We previously featured A Project Called Love for capturing the vulnerability of new romance on the timeless and cinematic single, Chance Encounter, so when we found out that the talented Jay Hope was back with Chicago, we were curious to say the least and couldn’t wait to immerse ourselves in A Project Called Love‘s universe again and share our experience.

Chicago opens with a vibrant and uplifting guitar soundscape tapping into notions of ska-punk as Jay sings, “Just another night in a foreign town, got no plans at all, but you know I’m down…”. We immediately connect with the narrative-driven songwriting that manifests and the cinematic way that Jay brings his story of human connection to life.

In essence, the song is about meeting someone in Chicago, sparks flying and how the romantic pair were perceived by others to be wanting more. The instrumentation is dynamic and captivating, bringing some light hearted escapism to the world at a time when we need this euphoria the most.

We could imagine Chicago landing a sync placement in films like Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, Sing Street, or 500 Days of Summer, where it would effortlessly complement a coming-of-age romance. Naturally, we learn that the song was inspired by Jay Hope‘s own whirlwind encounter with a girl in Chicago.

We also appreciate the musicianship throughout, with Jay performing every instrument apart from the drums and the vibrant brass section. Fans of No Doubt and the Mighty Mighty Bosstones will find plenty to enjoy here. Originally from Cologne and now based in Venice, California, Jay Hope continues to follow his own creative compass. He perfectly sums up the project with the philosophy, “No boundaries. No genres. Just music straight from the heart.” 

Needless to say, we love what A Project Called Love is creating, have added Chicago to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist and can’t wait to hear where Jay Hope takes us next.

The post A Project Called Love relives the magic of a chance encounter with vibrant and cinematic single, Chicago appeared first on KIMU.

Drawing us in with an intimately strummed, acoustic guitar performance, A Project Called Love opens Chance Encounter with notions of timelessness and the lyrics, “Pumping heartbeat at first sight, freeze or just run and hide, a thousand thoughts all collide, take your cover, and protect your inside, and this runs on and on, nothing new, and I gather my hopes, rest on the next chance encounter with you…”

We immediately connect with the authenticity and raw emotion that transmutes with what A Project Called Love is sharing. The message is super relatable, and the portrayal of human connection, albeit vulnerable and real, feels extremely genuine.

The opus expands into a luscious alternative rock soundscape with a Brit-pop adjacency. The hooks are catchy and there is a cinematic allure that manifests. We could imagine Chance Encounter being featured in a film like Sliding Doors, or Trainspotting.

We appreciate the cello performance which adds depth and a high emotional quotient to the composition, whilst the acoustic guitar retains a sense of groundedness. Fans of Blur and Oasis will absolutely be able to connect with what A Project Called Love is creating.

We learn that A Project Called Love is the solo venture of recording artist, Jay Hope. He is a Venice-based musician whose roots run deep in the grunge and punk scenes since childhood. The multi-instrumentalist works alongside drummer Dennis, and cites Sublime and Bob Marley as well as The Shins, Oasis, Nirvana, and the Pixies as sonic influences, which we can feel come to life, especially with the project’s reggae inspired debut single. Jay shares his musical philosophy which feels zeitgeist and poignant: “A Project Called Love brings you music you’ll love.”

Needless to say, we are in awe, and have added Chance Encounter to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream the wider discography of A Project Called Love, including So Sublime, and Smack Dab in the Middle.

The post A Project Called Love captures the vulnerability of new romance on timeless and cinematic new single, Chance Encounter appeared first on KIMU.