It is never too early to start thinking about your summer playlist. Which songs do you like right now that you know would absolutely be perfect for a day lounging by the pool? Which new jams are going to serve as the perfect soundtrack for a tropical getaway? There are endless possibilities, but luckily, there’s still plenty of time to get that playlist just right. If you are in need of a little inspiration, you can always turn to Irish soul, pop, and funk musician TOUCAN. For the past few years, TOUCAN has been captivating audiences with his smooth blend of classical soul and modern pop tracks, taking fans on a charming ride. His music is simply meant to be enjoyed on a quiet summer evening or a sunny summer morning, and the songs on his new EP, Don’t Understand Why, are no exception.
The project begins with the title track, a patient and steady song about desire. Throughout the track, TOUCAN touches on a one-sided relationship where his feelings are not easily reciprocated. He sings, “I’m feeling the chemistry / Sparkling and burning between you and me / But I’m still not seeing enough of you and I together,” and pleads, “I just don’t understand why / Tell me baby / ‘Cause I just don’t get it, no,” wanting to be closer. We then move onto “You At Last,” which gives us a different perspective. Inspired by fans who had reached out and shared how his songs had served as first dance songs at their weddings, TOUCAN knew he needed to release a proper song that was intentionally made for that big moment. A warm and cozy offering that encourages lovers to curl up in each other’s arms, “You At Last” celebrates the joy of finding your soulmate. Over tender electric guitar-driven melodies, TOUCAN sings, “I’m wide awake but I think I’m dreaming / ‘Cause could it be true / That I got you at last?”
The second half of the EP is just as affectionate, with two songs that will get listeners in their feelings – their “love” feelings. With “If This Isn’t Love,” TOUCAN is totally convinced that love is in the air. Accompanied by the open sounds of the piano and soothing background vocals, he sings, “My heart beats soft and slow, and it follows where you go / Every little morning that I’m spending with you / Falling deeper by the minute,” following his heart. The EP then closes with “Where You Go,” an acoustic guitar-based track that finds TOUCAN in a state of longing. As if you are right there in the room with him, listening to his confessions, TOUCAN sings, “But every second that goes on by without you, babe / Feels like a day / I wanna go where you go / And when you’re not here at home / I’m gonna be waiting,” surrendering to his feelings.
Telling us more about Don’t Understand Why, TOUCAN shares,
“I’ve been writing in a few different styles over the last few years, and I wanted this release to feel cohesive, so I chose these songs because they all give me that feeling of a slow, sunny, Sunday morning. In a lot of the TOUCAN music, there’s a feel-good factor that I think has become an important part of the sound, and these songs all have that feeling for me.”
You can listen to Don’t Understand Why on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
Keep up with TOUCAN: Facebook // Instagram // X // YouTube // Website
