Double Grammy Award-winner Fantastic Negrito has shared his new single, ‘I’m So Happy I Cry’, the latest track to be taken from his hugely anticipated new album, Have You Lost Your Mind Yet?, which is out August 14 via Cooking Vinyl/Blackball Universe.

The track – which features powerhouse vocals from Tarriona ‘Tank’ Ball of New Orleans’ Tank and the Bangas – is joined by an equally colourful companion video, streaming now at the official Fantastic Negrito YouTube channel.

Ball said of the song: “‘I’m So Happy I Cry’ to me is about being so overjoyed when change finally comes from living a life of constant fear and survival. It’s the truest testament in believing not only is change gonna come, but it is here."

“I was really inspired to write ‘I’m So Happy I Cry’ the day after reading of Juice WRLD’s death,” Negrito says. “There are so many young artists suffering from what I perceive as mental illness. Imagine having everything you want in the world and still feeling the need to medicate until it kills you. There is something very sick -- and tragic -- about that.

“I mention them because this current movie that’s on repeat, I’ve seen it before, I’ve been in it, and I want to speak out. I want to warn them that they are surrounded by people and companies who profit from the destruction of their mind, bodies, souls and ultimately their community. I’m a middle-aged guy. I have small children, so I try to be very careful about what I’m putting out into the universe. If I feel like I have some experience or wisdom on an issue, I try to make a contribution.

“Working with Tank was such a joy,” Negrito adds. “She is a powerful, dynamic artist, and we made a little bit of history together. It was the first time that two Tiny Desk winners collaborated on a song. I think it really gives validation to how important Bob Boilen and the NPR Tiny Desk Contest are. None of this would have happened without them.”

Have You Lost Your Mind Yet? arrives everywhere via Cooking Vinyl and the artist’s own Blackball Universe on Friday, August 14.

TRACKLISTING

Chocolate Samurai

I’m So Happy I Cry

How Long?

Shigamabu Blues

Searching For Captain Save A Hoe

Your Sex Is Overrated

These Are My Friends

All Up In My Space

Justice In America

King Frustration

Platypus Dipster

As we begin our gradual emergence from enforced hibernation, in Ireland at least, it’s encouraging and gratifying to do so with a record of diverse, and exciting, homespun ditties such as this one.  Quarantine has been disproportionately unkind to the creative community but there is an upside to everything and time away from touring, promotion, day jobs and all the other distractions of quotidian existence has been an artistic boon for some.  Paddy McGovern’s debut EP, The Woods, made my end of year list in 2016. I still listen to it now.

His lo-fi indie is reminiscent of Sebadoh and modern indie gems like So Cow, Yip Man, and Benjamin Shaw.  The first release from the EP came out a year ago and the COVID-19 lockdown has given him the opportunity to finish The Mines.  The music feels simultaneously lush and sparse.  It's warm and inviting like slipping into old pyjamas.   ‘Room’s guitar solo has a Sonic Youth vibe and, as with The Woods, there’s a different feel and different genre on each track.  It's an old-fashioned approach that lends The Mines a timeless quality.

I've previously compared them to The Flaming Lips, Jose Gonzalez, Pugwash, The Beta Band and ‘60s bands like The Kinks and Herman’s Hermits.  I can comfortably trot out those same references, and add in Louth’s Elephant, after seeing them a few times at Vantastival.  ‘Mash Potato’ is a daft Beach Boys tune with shades of The Wiggles and Weezer.  The wonky guitar solo only adds gravy to this delightfully unselfconscious ditty.  The bluesy, psychedelic ‘River’ closes out affairs with a distinctly ‘70s vibe, and lashing of Hendrix-y lead lines.

Until the record shops reopen, show your support and download ‘Room’ today, and The Mines when it comes out on Friday July 10.