Private Joy - Desire! [Rhythm Section]

Private Joy?! With a name derived from Prince’s mighty catalogue and its lustful connotations, Private Joy is the producer for soul band Lovescene and a supreme vocalist from the Manchester scene. With collaborations alongside Ruf Dug, Finn and Lenzman, a solo EP was inevitable, and this is a statement in itself.

Pops Roberts’ debut solo EP lands on Rhythm Section INTL, fusing influences from Streetsoul, 80s RnB ‘babymakers’ records and a sprinkling of 2000s soulful house. In just over 18 minutes, Private Joy invites you into her world of sensuality and soulful warmth. Musical hugs abound, the production balances synths, harps, saxophones, crisp drums and meaningful lyrical content, eschewing millennial ‘whoops’ for smooth Sade-esque tones.

Each track draws on personal experiences: whether it’s heartbreak or reconnection, an emotional diary conveying the trials and tribulations of love, loss, and ultimately, desire.

Opening with ‘Eyes on You’, slowly drawing you in with a Joe Sample-esque intro, Pops’ undeniably seductive vocal delivers goosebumps, supported by a five-string bass that features throughout the EP, giving each track deep harmonic roots. ‘Love Find A Way’ evokes the best of Osunlade’s discography, combining Ada Francis’ harp, percussive loops and smooth strings, closing the A-side with a touch of soulful house.

The B-side kicks off with ‘Playful’, a low-slung soul jam with a “rolling afrobeats influence,” to reflect Private Joy’s intention: “A homage to appreciating the enjoyment of a friendship laced with attraction that needs to be respected and taken slow.” ‘Pure Love’ jumps straight in with that elusive streetsoul vibe, when you hear it, you just know the volume needs to go up. Fellow Mancunian Meduulla joins the mic for the final verse, reinforcing the tribute to the late 90s ‘upfront’ underground RnB sound, made timeless by artists like Zhané, Mary J Blige, and Brandy. Closing the EP is the title track ‘Desire!’, a modern ballad featuring Ophelia Buxton backing vocals with touches of trumpet. Jazzy rhodes and synth crescendos fill the void behind the natural yet electronic drums, a tapestry of passion led by Anita Baker-chic vocals.

“Desire has been the engine and the start of so many decisions, highs and lows in life...” - Private Joy.