Super is the first single from my upcoming album, Between the Shadows.
“I always have the heart to feel
Don’t always have the nerve to try…”
Super is a song about the gap between who we would like to be and who we are. In the movie scene playing in my head, I’m confident, clever, heroic. In the real world, I forget my point halfway through a sentence and knock over someone’s whisky. Dedicated to all the overthinkers and dreamers!
I launched the single at the Glad Cafe in Glasgow on 15th June, supporting the magical So So Sad.
The set featured Maaike Siegerist on backing vocals and Chris Brambley from So So Sad on electric guitar.
“poetic lyrics … soulfully delivered by Slater” – York Calling
“a sincerity that leaves a lasting impression” – Direct-Actu.fr
“It starts off fairly translucent with syncopated arpeggios accompanying Jonni’s distinctive vocals but, as the track builds in layers, it becomes decidedly more cinematic, also offering smartly nuanced contrasts, stops, drops and dynamic shifts to keep events moving. Expertly done and impressive.” – Trust the Doc
Recording the song:
I recorded piano for the song at 45/R studio in the east end of Glasgow on a feisty Yamaha upright. The initial crunchy drum groove uses vintage drum machine sounds, later layered with drum-kit overdubs by Doug Knight at Chris Gordon’s studio. The intro synth was recorded onto four-track tape and played back for a real-life “tape start” effect and flutter.
“creative and catchy … an inspired piano arrangement” – Music For All
“refreshingly different … sung with conviction and soul” – Jelli Records
“this is for anyone who digs unique pop approaches that blend other genres in at free will” – The Sounds Won’t Stop
From the new album:
Between the Shadows
for release in autumn 2025