Wishing Well (The Hastings Set)

Sometimes you can tell, before you even listen to it, that you’re going to enjoy an album. That soul songstress Sophia Danai’s debut EP was produced by Chin Injeti was the giveaway for this one. With an impressive career as a recording artist; studio credits with 50 Cent, Drake, Eminem, and Pink, amongst others; and two Grammys on his mantel, the guy is a Vancouver treasure.

Though Injeti’s hand is noticeable throughout Wishing Well’s nine tracks of trip-hop and summery soul throwbacks, Danai’s lovely voice shines on its own. Add cameos by Shad and Talib Kweli and the net result is a suitable score for upbeat, toe-tap, finger-wag dancing as well as slow, smoked-out swaying.

Along with the album, the 26–year-old Langleyite has produced a series of online mags that include interviews with the album’s collaborators and a healthy dose of life-affirming (read: cringe-inducing), goop-esque advice. Don’t let this deter you, though. It’d be impossible to emulate the omniscient deity Gwyneth Paltrow, and Wishing Well is well worth a listen.