PREMIERE: San Francisco trio Karmacoda share dark-pop single 'Traps'

Hot Press are delighted to premiere the brand new dark-pop single from award-winning outfit Karmacoda, 'Traps'.

Set to be released this Friday, April 23rd via Sola Musa Music, 'Traps' is taken from the trio's upcoming album Slow Down, Melt and Catch Fire.

Following on from recent track 'Make Me The One', 'Traps' calls to a unique combination of Massive Attack, Radiohead, Frank Ocean, Glass Animals, Sia, Adele, Hope Sandoval and Alicia Keys.

While creating their otherworldly music, Karmacoda prioritise their lead singer Jessica Ford’s stunning vocals and the sophisticated production style.

In total, the trio has gained just under 650,000 plays across streaming platforms and have had their creations placed in several film and TV scores. The team is composed of Ford on vocals, founding member Brett Crockett (aka B.) on vocals and production and Japanese-American multi-instrumentalist Eric Matsuno taking on bass and other unique elements.

Karmacoda's debut album Reco Mended was released back in 2001. Jessica Ford joined the group as the permanent lead singer in 2015, later releasing the group's 2018 album Intimate.

An intimate duet between Jessica and Brett, 'Traps' explores the dark complexities found within an unhealthy relationship. Featuring acapella elements and deep basslines creating a downtempo drive, the new track is both alluring and refined as light and dark vocals gently play with each other.

“The album was written over the last year of quarantine and during the stay at home order," Jessica tells Hot Press.

"‘Traps’ was written not only from being trapped at home, but being trapped in a relationship simultaneously. It's about wanting to get out but you can't.”

B. elaborates further:

“Jessica wrote the lyrics for the duet and I love the way you hear both singers point of view solo and then culminating in the final chorus where we sing together.”

Jessica spent 10 years living in Nashville, Tennessee and has won several awards; including the Hallman Award from the Tennessee Songwriters Association. One of her award-winning songs was recorded by Grammy Award winner Linda Davis. As a vocal coach, she has seen multiple clients appear on American Idol and The Voice USA. The KARMACODA outfit are now based in San Francisco, preparing to release their brand new LP.

Listen exclusively to 'Traps' below:

Slow Down, Melt and Catch Fire Tracklist

1. Dream On
2. We Know Just What To Do
3. Make Me The One
4. Lo-Fi Girl
5. Deep (Three)
6. Feels
7. Traps
8. Departure
9. Stay
10. Never
11. How I Feel
12. Not Afraid
13. Becoming One
14. Burn

Photo credit: Gianfranco Bichine