Featuring collaborators April + Vista, a duo that hails from the DMV (DC, MD, VA) like McClenney, “Love In The Sky” is a lush production packed with emotive lyrics and a truly retro R’n’B essence. Featuring vocals from both McClenney and April George, “Love In The Sky” features a downtempo melody constructed of drum kit, analog synth, bass guitar, and layered vocals. Representing the first ever feature on one of McClenney’s tracks, “Love In The Sky” is a hypnotizing four-minute single that is both contemporary and classic in construction and sound.
Much of the influence of “Love In The Sky,” and the remainder of “I’m Not Here,” stems from legendary act Earth, Wind, & Fire. Written and recorded at Earth, Wind, & Fire’s little known private studio from the 70s & 80s in LA, a place where modern artists such as Frank Ocean, Rhye, Boogie and legendary artists Prince, Quincy Jones, Fleetwood Mac, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg, have also recorded, ‘I’m Not Here’ finds a special home preserving the legacy of the group while solidifying a new one for McClenney. With the exception of “SOS,” ‘I’m Not Here’ was written, produced, and performed solely by McClenney. Still to come on the project are three additional singles that will debut upon the project’s full release on April 5th.
The latest project follows a massive few years for Chris McClenney that includes a Grammy certificate win for his production on H.E.R’s “Gone Away,” a Grammy nomination for production on Khalid’s 2017 smash “Location,” as well as production on projects for Smino, Marco McKinnis, Shady Records artist Boogie’s LP Everything For Sale, and more. You also may be familiar with Chris thanks to his Alternative R&B playlist placements on Spotify, as well as his feature as the cover image for this playlist. He’s rounded it all out with time on the road with Red Bull Sound Select & Bibi Bourelly, and upcoming will be the face of Amazon Music’s “Introducing: R&B” playlist. With a debut LP currently in the works, Chris McClenney’s voice is one that will soon become inescapable.