Kan Wakan Releases "No Sweat off my back" ahead of new album

Splitting his time between L.A. and the U.K. Gueorgui Linev -better known as Kan Wakan- has been slowly teasing us with the release of his upcoming "Phantasmagoria Vol.2" in the form of two -now three- singles that build up all of the anticipation you could possibly ask for. "No Sweat off my Back" is the name of this third single release and in classic Kan Wakan form, it is moody, spacious, elegant, and mystifying.

Featuring friend and previous Collaborator SAIGO, "No Sweat Off My Back" comes in a smooth alt-R&B flavor you'll be familiar with if you listened to songs like "Still Feather", with fans of Kan Wakan more than acquainted with this M.O. of bringing in wonderful singers to manifest Linev's songwriting. In classic Kan Wakan Fashion. the moody and deeply atmospheric track features an interplay between traditional acoustic instruments as well as the downtempo electronica and synth, a branded sound that is deeply inspired by and connected to the classical music heritage of this Bulgarian-born powerhouse composer.

Though not exactly pessimistic, "No Sweat" offers the listener a strong sense of ennui without coming off as cynical and aloof. The song ponders upon themes of social decadence and decay in a waltz through the dystopic modern landscapes where material abundance is not a synonym for social prosperity, and technological prowess numbs and alienates as much -if not more- than it connects. The song seems to somewhat follow in the wake of Kan's previous single in collab with Jessica Childress, "Oh Mother", a song inspired by the Killing of George Floyd and the ensuing socio-political turmoil.

Though his last album release came in 2018, Kan Wakan has been busy producing and playing live shows in Sofia, Bulgaria. His talents have been recruited by figures such as Moses Sumney, Thundercat and more recently, rapper Baby Keem took on Linev's song "Unlucky", placing it in his acclaimed “The Melodic Blue,” which debuted at #5 on Billboard charts this year.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Samuel Aponte is Venezuelan-born raised and based. 

I joined Rival Magazine after a few years of doing PR work for independent musicians of all stripes; understanding their struggles to be heard in a sea of constant  ADHD noise and paywalled access to platforms, I now bring a willingness to always appreciate and encourage the effort and creativity that artists put into their work . Can also find some of my writings on LADYGUNN and We Found New Music.