Kelly Shane, daughter of acclaimed Jamaican singer-songwriter Tanya Stephens, steps out with her first single – an updated take on the soul classic Ain’t That Loving You – performed with dancehall giant Busy Signal. Kelly‘s silky sweet voice is offset by Busy‘s raspy vocals as they rock over a bouncing one drop riddim produced by Tad A. Dawkins Jnr. Ain’t That Loving You went live on all streaming platforms at the beginning of March (on the 3rd), courtesy of Tad’s Record Inc.
The audio release was accompanied by an official video, which was directed, shot and edited by Thaddeus Deluxe Studio. Filmed at various locations in Jamaica, the new visuals show Kelly Shane and Busy Signal prepping for their date-night at a lounge, where they eventually get cozy and intimate, bringing the song’s lyrics to life.
Explaining the significance of the song, Kelly Shane offered: “for one, I grew up with my grandmother, and as the owner of the radio and the house, her favorite music was mostly played. Alton Ellis and the entire British-Jamaican music movement was a big part of the soundtrack of my life. It became more personal for me when I recorded it though, as I (at the time) was seeing someone that was very hesitant to love again, so it felt like I was speaking my own words, trying to convince them to take a chance on me. Busy’s verse also summed up how they were feeling too so when I heard it I cried A LOT. Felt very real to me.”
As for collaborating with veteran dancehall artist Busy Signal, Kelly sums up the experience as follows: “to be very honest, I didn’t think he would do it. This is my first song and it felt like I was really asking him to take a chance on me. I loved him even more when we shot the video. In true first video fashion, we were all over the place and late and up and down but he was so patient and kind with me. He spent most of the time giving me encouraging words and it felt very warm and genuine. He’s such a genuine human being. I’m so grateful for him.”
Ain’t That Loving You (For More Reasons Than One) was originally released by soul singer Johnnie Taylor in 1967, but subsequent reggae versions by legendary Jamaican artists Alton Ellis, Dennis Brown and Beres Hammond – who Kelly Shane cites as a major influence – have since led the song to become a favorite among reggae lovers.
MARIA JACKSON 27 MAGAZINE 