TRACK OF THE WEEK: Nite Jewel “Real High”

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Photo by Leo García

For those of us still recovering from yesterday’s unofficial holiday, the latest track from L.A.-based singer/songwriter/producer Ramona Gonzalez – better known as Nite Jewel – holds some definite promise for coming down. “Real High” is the title track from Nite Jewel’s forthcoming album, which she’ll release via her own imprint, Gloriette Records, on May 5th. The track’s languorous, barely-there beat trickles through the sidereal composition, all luminous synths and Gonzalez’s breathy, pensive lyrics.

Along with the single comes the announcement that Nite Jewel will tour for the first time in five years. Sidelined after splitting from Secretly Canadian following the release of 2012’s One Second of Love, Gonzalez wanted more control over her music, and though it took her a moment to regain her bearings, she’s been prolific since starting her own label – Real High comes on the heels of last year’s burbling Liquid Cool and a duet EP with Dâm-Funk. Real High will also get a companion EP courtesy of electro label Italians Do It Better. The 12″ is called Obsession and will feature remixes and b-sides from the Real High sessions.

“Real High” feels especially reflective of Gonzalez’s search for greater artistic control couched in the symbolism of romantic love’s ups and downs; its relaxed vibe belies a proactive longing for more at the song’s heart. Gonzalez cited Janet Jackson’s ’90s R&B albums as a sonic touchstone for the record, and on “Real High,” she makes sly references to the iconic singles from Janet’s 1993 eponymous album every time she sings “Isn’t that the way love goes?” Gonzalez is lost in her own interior dialogue, but something tells us she’ll emerge from her reverie ready to take on the world.

Listen to “Real High” below, pre-order the album via bandcamp, and catch Nite Jewel this summer on her massive tour (dates listed after the video).

Nite Jewel Tour Dates:
5-20 – Los Angeles, CA – The Getty Center
5-24 – Bucharest, RO – Control Club
5-25 – Vienna, AT – Hyperreality
5-26 – Rome, IT – Spring Attitude Festival
5-27 – Ancona, IT – Loop
5-28 – Padova, IT – Student Summer Festival
5-29 – Livomo, IT – Aurora
5-30 – Bologna, IT – Freakout
5-31 – Milan – Secret Showcase
6-01 – Baden, CH – Werkk
6-04 – London, UK – Camden Assembly
6-08 – Paris, FR – Le Point Ephemere
6-09 – Amsterdam, NL – Paradiso
6-10 – Rotterdam, NL – V11
7-07 – San Francisco, CA – Rickshaw Stop *
7-08 – Portland OR – Doug Fir *
7-09 – Seattle WA – Barboza *
7-11 – Vancouver, BC – Fox Cabaret *
7-13 – Boise, ID – Neurolux *
7-14 – Salt Lake City, UT – Urban Lounge *
7-17 – Denver, CO – Lost Lake *
7-18 – Minneapolis, MN – 7th St Entry *
7-19 – Chicago, IL – Chop Stop *
7-20 – Grand Rapids, MI – The Pyramid Scheme *
7-21 – Toronto, ON – Baby G *
7-22 – Montreal, QC – Vitrola *
7-25 – Burlington, VT – Arts Riot *
7-26 – Boston, MA – ONCE *
7-27 – Brooklyn NY – BK Bazaar *
7-28 – Philadelphia, PA – Johnny Brenca’s *
7-29 – Washington, DC – Rock n Roll Hotel *
7-31 – Atlanta, GA – Masquerade *
8-01 – New Orleans, LA – Gasa Gasa *
8-04 – Austin, TX – Sidewinder *
8-05 – McCallen, TX – Yerberia Cultura *
8-10 – Phoenix, AZ – Crescent Ballroom *
8-11 – San Diego, CA – Casbah *
8-12 – Los Angeles, CA – Teragram Ballroom *

* w/ Geneva Jacuzzi & Harriet Brown[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]