The Do Yo Thangs are Melbourne’s newest future soul/R&B slow jammers who have recently signed to Australian funk/soul label HopeStreet Recordings and released their debut single and title track from their upcoming EP One Plus One.

The group is made up of songwriter/drummer/singer Hugh Rabinovici and vocalist Audrey Powne of Au Dré fame, accompanied by an assortment of talented musicians. The core duo met in jazz school and bonded over a shared love of Erykah Badu, so they’re the ideal people to speak to about all things slow and smooth.

The Do Yo Thangs launch their EP at The Gasometer Hotel on September 8th with support from Wilsn, Dx Heaven & DJ Big Rig (The Harpoons). To celebrate their EP release, Hugh has put together a list of the most influential albums of slow jams and R&B that belong in any collection.

Erykah Badu – Baduizm

This album was love at first listen. The first track, Rim Shot, really hit me in the guts. I found the story telling so captivating and was convinced I might actually see Erykah next lifetime.

Stevie Wonder – Talking Book

Choosing my favourite Stevie album was the most difficult task I’ve undertaken all year. The song writing, arranging, lush synths and vocal performances on this record just kill me. Stevie truly was a 12 year old genius.

Little Dragon – Little Dragon

This band can do no wrong in my eyes. I saw them live last year and realised I love every single one of their songs. I’m super inspired by their blend of live instrumentation with electronica/programming and the most beautiful synth sounds I could imagine. Yukimi’s silky vocals are full of subtle intricacies that keep my ears peeled every listen.

D’Angelo – Voodoo

This album is 16 years old but sounds like it could have been released this year. I never tire of D’Angelo’s vocal delivery, so sly an sensual. The lil close voiced trumpet harmonies are so tasty and Questlove lays it down like no other. Feel for days.

The Internet – Ego Death

This album was the sound track to my life for a while. I love the production, there’s heaps going on but there is an incredible sense of space.

Bill Withers – Still Bill

An album full of absolute bangers. Bill Wither’s vocals are like a musical hand hold. And James Gadson’s drumming, good grief, the dude can hold down a beat.

Oumou Sangare – Ko Sira

Perhaps technically considered Wassoulou music this music connects with my soul. The melodies and vocal phrasing get me every time, so wild. Seemingly effortless feel and the bass lines are absolutely crankin.

Robert Glasper – Black Radio

Oh the harmonic lushness, it’s a thing of beauty. And the lilty Dilla-esque beats of Chris Dave. He is some sort of percussive wonderland. I love him.

Donny Hathaway – Everything is Everything

The horn and and backing vocal arrangements on this are totally off chops. What a ridiculous first album. My stand out track is Sugar Lee, it’s got such a wild, playful, raw energy.

Sly and the Family Stone – Fresh

This was my favourite album as a 16 year old. I had a secret urge to bust out the track Babies Making Babies at a high school party, but feared it may fall short played next to Beyonce’s Crazy in Love.

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