Now, Ms. Doss is back with 14 scintillating new tracks on Still, a brilliantly mature and refreshingly inventive effort that lends another testament to the enormous talent of this soulstress. A culmination of all her previous studio albums, Still offers yet another glimpse into Doss’s musical journey. “This album is mainly about progressions in my personal life, as well as in my career. I feel that in spite of all of the ups and downs, as well as the successes, I am still able to stay true to what I believe in with regards to the quality of my work and my personal convictions as an artist and a person. In spite of it all, I remain centered, focused and humble.” Fans of Doss will appreciate her growth on Still, while her range of sheer emotions and retro-flavored genius will blow newcomers away.
What is most amazing about Still, outside of the never ceasing grace and skill Doss exudes, is the quality of her vocals and songwriting. Her voice has the kind of depth and nuance that invites comparisons to Nina Simone or Billie Holiday, while her mastery of stringing words together to make flawless, relevant lyrics gives her staying power for decades to come.
Still brims with artfully arranged songs of heartache and encouragement, to which add texture and whip-smart edge. While “Something 2nite”, an up-tempo jam about the woes of new relationships is quintessential Doss, the trip-hop cut “Right On Time”, highlights her edgy creative abilities. “I believe this song gives me a different twist from what’s expected. The sound is rockier and the theme focuses on becoming tainted by failed relationships until that one person comes into your life and shows you that you shouldn’t give up on love and block out those that care.” And her risk-taking formula is winsome. Rounding out the set includes “How Bout Us”, featuring James Penn, about a friend looking at the prospect of taking a relationship to another level, yet risking the possibility of ruining all that they have built as friends and “Message” (Thank You), a poignant tribute to her legion of loyal followers. “This song is for those who have shown me so much support over the years despite my crazy schedule.”
On Still, the natural beauty enlisted the vocal stylings of Tamara Pruitt and Ashley Simpson and reconnected with Myron Davis and Rodney A. Jones of Artez Productions. Doss called it an “honor” to collaborate with her Dome labelmate, producer Angela Johnson (Jobo Music) and scored a guest appearance by the infamous rapper Chubb Rock on the remix of “Let’s Do Something 2nite,” giving the album a well-rounded dose of funky, trip-hop Soul. This fourth studio recording will be released internationally via Dome Records and Conya Doss Songs, Inc.
While on hiatus, Doss utilized her time, talent and celebrity wisely, touring the globe with international superstar Seven of Lemon Park, as well as raising awareness to vital social campaigns such as Save Darfur. Additionally, Doss performed for the nationally syndicated talk show and radio host Michael Baisden for his defense fund and was nominated as Best Female Vocalist by Soultracks, the leading online resource dedicated to classic and modern Soul music.
In customary Doss form, she takes a giant inventive leap forward on each album, always landing on her feet. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Doss successfully pleases both longtime and new fans, warming them up for an intoxicating slow burn. “When people hear the record, they’re like ‘that’s not Conya,’ but that’s because they are getting to know me with each project, bit by bit. That’s also the reason why there is an ellipsis at the end of my title, it indicates there is still more to me, which I will share in due time.” And we will be patiently waiting…