Ahead of releasing his debut album Process on February 2, last week, Sampha released a new single, (No One Knows Me) Like The Piano – his third from the upcoming record. The intimate, stripped back track features nothing more than Sampha and his piano, and is a tenderly moving ode to the piano he grew up with in his mother’s home, and his mother, who passed away last year after battling cancer; Sampha had moved back home to care for her in her final years, during which he wrote the majority of Process on the piano.
Just a couple of days after the release, the London-born, 27-year-old Sampha Sisay took his new track over to the US to perform on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. While footage exists of Sampha performing the song during several recent concerts, the typically grainy, fan-shot footage is nothing compared to this. The stripped back video resembles a more high-production version of the single’s accompanying artwork, which similarly featured the artist sitting at his piano, the only items in a large, bare space. Armed by nothing – no effects, backing track, or electronic augmentation in any way, the intimacy of this performance – despite taking place in front of an audience of millions – is incredible.
Grab the tissues – no, really – and immerse yourself in what will probably be one of the most beautiful songs of 2017. And yes I’m aware that’s a big call to make on the 15th of January.
Although he his widely known for his collaborations with SBTRKT, Drake, Kanye West, Solange, Frank Ocean and FKA Twigs to name just a few, Sampha’s debut EPs showcased what he’s capable of without external influence or direction. We truly cannot wait to hear how this sound is expanded upon throughout his upcoming album, easily one of the most highly anticipated of 2017.
Sampha’s Process comes out on February 2, 2017 via Young Turks / Remote Control Records. He will also be touring internationally throughout the year, local dates can be found below:
May 24: Studio, Auckland
May 25: The Triffid, Brisbane
May 27: Sydney Opera House, Sydney
May 29: The Croxton Bandroom, Melbourne
Image: Youtube