Sletta makes contemporary Jazzy neo-soul introduction / Take Your Time
Norwegian singer/songwriter releases charming debut asking us to pause.
London based Norwegian singer/songwriter Sletta wraps a delicate mix of neo-soul and contemporary jazz with her debut single – Take Your Time.
Inspired by Hiatus Kaiyote, Madison McFerrin and Nubiyan Twist, and her native and London life Sletta (Elisabeth Olsen) pens a single urging us to take a break from the fast pace of life.
The song is adorable from the first play with a catchy hook, floating on a sophisticated arrangement of horns, guitars chords, and keys. Centre stage without overemphasised flourishes is Sletta’s vocal melodies. Empathetic, intimate and soft as cream, her timbre renders this song endlessly playable.
“Take Your Time was initially written for a friend,” says Sletta “who was stressing out with not feeling like he was succeeding in life, a feeling that most of us have felt at some point. And so, we were talking about how good things take time and that taking small steps is important.
When I began writing the lyrics, the song took a bit of a turn. Without it being the intention, it started to reflect how we often try to avoid ending a relationship that isn`t good for us because we either fear being alone or fear the recovery process. A couple of years back I was at that point myself, and I learned that although saying goodbye is never easy, sometimes it`s the right thing to do.
Taking the time to focus on yourself and your growth can often be thought of as wasting time, but it`s extremely important when it comes to mental health and self-love. I wouldn`t say that it`s a selfish act, but more investment into creating happiness for yourself and for those around you.”
Over the past ten years, Norway’s music scene has seen an unprecedented growth in young artists reimagining the fusion of jazz, soul, and hip hop. This revolution is being skillfully cultivated and expanded by artists like Sletta, and the beginning of her jazzy neo-soul journey already has me smitten.
BONUS TRACK: The single includes a soothing intro track named Pust, which means breath in Norwegian, inviting you to pause for a moment and put everything on hold.
