Brooklyn-based alt-soul musician and producer Yellow Shoots shares part two of the unflinching and unfiltered EP, Will You Bring The Rain? in a three-part series out now with “Soft One” and its New York City-set official music video, made by popular demand. Recorded straight to tape, the dreamy, cinematic project is a culmination of the artist’s last seven years–a place to pour his dreams, fears, and questions as he interrogates his own identity and self-worth. Yellow Shoots is set to perform live on August 2 at The Waiting Room in Atlanta and on September 5 at Gramps in Miami.
On the genre-blending, multi-faceted EP, which puts the artist’s whole self on full display, Yellow Shoots shares, “I think we’re in a world where we’re constantly judging a book by its cover. I wanted this music to have multiple identities, multiple layers. Unapologetic main character energy with a little bit of mystery. Self acceptance and self worth to the front.” Over groovy synths, smooth vocals and sticky melodies, Part 2 allows Yellow Shoots to plunge further into his darker, moodier sides with music that feels heavier and intimate.
Viral hit “Soft One” was created on Instagram Live in 2021 in front of fans, and completed in just a few hours, with a melody that emerged quickly. The retro-funk-tinged groove is an ode to self-confidence and finding strength in flaws. Yellow Shoots says the song, “is really about believing oneself and tapping into one’s shortcomings as actual superpowers.”
Capturing everyday life in New York City, the video was made only after numerous requests from listeners. Directed by Tex Ritter alongside Director of Photography Moe LaRena, Yellow Shoots explains, “We shot the whole video guerilla style. We wanted to capture the essence of everyday working NYC but with main character energy. We’re all dreamers in NYC and I think we did a good job presenting that idea.”
Yellow Shoots is the musical project of Brooklyn-via-Philadelphia artist Gregory Matthews, who plays and arranges all instruments himself, as he continues to develop his vast sonic universe. The musician’s creative process is uniquely immersive and collaborative with his listeners often interacting across social media. “Soft One” has garnered millions of views across social media and received cosigns from Timbaland, Jermaine White and former members of Jamiroquai. He recently appeared on the popular On The Radar Radio, which has seen the likes of Drake, Ice Spice, Big Sean and more, for a live session–watch.
The DIY musician has received praise from Variance Magazine, EARMILK, and Atwood Magazine and graced stages across New York City and Philadelphia, including support slots for Benny Sings and Magic City Hippies. With each new release, including the first installation, 2024’s Will You Bring The Rain?, Yellow Shoots unveils new sides of himself to his steadily growing, fervent fanbase who are eagerly anticipating his next move as he continues to carve his own lane.
At once sultry and spiritual, Will You Bring The Rain?, Pt. 2 out now sees Yellow Shoots seamlessly weave various sonic palettes together resulting in an honest, visceral body of work that captures who he is and who he would like to become. Later this summer, the artist is set to perform live on August 2 at The Waiting Room in Atlanta and on September 5 at Gramps in Miami. and Connect with Yellow Shoots via Instagram, YouTube and TikTok and stay tuned for more.