The Listening Room

This week in sound club, we’re getting into Moon Shoes by Ravyn Lenae 🌙✨ Released in 2015 when she was still a teenager (around 16–17 years old), this EP is such a standout introduction to her artistry. Coming out of Chicago, Ravyn Lenae was already shaping a sound that blends R&B, neo soul, and electronic influences in a way that feels both fresh and intentional. Around this time, she was closely working with producers from Chicago’s creative scene, especially the Zero Fatigue collective, including Monte Booker, whose production plays a huge role in defining the EP’s airy, experimental feel. Being surrounded by young, innovative creatives really helped shape the sound of Moon Shoes into something that didn’t quite fit into one box. The project has this dreamy, almost weightless quality, like you’re floating through each track. Even this early in her career, you can hear how she uses her voice as part of the soundscape, not just the center of it. It’s a short project, but it really sets the tone for the kind of artist she would become, creative, genre bending, and super atmospheric. Before you listen, think about: • Have you heard Ravyn Lenae before? • What are you expecting this project to sound like based on the title Moon Shoes? • What kind of mood are you in going into this listen? Press play and just float with it ☁️

I was pretty off last week. Maybe I'll do a bit better this time... • Have you heard Ravyn Lenae before? I haven't. • What are you expecting this project to sound like based on the title Moon Shoes? Something light and airy with some synthetic atmosphere? • What kind of mood are you in going into this listen? It's 8:30am on a Monday so I could use something that eases me into the week. Pressing play!

What an interesting listen. No lie, I hit play on this album at least 7 or 8 times. I consistently find that I'm immediately sucked into the vibe, start to groove with the music, and then it's 30 minutes later and I don't know what I just listened to. I mentioned it during Blossom Dearie - I find that the beat-driven, synthetic environment combined with her repeating vocal melodies and rhythmic lyrics turn into an experience similar to electronic music. I ended up feeling the music more than hearing the music. So while I really dug the listen, nothing really stuck for me aside from how much I absolutely love the texture and timbre of her voice. I sort of have the same feeling about Jack Harlow's new album over in ZERO SKIPS, although Ravyn's vocals are infinitely better than Harlow's. Both are musically really awesome albums that, as @harlanworld put it, would be great music to cook to. Thanks for another thoughtful pick. Looking forward to the next one!

I like the description “great music to cook to” lol I will def be using that. I also agree with your thoughts about the album. This is my first time listening to it completely through as I usually only listen to blossom dearie, right of spring, free room, and moon shoes. Listening to the entire album together makes the songs feel a bit more underwhelming than I remember. My favorite song is definitely free room though. I can never get enough of that song.

I will say, this being her first project that she made while still in high school, is pretty good. And I can see the growth from this project to her more recent projects. I love that she is getting the recognition she deserves now.