We Speak Indie Artist
South of France Continues To Impress On “1995”
South of France has returned with his brand-new single, “1995”. The track is the fourth song to be released from his upcoming album, My Spirit Animal My Baggage, and features a sugary yet grimy array of contemporary dancehall-pop/rock vibes with a soaring symphonic Mellotron arrangement and a mesmerising trap beat. With plenty of tasty synth lines, brash guitars, dreamy vocals, witty lyrics and a solid dance groove, this could be the indie crossover of the summer.
South of France is the creative project of Jeff Cormack from Denver, Colorado, and he’s been building his own brand of dreamy vacation rock throughout the years since dropping his first single in 2015. He’s had songs featured in TV shows BoJack Horseman and Shameless and features and performances for publications such as American Songwriter, NPR, Rolling Stone, etc. And he looks set to continue this momentum with his latest release.
Released via South of France’s own label, Staycation Records, “1995” is a hazy blissed-out indie dance track that’s loaded with cinematic textures reminiscent of analogue classics with modern melodies and production. With all instruments performed and produced by South of France, the track is a testament to his artistry and originality. Speaking further on the release, he says, “I listen to a ton of old dancehall sets from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s, more so than probably anything else, so this type of song has been coming for a while. As a pernickety producer, I really wanted to make sure I got it right. I feel like I did.”
It’s easy to see why South of France has been gaining buzz opening for bands Portugal. The Man, The Flaming Lips and recently Michigander. And with the album on the way, he will surely be one to watch over the coming months as his impressive rise continues. “1995” is available to buy/stream now on all platforms: https://southoffrance.lnk.to/1995.
Keep up to date with the latest from South of France:
A song written during months of recovery from spinal surgery might be expected to sound a little heavy. jon scott’s “YOU ARE SO REAL” takes a different route.
The single came together while scott was bedbound and working through rehabilitation. It reflects the support he received from family, friends and others who reached out, as well as the happiness of returning to creative work. Yet the finished track is not weighed down by that story. It sounds like someone who has found a reason to put the kettle on, turn up the music and enjoy the day.
The retro-inspired production gives it a relaxed, classic feel, while the vocals keep things upbeat and joyful. The chorus is direct, and the instrumental section lets the song settle into its own rhythm.
That contrast is what makes the track interesting. The circumstances behind it are serious, but the song itself is about what makes life worth celebrating. It is not trying to turn recovery into a dramatic musical statement. Instead, it takes the support that helped scott through and gives it a joyous soundtrack.
“YOU ARE SO REAL” is a song about feeling better, but it gets there through a good mood rather than a heavy explanation. That is a refreshing way to approach a subject that could easily have gone in another direction. Have a listen for yourself below, courtesy of Now Listen.
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