New music from Alli Cazaam

Born in Brooklyn in 2009, Alli Cazaam entered the world with a remarkable artistic inheritance; the daughter of Prince Rogers Nelson, the artist we all know as Prince, she’s embraced that legacy by allowing it to inspire her own creative path. After relocating to Chaska, Minnesota, she formed her Minneapolis-based band, The Cs and set out with a clear mission to honour the spirit of adventurous musical exploration that defined her father’s work while establishing a voice that’s entirely her own.

Even in her teens, Alli’s achievements have been extraordinary and by just sixteen, she stands as the only solo artist of her age to have released three Billboard-registered full-length studio albums, a milestone that underscores the incredible pace of her artistic journey. Aside from the statistics, the sheer breadth of her vision is perhaps what makes her so compelling as an artist on the rise. A multi-instrumentalist with a gift for moving between styles, she’s forged a sound that eschews stylistic labels, channelling genre as a playground as opposed to a box.

Her output first arrived publicly in 2023 with the debut single “Alakazaam!” which unveiled an artist eager to chart her own course, a promise that was soon fulfilled with the arrival of her debut album, Incantation, later that same year. A steady stream of new music followed, resulting in her eponymous sophomore record and confirming a creative momentum that’s shown no signs of slowing down ever since.

Beyond her recordings, her imagination extends into other forms and her acclaimed Cupid Guitar line has become an extension of her artistic identity, offering instruments that appeal to both newcomers and seasoned players. At the same time, she leads the Alli Cazaam Foundation, using her success to drive initiatives that support children and schools across the United States. Inspired by memories of classmates who lacked basic supplies, the foundation provides educational materials and contributes to school lunch programs, ensuring that students have both the tools and nourishment they need to thrive.

Now, with her third record titled AC3: Origins, she opens a new chapter with a seven-track outing that avoids normal structure, interweaving new songs with instrumentals and elaborate preludes. In doing so, it expands upon the multifaceted creative footprint that’s come to define her work while extending an invitation into a larger artistic world where composition, atmosphere and instrumental expression carry equal impact.

The bright flicker of bouncy piano notes and synth tones of opening track “Purple City” featuring The Aurora-Starlight Orchestra, set up the release while the beat of pulsing drums ushers in lively vocalisations and slick lead guitar flickers. Flowing with soft vocal performance and tapped percussion, Alli’s delicate voice hovers above the dreamy synth pop arrangement to craft a transportive soundscape brimming with tender melodies and heartfelt lyricism.

Following the instrumental version of the song, the accompanying prelude glides with bright piano tones before “Breakfast Rendezvous (Prelude)” introduces woozy instrumental leads, soft drums and atmospheric lead guitar flutters. The full version of “Breakfast Rendezvous” lands with pulsing bass lines and shuffling drums, forming an energising groove as the twang of guitar gives way to Alli’s catchy vocal leads, offering an infectious jam that’s instantly memorable and truly charming from start to finish.

The instrumental version of the song then follows before the record closes with “Things U Do,” which glides with the blend of twinkling piano, hazy vocals and soft textures. Developing with uptempo beats and driving guitar work, Alli’s expressive voice enters above the danceable rhythmic backdrop as colourful synth textures underpin her voice, resulting in an invigorating finale to her latest release.

Listen to AC3: Origins below

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