Little Dragon sign to Ninja Tune and announce new EP

11 October 2018 - Press release

Scandinavian luminaries Little Dragon announce their new ‘Lover Chanting’ EP, the band’s first release after signing with iconic label Ninja Tune. In addition, the band today unveil the EP’s title track ‘Lover Chanting’, an invigorating blend of bass-heavy electronica and R&B sensibilities that sonically finds Little Dragon exploring exciting new territory. The brand new 3 track EP, self-produced by the band in their Gothenburg studio is set for release digitally on 9th November with a special limited edition 12” vinyl release scheduled for 16th November. 

Little Dragon wanted to bring new music into the world that has an airy and fun lightness to it. “For all the lovers out there, chant along! Dance for peace and unity in this world of madness!” declare the band. Lead singer Yukimi Nagano adds that the EP is about, “The force of love. Not only between two people but the force of love in this universe as the ultimate ecstasy. Whether that is while you’re dancing at a disco forgetting where you are or just staring at the moon on a clear night, it can be anything. A swim in the ocean, a glance at a stranger--it’s a personal individual thing. Call it what you want but we have all felt it. So, embrace the great mystery of everything that your brain can’t grasp and lose track in the most beautiful sense.” 

The story behind the track’s origins is as idiosyncratic and left-of-centre as you would expect from a band that have spent their career consistently playing by their own rules. "It started with Fred searching for a wedding march inspired by a Swedish prog funk folk keyboardist called Merit Hemmingson”, explain the band from their Gothenburg bunker. “Erik got inspired by the track and started singing! After Erik wrote his vocal verses Yukimi got a bit worried about his lyrical abilities and stepped in to add her part on the song. Håkan flew to Germany to record a beautifully tuned clavinet. Once the clavinet was recorded Fred and Erik added their flavour with some drums and deep synth bass. For all the lovers out there, chant along! Dance for peace and unity in this world of madness.“ 

This announcement from Little Dragon comes hot on the heels of recent collaboration ‘Tried’ with BADBADNOTGOOD, as well as their feature with Vic Mensa on Christian Rich’s ‘Dripping Summers’, not to mention extensive touring Stateside over the summer which saw the band co-headline Los Angeles’ near 20,000 capacity Hollywood Bowl and Berkley’s Greek Theatre alongside Flying Lotus. The band have a run of performances in the US this October before bringing their undisputable, tightly-honed live show to London’s Printworks on Friday 2nd November in support of the new EP. 

The ‘Lover Chanting’ EP showcases the forward-facing, pioneering spirit that has cemented Little Dragon’s status as one of the most universally adored outfits working today. From early collaborations with Gorillaz, SBTRKT, Kaytranada & Flume through to recent tracks with Faith Evans, Raphael Saadiq and the previously mentioned BADBADNOTGOOD and Vic Mensa collaborations earlier this summer, Little Dragon have continued to be at the forefront of the collective music consciousness, consistently inspiring existing icons alongside a whole new generation of emerging artists. The band have also continued a longstanding tradition of working with some of the most exciting creatives across the arts. Having collaborated extensively with IB Kamara (i-D, Dazed, Vogue) and David Uzochukwu (Dior, FKA Twigs, Nike) on previous album ‘Season High’, the band worked with exciting newcomer Vicki King on the imagery for the forthcoming campaign. The band are also set to continue their close relationship with David Uzochukwu with the release of a new book of unpublished imagery taken while David travelled with the band on the road over the last 18 months. 

‘Lover Chanting’ EP Tracklist (Digital) 

1. Lover Chanting
2. In My House
3. Timothy
4. Lover Chanting (Edit)
 

‘Lover Chanting’ EP Tracklist (Vinyl) 

1. Lover Chanting
2. In My House
3. Timothy