On Noah Guy’s new single “Brother’s Keeper,” we meet the rising soul-pop singer at his most honest and vulnerable yet.
The anthemic ode and intimate apology expresses Guy’s regret for not actively fostering a relationship with his brother. Progressive synths, live percussion, poignant lyrics, and his “Motown’s Greatest Hits” upbringing create a melody that breaks the mold of soul.
The message and sound of the song are elevated by saxophone riffs provided by Emmy award-winning saxophonist Braxton Cook. Guy and his brother’s mutual admiration for the multi-instrumentalist bonded the brothers in their teenage years.
We sat down with the City of Brotherly Love native to chat about the single and more!
What inspired your new single “Brother’s Keeper”?
The song was born out of a 2-year lapse in communication between myself and my older brother. The record for me initially just started out as an apology letter to him, acknowledging times where I fell short/wasn’t fully present for the family in ways I should’ve been. As I started writing more, it kind of just became this ode to brotherhood/sisterhood at large.
How did you get connected with saxophonist Braxton Cook, and what was it like to collaborate on this track?
Braxton and I met through a mutual connect almost 2 years ago. We were both featured artists in this little experimental film our friend was working on at the time. On set, we got to talking, sharing music, and then the rest fell into place! Eternally grateful for his involvement on this record and beyond. He’s contributed many sounds to both my last EP, ACT I, and this upcoming one, ACT II — he’s left a really special mark on the whole sonic world I’m building.
This single lands on the heels of your latest EP, WHO’S TAKEN TIME ?! (ACT I). How have you evolved as an artist since your debut EP ‘is it real?’?
Gosh, I feel like an entirely new artist ! “is it real ?” was really my first attempt at self-recording, getting used to my voice, and just learning how to make songs, haha. I recorded it all during the pandemic in my childhood bedroom with a Walmart mic and a $30 dollar interface — the training wheels were definitely still screwed on pretty tight, but I learned a lot about the type of music I want to make. “WHO TAKEN TIME ?!” really was just a deeper dive into that experimentation; I worked with a bunch of instruments, took a lot of risks with song-structure/composition, and really just put everything I had into making the best debut mixtape I possibly could. I love “classic” records, but I also love the dirt, grit, and freedom of a demo or “idea”. “WTT” I think, toes the line between both of those worlds. It’s a kind of sound/skill I’m still working towards, but ACT I and ACT II was a perfect crash course in it all.
You shared your reunion with your brother, as well as the filming of the visual with him. What was it like sharing that song with your Brother?
So so special. He flew out here from New York to be a part of the video, and I don’t believe he had heard the final product until I picked him up from the airport, haha. An emotional moment for us both sitting in the car and just listening. I was so nervous, but he loved it! A memory/moment I will forever hold near and dear.
If you could set fans up in the perfect environment to listen to the single, what do you imagine it looking like?
Hmm. The record is all about kinship, community, and really just taking time for the folks who have taken time for you…So I’d say tune in with a loved one. Let ’em know you care, and also, don’t be afraid to dance! Haha.
What do you hope listeners take away from this track?
Family ties are sacred, and brotherhood and sisterhood are something that should never be underserved. Look out for the folks who look out for you. I really couldn’t see myself clearly until I saw myself through my brother’s eyes.
What can fans look forward to next?
ACT II drops the first week of August!! The final victory lap to the “WHO TAKEN’ TIME ?!” project series. Maybe some live shows and other lil goodies too shortly after… I don’t wanna say too much yet, but I’m very excited for the rest of 2023.
What is one quote that you have heard or that you go by that you want to ECHO out to the world?
“See fantasy is what people want, but reality is what they need. And I just retired from the fantasy part.”
― Ms. Lauryn Hill