Shira Elias has released her latest single, “Jus Wanna Be”. The ’90s-R&B-inspired track marks the first solo release from the Cool Cool Cool singer since her 2022 EP, Services.
Elias, Known for her powerful stage presence and impactful vocals, spent years touring with 9-piece funk group Turkuaz. She started her solo project in 2019 and has since released two EPs. She is currently touring with post-Turkuaz crew Cool Cool Cool, as well as Jerry Harrison & Adrian Belew of the Talking Heads. Based in L.A., she regularly plays with a variety of live acts including Super Sonic Shorties, The Main Squeeze, and The Nth Power.
“Jus Wanna Be” is an exclamation of self-acceptance and love after much searching and grappling with one’s identity. Anchored by an immersive, shimmering beat, Elias opts for a tastefully reserved delivery rather than the “powerhouse” style for which she’s best known, decorating the track with artful, measured vocal brush strokes.
“I’m super excited for people to hear me again in this way,” Elias said of the new single. “I’ve really wrestled over the last two years with what being an independent artist means and looks like in these times. Ultimately, this song is my declaration of where I’ve landed with it all.”
For this track (and her other planned upcoming releases), Elias teamed with her husband and production partner MEGA as well as co-writer MacKenzie (Ghost-Note). While the three have collaborated together for some time, “Jus Wanna Be” marks the trio’s first song released under the banner of their recently formed production house they recently formed the production house, Kool Zombies.
Listen to “Jus Wanna Be”, the new track from Shira Elias, on the platform of your choice here or stream it via the Spotify player below.
Shira Elias – “Jus Wanna Be”
Elias will celebrate the arrival of “Jus Wanna Be” tonight, Friday, April 11th, with a performance at Hotel Café in her home base of Los Angeles, CA. On the Cool Cool Cool side of things, Elias and the rest of the dynamic disco-soul dance band recently released a pair of new tracks, “Made Ya Look” and “Dynamite”. Following a recent string of winter tour dates, Cool Cool Cool will head overseas for a Europe/U.K. tour during which it will serve as both the supporting act and the backing band for Talking Heads veterans Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew‘s Remain in Light. Find a list of upcoming Cool Cool Cool tour dates here.
Shira Elias will also be back in New Orleans during this year’s Jazz Fest season for a string of special shows including Cool Cool Cool’s A Tribute To Madonna – Express Yourself at Toulouse Theatre on Friday, April 25th and the annual Purple Party: A Tribute to the Music of Prince dance party at Toulouse Theatre on Saturday, April 26th.
