Standout Track: If you’re looking for a song with euphoric vibes and heavy bass, Saba’s latest single “HeartStrings” may tug at yours. The Silver Spring singer has established a sound filled with both beauty and trillness all in one song, thanks to the help of her go-to producer, Mikeyy of 94sGold.

Musical Motivation: “HeartStrings” was inspired by Saba and Mikeyy’s relationships with numerous people, but the song’s origins are more sonic. Mikeyy first played Saba a beat with a bass pattern when they were experimenting during a studio session; he then added tones to match Saba’s voice. “The beat sounded different,” Mikeyy says. “It was a skeleton of that sound, but it was actually a different pattern around it.” Once the hook was established, the verses followed, and the rest of the song fell into place. “I don’t think we tried to make that kind of song. It just came out to be, you know?”

With a Little Help From Her Friends: “HeartStrings” isn’t Saba’s first collaboration with Mikeyy. The producer worked with her on a cover of Drake’s “Living Legend,” which landed some play time on radio show Soulection. Just like the collaborative creation on “HeartStrings,” Saba has worked with a number of people in D.C.’s music scene through welcoming relationships. This includes local rapper Chaz French on his single for “What Ya Say,” which features her impressive vocals. “[French] is kind of like my music brother,” Saba says. “We all loved each other’s sound. We just got into the studio, and made it happen.”

Image by Maximilian Shelton courtesy the artist