North London born-and-bred musician Cairo combines his love of R&B, Soul and Jazz to create a timeless take on pop music. His debut EP ‘Double Love’ came out last September via LA label Cascine and is a play on ‘Down Low’, with the abbreviation ‘DL’ used by the Black and Brown queer community to refer to a man who is still in the closet fighting their sexuality, with Cairo navigating this tension throughout his life.
Sonically he is inspired by the likes of Stevie Nicks, Beyonce, Jazmine Sullivan, and SZA, and from a songwriting point of view cites James Fauntleroy and Caroline Polachek who helped him develop on this front. While his single ‘Lost The Meaning’ is on repeat and became our current favorite smooth and charming track, we caught up with Cairo and he curated us an exclusive playlist with songs that inspired his EP ‘Double Love’:
Chappell Roan – Pink pony club
This song brings me back to being a teen going out, being flamboyant knowing my mum would be livid if she saw the way I was carrying on and where I was actually going. This song means so much more than that to me because Chappell writes about her queer experiences so beautifully and profoundly. She’s definitely someone I draw inspo from. Big tune!!
Destiny’s Child – Love
This song makes me feel like I’m the only person in the world, tailor-made for that special someone. I feel so rich and loved up when this comes on, I start singing to my pretend husband! Love the backing vocals, top line and production on this one.
Serpentwithfeet – Safe word
Very sensual song, never really heard a gay song that speaks so freely about sex. Very interesting and relatable. I can’t wait to tap into more queer sensual songs, even make one myself eventually. I like this song as his vocal performance reflects the intimacy Serpent speaks of.
Serpentwithfeet – Bless your heart
This song made me obsessed with Serpent back when it came out. I was so tapped in because I was so used to hearing heteronormative perspectives and experiences in music. This inspired Godspeed, I just wanted to write a gay ballad that was riddled with vulnerability.
Stevie Wonder – He’s misstra know it all
Stevie Wonder is my one-stop songwriting shop. I love everything about his craft. I study hard when listening to his music. Just the whole concept of the song is very observant and worldly, I strive to write songs like this, as if I was a fly on the wall.
Stevie Wonder – Overjoyed
Beautiful song. Wish I had written it. Also, another song I’ll sing to my husband.
Le’Andria Johnson – Deliver me
Gospel music means a lot to me, this one got me through this year dealing with EP stress and anxieties. I needed the word.
Kim Burrell – Holy Ghost
This song got me through the whole EP process, from writing it to putting it out. Religion is something I fall back on when I need reassurance or guidance. I don’t listen to gospel music the same way I do secular music, less studying and more letting myself go with the music, allowing myself to be touched by the word. Gospel music before and after session, really centres me. It’s the way forward, for me!!
Brandy – Never say never
R&B royalty. Vocal dictionary. So much inspo pulled from her and this song. Whenever I need to write a classic R&B track, I’ll always go back to Brandy
Brandy – Like this
Similar answer to the one before, R&B greatness. Wish I wrote this song.
