Dhani Harrison and Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich unveil new band Dragonflies with hypnotic single 'Slower'

In a small studio nestled in the heart of Brixton, a new creative force is taking shape. It's a collaboration that brings together two music legends, Dhani Harrison and Nigel Godrich, to form the enigmatic new band Dragonflies. Their debut single, 'Slower', is a hypnotic blend of trip-hop influences, layered percussion, and Harrison's haunting vocals. As the opening track to their self-titled debut album, 'Slower' sets the tone for an earthbound space rock experience that promises to transport listeners to new sonic frontiers.

The creative process behind Dragonflies is evidence of the power of collaboration and spontaneity. According to Godrich, the pair's approach was akin to "one person throwing something in the air and the other person catching it". This organic approach allowed Harrison to step back from the detailed computer-based production of his solo work and focus on singing and playing guitar, while Godrich shaped the songs in real time. The result is a sound that is both familiar and yet distinctly new, drawing inspiration from the likes of Portishead singer Beth Gibbons, Japan frontman David Sylvian, and late composer Ryuichi Sakamoto.

For Harrison and Godrich, the project represents a chance to explore new sonic territories and push the boundaries of their respective creative styles. As Godrich noted, "He's a machine. He has strong opinions about what he wants to hear, and for me it's very humbling. That's why it's such a new experience." This mutual respect and admiration has given birth to a sound that is both earthy and otherworldly, with 'Slower' serving as the perfect introduction to the Dragonflies' universe.

The single's accompanying video, directed by Bristol animator RUFFMERCY, is a psychedelic dreamscapes that perfectly complements the song's hypnotic rhythms. With a hand-drawn aesthetic that recalls the likes of 1960s psychedelia, the video is a visual representation of the band's sonic journey. RUFFMERCY's previous credits include work with Nirvana, Earl Sweatshirt, The Chemical Brothers, Nas, and Run The Jewels, cementing his status as a highly sought-after animator in the music world.

As the brainchild of George Harrison's Dark Horse Records/BMG label, Dragonflies' debut album is a continuation of a legacy that has always championed innovative and experimental music. With a production catalogue that includes Radiohead's 'OK Computer', Beck's 'Sea Change', and Paul McCartney's 'Chaos And Creation In The Backyard', Godrich is the perfect partner for Harrison in this new venture. Together, they promise to take music fans on a journey that is both familiar and yet refreshingly new.

As the band prepares to release their self-titled debut album on September 18, fans can expect a sonic experience that is both earthy and otherworldly. With 'Slower' setting the tone for an album that promises to push the boundaries of space rock, Dragonflies is a band to watch in the coming months. As Godrich and Harrison continue to explore new creative territories, one thing is certain: their music will be evidence of the power of collaboration and innovation music.

As I reflect on the emergence of Dragonflies, I am reminded of the beauty of musical collaborations that bring together two or more creative minds. The result is often a sound that is greater than the sum of its parts, with each artist bringing their unique perspective to the table. In the case of Dragonflies, the partnership between Dhani Harrison and Nigel Godrich is a match made in heaven, with 'Slower' serving as the perfect introduction to their enigmatic new sound. With their debut album on the horizon, fans can expect a sonic journey that will take them to new and uncharted territories, and I, for one, cannot wait to see where this new creative force takes us.