Bootsy Collins may have retired from performing, but the acclaimed funk bassist continues to collaborate with other musicians to write and record new music as the former Parliament-Funkadelic member has released a new single entitled, “Stars”.
Released this past Friday (June 12th) via Bootzilla Productions, “Stars” hears collins team up with a handful of special guests including veteran drummer Steve Jordan, Béla Fleck, American philosopher Dr. Cornel West, international musicians Manou Gallo (Ivory Coast) and Olvido Ruiz (Cuba), and a young singer who goes by the name EmiSunshine.
Related: Bootsy Collins Explains How LSD Played A Role In His Split With James Brown’s Band
The 5:24-minute track opens with spoken word lines from Bootsy as he’s heard preaching, “If you love music like I love music, then you can’t live without this music. And music certainly wouldn’t be here without our great musicians.” The listener is then eased into the core of the song thanks to EmiSunshine‘s vocal lines, during which she and Collins sing out inspiring and uplifting messages of togetherness and camaraderie within society.
“The song is a symbol of people power and love through unity and compassion for one another,” Collins penned for NPR Music to go with the arrival of “Stars”. “All living beings gotta share the air — it makes good sense to care. After all, our planet Earth is our mothership, and everybody is a star from the sky!”
Watch the new song’s colorfully animated video below.
Bootsy Collins – “Stars”
[Video: Bootsy Collins]
Collins also revealed he’s spent the first half of 2020 working on projects like recording his own funk version of Indiana University‘s “Fight Song”. The experience left a mark of gratitude on Collins as he witnessed members of the Midwestern university all come together for the project during these isolating and divisive times.
“I can see this world coming together that very same way, under the proper leadership, guidance and management,” Collins continued. “When I awake in the morning, I start my day with being thankful. I ask for guidance so that I can speak truth to myself first, then I put on other people’s shoes so I can see from their perspective. I can’t leave the room until I know this day ain’t about me, but more about the gifts I have to bring to the table for all people to share and be uplifted.”
[H/T NPR Music]