit in a more abstract way that eschews direct name-dropping for a more enveloping approach. Düsseldorf-based jazz/pop singer Kira Hummen dedicates “Branches”, her first single in two years, to ‘her familial and artistic ancestors‘, breathing a deep warmth of connection into this ballad-style track.
Hummen has developed her musical style ever since 2019’s The Moaning Girl EP, growing from jazz and soul roots into a more adventurous alt-pop bloom. My Body Is The Only Place from 2022 is the latest full-length testament to her solo journey, and now we are happy to bring you a new song from the German artist. “Branches” comes with a minimalistic video built around Hummen and the eponymous branches that hold the song’s metaphoric center.
A sparse arrangement, framing Hummen’s voice and lyrics with cello, bass, and arpeggiator, develops a winning charm over “Branches”‘ 5-minute runtime. It feels intimate and inviting, like a deep confessional witnessed amongst a chosen few. As such it’s hard to imagine that this song was conceptualized over the course of a myriad of live shows, restlessly experimenting with various versions until its true form finally revealed itself. It’s an interesting approach to composition, and its sharp contrast to the personal nature of the song gives it another layer of meaning.
“Branches” comes courtesy of ListenRecords, and it spells a welcome new chapter for Kira Hummen. The minimal arrangement of this single could signal a more earnest, barebones approach for whatever new project she has in mind – or it might be a tantalizing one-off experiment. Whatever the truth may be, I’m sure that some of you will want to keep in touch with Hummen and her music; you may do so on Instagram and Youtube.
Artist photos courtesy of Johanna Besseling
