Main Squeeze Keyboardist Smile High Announces ‘The Vibetape’ LP Packed with Rap/RnB Features
October 27, 2023 BY Bailey Vigliaturo
Today, LA-based producer/keyboardist Smile High announces his highly anticipated LP The Vibetape, a dynamic fusion of RnB, jazz, funk and hip-hop. Featuring over a dozen vocalists, including 6LACK, Chuck Inglish, Tiffany Gouché and Felly, the ten-track project cements Smile High (AKA Ben “Smiley” Silverstein) as a need-to-know producer and A&R.
The Vibetape is a joint effort between Smiley—who got his nickname from his “resting smile face”—and internationally known jam band The Main Squeeze, who he’s played keys with for over a decade. Each track on The Vibetape was recorded in a series of fun, low-pressure jam sessions at Smiley’s residence (AKA the Squeeze House). The atmosphere was specifically curated as a contrast to the fake kindness and forced networking entrenched in LA’s music scene.
Today, Smile High shares the second single from the project: “On the Way,” a sensual, downtempo duet between RnB vocalists Davion Farris and Cocoa Sarai with a prominent bass line.
“‘On The Way’ is a vibe,” shares Cocoa. “It’s grown, it’s sexy and it’s fun… The heart of creativity is improvisation and freedom. The Squeeze house is a poster child for that.
Fueled by the uniquely comforting recording environment of the Squeeze House, both artists transport the listener to an idyllic after-hours gathering. Play this one while sipping a glass of red wine and dipping your toes into a hot tub.
“Great energy, cool views, & fire music,” Davion adds of the recording environment. “Definitely set the tone for me and Cocoa to create a sexy vibe like ‘On The Way’.”
“Besides,” Cocoa concludes, “who doesn’t love doing dope shit with their dope ass friends?”
The Vibetape follows up Smiley’s debut project with Nettwerk back in April: Snack Pack (HERE), a chillhop-jazztronica fusion project created with instrumentalists Horace Bray and Teddy Roxpin.
“On the Way” is available at digital retailers here: https://smilehigh.ffm.to/ontheway