‘Chasing Butterflies’, the latest offering from multi-instrumentalist Nicholas Gunn and gifted singer-songwriter Alina Renae, has officially landed. We’re glad to state it follows seamlessly in the footsteps of their previous collaborations. Simply put, Gunn and Renae are a dynamite duo. Whenever their names appear alongside one another on a track, you know you are in for something truly special.
The pair’s various releases across Gunn’s very own Blue Dot imprint have consistently set a high bar, one that ‘Chasing Butterflies’ gracefully portrays too. The best part of Nick and Alina coming together for music is just how effortlessly both can retain their unique sounds. You can hear it all, from the euphoric, sweeping energy of his arrangements to her moving, heartfelt vocal notes.
And the foundation of it all is, of course, the unmistakable, organic, human instrumentation of a musician who has spent over thirty-five years leaving a lasting mark in all kinds of music, from World, to Ambient, to Trance, to deeper four-on-the-floor genres, and everything in between.
‘Chasing Butterflies’
‘Chasing Butterflies’ is a complete and jaw-dropping record built on a foundation of pure warmth. One of the most interesting elements that caught my eye right away is how old school the kick sounds. It’s a powerful thump, but one that lacks the sometimes overwhelming violence of an Uplifting kick, and instead leans towards those early noughties drums, providing all the power needed in a graceful manner.
Rhythm flows not just from the percussion, also from synth lines and arpeggios carrying the crisp through. The chords are warm, inviting, and wrap around you like a hug, one that I somehow always get when Nick has had a hand in the sound of a production. That also taps into Blue Dot’s distinct label identity.
Nicholas Gunn himself explains how powerful and heartfelt that one part I haven’t talked about, the meaning of the lyrics, is:
“You know this part of us from songs like ‘For You’ and ‘Miss You’. Songs that were born from missing people that were loved. But ‘Chasing Butterflies’ isn’t just about mourning those who are no longer with us. It’s about healing. It’s remembering with love, and believing they’re at peace. Butterflies have always meant they’re near. A soft and gentle hello from the other side.”
Perhaps what I like most about the track is how it’s best experienced alone, not in a bad way: I mean it in a meditative state. The breakdown just elevates you and makes you pause and ponder, at a time in which music does not make you pause and ponder at all. Instead, it’s constantly chasing the next 15-second clip that you can farm online. This track is the opposite. It is a journey that is meant to be felt and experienced.
Even with your eyes closed, you don’t need social media to enjoy this. You just need yourself, and possibly a good sound system or a good pair of headphones that lets you crank the volume up a bit. Once again, a great addition to the Blue Dot catalogue from an artist who’s been working on music for the greater part of four decades.
Listen to Nicholas Gunn and Alina Renae‘s brand-new ‘Chasing Butterflies’, by hitting the ‘Play‘ button on the Spotify player below. Also, click here to support the release on your platform of choice. Be sure to follow our page to stay up to date on the latest news and views regarding our beloved Dance music industry.
