GINGE drops debut album ‘Playing Around’

GINGE is an alternative pop artist with an enticing blend of soul, pop, R&B and jazz who’s been on an extraordinary musical journey since making her debut in 2019. Originally arriving on the scene with her debut single “Crawl,” GINGE quickly captured the attention of listeners with her shimmering sound and heartfelt lyrics.

Over the years, she’s released multiple well-received singles and EPs, clocking over ten million Spotify streams and earning a loyal fan base. Her rise has been marked by performances at major festivals like ESNS, Into The Great Wide Open and MS Dockville as well as regular radio support on Dutch stations like 3FM and NPO Radio 2.

Her music is a personal journey of turning life’s hurdles into songs that are as therapeutic as they are catchy. Her EPs Belly and Bummer showcased her versatility as an artist, balancing vulnerability and strength through her own unique style. Now, GINGE takes the next big step in her career with the release of her debut full-length record, Playing Around, a thirteen-track album that builds on her distinct sound while adding new elements of emotion and artistic playfulness.

The album is largely produced by Boudewijn Pleij, a member of the internationally acclaimed jazz collective .multibeat, which gives Playing Around its rich, genre-fluid sound. GINGE’s neo-soul style vocals are cut with modern pop, R&B and jazz arrangements, creating a delightful listening experience throughout.

Opened by the hazy tones of “Trampoline,” airy vocals float above a retro blend of piano plinks, guitar chords and soft percussion before gradually coming into focus with crisp beats and dreamy instrumentation. Instantly memorable vocal leads glide above the mellow groove of the track, resulting in a superb jam of enduring quality and original songwriting.

“On Paper” hops with a slick groove as snapping beats and soft key stabs underpin her soulful vocal leads to craft an infectious sound of smooth modern pop music. “Mary Go Round” offers gripping rhythms, delicate guitar tones and GINGE’s silky voice, forming a charming sound that’s at once catchy and dreamy.

Other highlights on the record include tracks like “Rush” with its playful vibe and shuffling rhythms as GINGE’s expressive vocal performance flows from hushed delivery to subtly defiant hooks. The perfect display of her cutting-edge writing that filters retro influences through a thoroughly current sonic lens, it’s a stellar track that’s impossible not to love.

Closing the album with “Butterfly Effect,” vintage instrumental tones of bright guitar and laid back drum taps provide the backing for GINGE’s rapped style vocals to glide above. Shifting with elegant melodic stretches above soft piano tones, the track swells into a timeless soul pop sound full of graceful vocal layers and exquisite musicianship to deliver an enchanting final moment on GINGE’s incredible debut album. With an upcoming album release live show at Amsterdam’s iconic Paradiso, GINGE is set to dazzle fans with her new material on stage at an unmissable event.

Listen to Playing Around below