Winnipeg hip-hop and neo-soul artist Beatox (a.k.a. Adam Fainman) is announcing his upcoming album, Been a Long Time, set for release on June 7, 2024, on Toronto’s Lovetown Records, and via Beatox’s own media production company, Moonlite Media. The 11-track album from the vocalist, producer, and virtuosic beatboxer dials in his affinity for loose, improvised jazz arrangements, assembling a polished set of groove-centric songs.
Alongside the album announcement, Beatox has unveiled the mood-building title track, “Been a Long Time,” which is accompanied by an animated video that highlights his interest in merging music with different forms of technology. “Been a Long Time” is a lighthearted meditation on fighting to find happiness after the world goes sideways.
In early 2020, Beatox moved back to Winnipeg at the height of the pandemic – and the middle of winter – after living in Toronto for two years to complete his master’s degree in Music Technology. Reeling from the effects of isolation, Been a Long Time was created as a salve to those dark pandemic years and readjusting to life in the aftermath of it all.
“’Been a Long Time’ came out of some very dark days being back in Winnipeg, dealing with the cold, feeling cut off from the world, and trying to reconnect with old friends,” said Beatox. “I wanted to create something catchy and upbeat to counter those heavy feelings. It’s become such a cliché to talk about the inspiration that comes from Winnipeg’s winters, but add the pandemic to the equation, and it was a depressing but fruitful time musically.”
Review
The new single, “Been a long time” encapsulates the raw emotions and struggles that many individuals face when battling depression and adversity. Set against a backdrop of smooth hip-hop and neo-soul vibes, Beatox delivers poignant lyrics that resonate with authenticity and depth.
In the chorus, the phrase “it’s been a long time” acts like a powerful mantra, marking personal progress and showing strength during tough times. This repetition draws listeners into the song’s reflective story. Throughout the verses, Beatox explores themes of resilience and self-discovery. Lines like “Hold up, be reminded / When things do get tough I know we seem all blinded” offer guidance and encouragement, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness and self-care during difficult moments.
Overall, “Been a long time” is a compelling single that speaks to the universal experience of facing adversity while offering a message of resilience and hope.