On October 18th, legendary downtempo music producer Eric Hilton drops a standalone new single, entitled “Little Odessa”.
On both his Thievery Corporation and solo recordings, Eric Hilton has demonstrated remarkable curational skills when choosing guest vocalists. On “Little Odessa”, DC indie combo The Infinite Daisy Chains‘ Kristina Westernik-Dandridge provides cocktails-on-a- cloud vocals that intersect bossa nova and dream pop. Hilton came across Westernick- Dandridge and her husband Ian on social media and was compelled by their sound. “I saw their live show and thought it was just fantastic, especially as they were just two people onstage. I thought Kristina would be great on something of mine. They both came to my studio and I realized Ian is an amazing guitar player, so he played on the single too. They’re really lovely, musically aware people – it was a really enjoyable, simpatico collaboration,” noted Hilton.
Kristina Westernik-Dandridge also provided lyrics (and the title) for the track, drawn from her memories of many visits to see relatives in the Little Odessa/Brighton Beach neighbourhood of Brooklyn NY. Little Odessa is named after a city in Ukraine and has the largest population of Russian immigrants in the Western Hemisphere. “I’m fascinated by the place, it’s one of the most unique neighborhoods I’ve ever been to in America. Kristina’s stream of consciousness lyrics are so romantic and transportive, they worked on every level for me.” says Hilton.
Hilton’s inspirations for the “Little Odessa” single are diverse. “While putting the track together, I thought a lot about the Camino Del Sol album by Antena, and this song “Touch” by Lori & The Chameleons that WHFS FM used to play,” says Hilton. “I like that unassuming, outsider indie new wave thing. When I make music, I often chase the edges of what I like musically, which can be a little obscure. When you’re making your own records, you’re the sole arbiter of taste. It’s more pressure; but it’s nice to feel that pressure. Especially when you end up with something beautiful.”
Journey to “Little Odessa” with Eric Hilton on October 18th, available on download and streaming platforms and limited edition 7” vinyl with an unreleased B-side in November via Montserrat House. Buy it here.
