Sugarcane returns with their eclectic sound through new single ‘Shambala Mess’. Frontman Robin French is a man of many talents from being the bassist of Mr. Hudson and the Library (who have supported icons including Amy Winehouse, The Police and Kanye West.) Since then he has been successful as a scriptwriter – creating and writing five series of the award-winning BBC1/Netflix sitcom Cuckoo and writing plays for the RSC, The Royal Court, and The National.
Music-wise his mixed British and Caribbean heritage influences his hybrid sound and on ‘Shambala Mess’ this is evident with soft vocals over Bahian drumming, French chansons, and Trinidadian steel pan. Sugarcane smoothly combines indie with samba, bossa nova with calypso – an interesting combination which totally works and draws the listener in.
Joining Robin French in Sugarcane are Siân Herbert (Steel Pan, Flute, BVs), Teddy Niesyto-Bame (percussion, BVs) and top Brazilian rhythm section – drummer Xande Oliviera and double bassist Klaus Stahr (Captain Ska).
Amongst many other accolades, features on BBC Introducing and praise from tastemakers, Sugarcane was longlisted for Glastonbury Emerging Acts 2019.
Check out Sugarcane’s exciting new single ‘Shambala Mess’ now.
