UK producer Mura Masa has debuted a new track titled “Teenage Headache Dreams” featuring Ellie Rowsell of Wolf Alice, which will be featured on the performer’s upcoming project R.Y.C (Raw Youth Collage). This upcoming album will be released on January 17, 2020 via Geffen Records.
“Teenage Headache Dreams” takes a different approach from his usual work, which was featured on his self-titled debut album. As opposed to his typically hip hop/R&B inspired pop instrumentals, which blend in elements of electronica, this song takes a more indie pop inspired approach with a rock inspired bassline and brighter vocal overlays.
“It’s possible to feel happy even if it means relying on something that isn’t necessarily true, or is half-imagined, or might not even have happened at all,” the producer stated in a press release. “If we can find a shared remembrance of a good time, we’re more likely to be able to find that again. A little bit of escapism is healthy.”
R.Y.C. will feature a plethora of musical guests on his new project including Clairo, slowthai and Tirzah. His previous work featured collaborations with the likes of A$AP Rocky, Christine & The Queens, Charli XCX and NAO, who were all on his self-titled debut project which was released in 2017. While the project was hailed for hosting strong tracks, some critics felt that over utilizing features made the project a little less cohesive overall.
“If there is a problem with Mura Masa’s project it’s that he relies almost too heavily on the guests that he brings on to his songs,” mxdwn reviewer Henry Ehlebracht explained. “Each individual song on this project is great for a number of reasons, but when you put them all together, their cohesion as an album is less defined”
UPDATE (1/13): Mura Masa and Ellie Roswell have released a video for their new song “Teenage Headache Dreams.” The darkly lit clip stars Becky Namgauds & Ethan Jacobs and has a mood that matches the emotions of the song.