In recent years, Chic mastermind Nile Rodgers has experienced something of a career resurgence. Though he’s been recording and producing music this entire time, acts like Daft Punk, Disclosure, Avicii, and Tensnake have helped bring Rodgers’ blend of disco to a whole new generation. Today, Rodgers steps out on his own with “Do What You Wanna Do”, his first new solo track of the decade.
As Rolling Stone points out, Rodgers originally recorded the track last summer during the Internal Music Summit in Ibiza. He had auctioned the song off to benefit his We Are Family charity, with Cr2 Records eventually placing the winning bid. The New York-based label plans to release the single for next month’s 10th anniversary celebration.
“I’ve been a big fan of Chic and Nile since a very young age, and it was just a cool project to be involved with,” Cr2 head Mark Brown told Rolling Stone. “Initially when we signed the record, there weren’t any verses in the track – it was just kind of Nile’s hook – so we worked with him to develop some extra verses and make it into a complete song.”
It’s quite clear that Rodgers’ time with the various up-and-coming EDM acts has had a sizable influence. The normally straightforward and satiny disco grooves are infused with layers of synths and loads of dub-inspired bass, lending the track a more club-ready feel. Still, Rodgers makes sure to maintain the focus on infectious rhythms and tight hooks, making this song accessible for even those of us with two left feet.
Watch the accompanying lyric video below:
“Do What You Wanna Do” will be available digitally on August 10th, and features remixes from Rob Da Bank, MK, and Eats Everything. Pre-orders are now ongoing.
