Cairo – The Songs That Shaped Our Sound

Get ready to meet Cairo, the North London-born musician who's redefining pop music with their fresh blend of R&B, Soul, and Jazz. With their debut EP 'Double Love' set to drop on September 13 via LA label Cascine, Cairo is set to make waves.

'Double Love' is more than just a title—it's a nod to the term ‘DL,’ commonly used in Black and Brown queer communities to describe men navigating the complexities of being in the closet. Cairo channels this tension into their music, drawing sonic inspiration from icons like Stevie Nicks, Beyoncé, Jazmine Sullivan, and SZA, while honing their songwriting craft with influences like James Fauntleroy and Caroline Polachek.

Their second single, ‘Godspeed,’ will be released on September 4th, followed by the EP and the focus track ‘Lost The Meaning’ on September 27th. Would you be interested in a feature or interview with Cairo to dive deeper into their story and music? Let us know!

Tiana Major9- Try Peace

I was listening to this song a lot around the time I wrote Godspeed. Tiana allows the listener to digest each lyric by leaving space between her phrases. I just love her cadences. I feel the production complements this too. Not in your face and very intentional.

Joy Crookes- When You Were Mine

Like the other songs, this was on a constant loop. Joy does a good job setting the scene for the listener, I feel like I’m watching her relationship through her own lens. The catchy chorus was appealing to me also. Something I love to incorporate in my own songs.

Amy Winehouse- Brother

Brother is one of those songs that will always inspire me, as well as Amy herself. I love the songs subject matter and how conversational the song is. I wanted to capture that same tone for Godspeed. I really enjoy Amy’s vocal delivery throughout the song too, where she starts is not where she ends.

Samoht- BE OK

This one is my favourite song to cry to, but I also listen to it when I don’t feel like having a mental breakdown. Samoht is constantly telling himself that he’ll be okay, with faith and strength he’ll make it out the rut. It’s a sad but happy song all at the same time. I love those kinds of songs, Godspeed is my BE Ok. I also love the simplicity of the production.