Beyondré (aka André Baum) is set to release his debut album, "Berlin Blue," on Chapelle XIV Music. The first single and video, "Runaway," dropped on April 14th, with the second single, "What You Need," scheduled for release on May 12th
“Berlin Blue”, the highly anticipated album showcases Baum’s fresh and eclectic pop-leaning productions in the realm of modern electronic music. Fans can look forward to getting their hands on the album in both vinyl and digital formats starting June 9th.
The album represents a transformative journey for Baum, drawing from his personal experiences and years of electronic experimentation. The album promises a captivating listening experience, delivering innovative soundscapes and introspective themes.
“What You Need,” the upcoming single, delves into the concept of self-honesty and the transformative potential found beneath the surface of painful life events. Baum’s inspiration for the song stemmed from being stuck in New York during the initial COVID-19 lockdown and going through a breakup with his girlfriend in Berlin. These seemingly unrelated events revealed unhealthy habits and bitter truths on a personal and societal level.
The track encourages listeners to question the alignment between their desires and true needs. Regardless of life’s highs and lows, attachments, and losses, “What You Need” emphasises the importance of recognising these experiences as catalysts for personal growth and self-reflection. Baum acknowledges the role of pain as a teacher, regardless of whether one’s heart is open or broken. The chorus poses the question, “Is it what you need?” while the second chorus accepts the situation as “It’s what you need,” resulting in a bittersweet yet cathartic release.
The production of “What You Need” started as an experiment to create a faster, more intimate electronic track. Baum incorporated his voice as percussive loops, layered with lively electronic drums and a subtle acid-techno bass line. As the melody and lyrics took shape, the song evolved into an emotionally charged piece while retaining its dance floor sensibility. The addition of a Rhodes piano in the second verse amplifies the personal aspect of the track, symbolising the shift from external experiences to introspection. The final coda features an improvised melodic line played on an analogue mono synth, providing a voice-like quality that signifies letting go. The fading Rhodes piano and the pulsing acid line symbolise a solitary beating heart.
