Madison McFerrin’s jazzy soul music is good for you

The most hectic season of the year is approaching, and if it's possible I am already feeling the anxiety creeping into my shoulders. In moments like these, when I can wrest myself away from my computer and phone, I try to remember to breathe. Count to four, maybe get some water, you know that stuff. If I have my headphones near me, I'll put on some soothing music too. Surprisingly I don't have a playlist already prepared, but if I did it would be a good idea to put Madison McFerrin's "No Room" next in the queue.

The Brooklyn singer's newest song, which The FADER is premiering today, is easy in all the ways the world isn't. Hearing the song's melty keys, its synths that sparkle like small stars, and McFerrin's warm harmonies feels effortless. The second single from her first fully-produced EP — all her past work has been a capella — it's a special feat. (There is also the cool fact that she's Bobby McFerrin's daughter.) The forthcoming project, You + I, will be out 12/4.

Over email, McFerrin wrote of the song: “The current climate of social and political polarization inspired the lyrics for ‘No Room.’ We wanted to evoke a sense of isolated contemplation and yearning for connection that many of us feel these days. It was beautiful how this evolved into a communal DIY project that brought strangers together to create an example of what’s possible when we don’t let our differences keep us from connecting and collaborating in service of a greater vision.”