More about: Little Dragon

With over a decade of international success under their belt, Little Dragon have become an essential staple of twenty-first century music. Writing their brand of soulful, electronic pop with a characteristically enchanting escapism, the band’s discography has evolved with colourful experimentalism, stemming from a host of eclectic influences including Alice Coltrane, A Tribe Called Quest and Brian Eno. Following on from the 2018 Lover Chanting EP, this March marked the release of New Me, Same Us, Little Dragon’s sixth studio album released via Ninja Tune.

The Swedish four piece, fronted by Yukimi Nagano - whose extensive catalogue of big name collaborations (Gorillaz, De La Soul, BADBADNOTGOOD, SBTRKT) sings not only of her creative versatility but the genre-spanning recognition of her artistry - is also comprised of multi-instrumentalists Håkan Wirenstarnd (keys), Fredrik Wallin (bass) and Erik Bodin (drums and percussion). Having played together since attending school in Gothenburg, the band have become fluent in fusing their individual approaches to crafting Little Dragon’s sound. “We’ve really worked together on this album and each person has added their own flavour to the mix,” says Yukimi. “Our strongest musical influences stay with us under our skin. We argue at times, but I think it’s all part of a healthy process that’s bound to happen when you work together. At this point, we know that our differences are not the end of the world. ” 

New Me, Same Us was created from a space of reflection. In its exploration of themes ranging from longing and heartache to individual empowerment and new-found optimism, the album takes an honest journey through a broad emotional spectrum. “I've been on some serious soul searching while writing this record,” Yukimi explains, “and it encompasses a whole range of my emotional experiences these last couple years. The messages are personal but universal - sometimes hidden, but at other times obvious. We worked hard at finding the courage to let go of our egos.” 

With a noticeably considered sound throughout, this focussed introspection is mirrored in the album’s humble, stripped-back instrumentation. Though retaining the melodic confidence of previous releases, New Me, Same Us takes a slight step away from the upbeat house-inspired rhythms and sunny sounds of Lover Chanting, and instead chooses a path of more raw, melancholic soundscaping. “Every album is its own chapter. For this record we gave up on old rules and came back to a more acoustic sound.” Opting to record and self-produce the album in their long-term home-built studio in Gothenburg allowed the four-piece to sculpt the songs with an assured sense of identity and uncompromised creative agency. “We wanted to keep the sound raw and unpolished - playing and recording bass and drums at the same time can definitely make it feel like more of a live set up. The connection we have in the studio and the ecstatic feeling of creating a song together definitely fuels our creativity further.” 

Whilst Little Dragon have remained comfortably grounded in their home studio retreat for close to the entirety of their career, they’re certainly no strangers to the road. The band have performed at at some of the world’s most revered festivals including Glastonbury, Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Sonar Festival, also co-headlining a show with Flying Lotus at Los Angeles’ Hollywood Bowl and playing Tyler, The Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw. “Travelling is always very inspirational; meeting new people and seeing new cultures,” comments Yukimi. “Through the years there’s been so many special moments from jumping cliffs into the ocean in Hawaii, to playing Glastonbury Festival, to a small show in the California Redwoods under a starry night. These memories stay with us!” On the stark difference between travelling globally to perform to thousands of people and the much more private writing process, Yukimi acknowledges the “struggle” to readapt. “They're two different worlds. But with some stubbornness you learn that you just need to keep writing a few bad songs until it starts getting exciting again.” 

The severe sting of the coronavirus pandemic has spared no victim in the music industry, and in Little Dragon’s case, it’s meant having to postpone what would’ve been a three month-long tour across Europe and North America. But, in the ethos of seeking the spaces “in which to create new narratives and forge your own path”, the band decided to live stream a concert and Q&A from their Gothenburg HQ on YouTube.  The concert was of course an unusual set up, but from their realm of glowing tones and neon warmth, Little Dragon welcomed thousands of viewers from all over the world into one shared space, forming an almost interactive experience that, in some ways, had a unique and special charm of its own. “Playing for an empty room is so different, and we definitely missed the energy of a crowd,” Yukimi reflects, “but looking back on it afterwards we noticed how many people actually were there with us, and that felt pretty moving and surreal.” 

As we all figure out how to navigate such unprecedented times, something that’s become abundantly clear is how vital music and creativity are to our expression, communication and experiences - something that Little Dragon hold close to their heart. “Throughout history they’ve always provided a way to cope with difficult times; a beautiful way to be sane and be human, to express your fears and dreams and longings. They’ve always been important, but maybe these times put us more in touch.” 

New Me, Same Us is out now. 

More about: Little Dragon