With The Oscars rapidly approaching, Andra Day is inching closer to the Hollywood breakout she deserves. But the award season buzz isn’t keeping the singer from pushing forward with new music.
In fact, Day released her first non-soundtrack song of the year this morning, teaming with Anderson .Paak for the new single, “Phone Dies.” Over housy synths and a driving shuffle, Day stacks harmonies and builds a groove that’s ready for the dance floor (as soon as they’re cleared for a safe re-entry.)
And it’s a welcomed return for the singer, who hasn’t released an album that wasn’t attached to a film project since 2015’s Cheers To The Fall. In the years since her debut, Day has had a foot in the worlds of both music and film, landing roles in 2017’s Marshall and Cars 3 before portraying the late Billie Holiday in the recently released biopic, The United States vs. Billie Holiday. For her latest role, Day won a Golden Globe for “Best Actress in a Motion Picture.” And at this year’s Academy Awards ceremony, she’ll contend with Viola Davis, Carey Mulligan, Vanessa Kirby, and Frances McDormand for “Best Actress in a Leading Role.” In preparation for the role, Day underwent a taxing transformation, shedding 40lbs while picking up smoking and drinking to immerse herself in the world of the jazz icon who inspired her own stage name (Billie Holiday’s nickname was “Lady Day.”)
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Best guide to hip hop, soul, reggae concerts & events in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles & New York City + music, videos, radio and more
J Boog
Tuesday, June 16 @ UC Theater, Berkeley
DaBoyDame w/ Keyshia Cole, Plies +more
Friday, June 19 @ Fox Theater, Oakland
Buju Banton & Stephen Marley
Saturday, June 20 @ Fox Theater, Oakland
Kev Choice Ensemble
Friday, June 26 @ Yoshi's, Oakland
Khalid
Friday, June 26 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley
Thee Sacred Souls
Saturday, Aug 15 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley
Jungle
Wednesday, Oct 7 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley
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