You know you’ve made it as an artist when other artists start covering tracks that you put out – and it’s safe to say that The Weeknd has made some serious waves with his new-school take on R&B. His debut album, Beauty Behind The Madness, was riddled with hits, tempting both serious electronic heavyweights, like RL Grime, and respected up-and-comers, like Steve James, to take on the challenge of remixing and covering a Weeknd track.
Hailing from Philly, Steve James is making a serious claim as my favorite up-and-comer in progressive house thanks to his willingness to evolve his sound. After a few months of hibernating in the studio, James triumphantly announced his return with his cover of The Weeknd’s “Earned It,” alongside Jasmine Thompson, the UK’s leading cover artist.
If The Weeknd’s original is dripping in sex and lust, then Steve James’ re-imagination takes that and dunks it into a pool of vibe-y goodness. James lays a bed of heavenly piano melodies and refreshing percussion work as Thompson’s ethereal voice draws you in until you’re lost in the beauty of the track.