When I released my single “Brand New Thing” back in December 2024, it marked a milestone of sorts: Fifteen years after writing the song on the heels of my sister’s death in 2009, it was finally out in the world as a deeply personal account of the grief, trauma, and devastation of that life-changing event and the journey to whatever was next.

A new normal.

Earlier this summer, my friend Eric Parker and I were chatting about some of my music goals and he asked if he could remix the song. Not knowing what he had in mind–but trusting that whatever it was, it would be fire, I dropped the stems in a folder and sent them on their merry way.

What happened next was nothing short of transformation.

The original version, which features my brother Rod Tankerson on guitar and bass, is bright, hopeful, and empowering.

“Brand New Thing (Epic Soul Mix)” is soulful, funky, infectious.

It’s anthemic.

“Brand New Thing” continues to evolve in the most surprising ways. Over the past few months of performing it live with my cousin Maritri Garrett during open mics in downtown LA, I’ve unearthed the song’s jazz and blues possibilities. And with “Brand New Thing (Epic Soul Mix),” I got myself a certified roller skate jam.

Mad love to the incomparable Eric Parker and Eric Parker II for their vision and brilliance.

“Brand New Thing (Epic Soul Mix)” is available on Bandcamp and arrives on streaming soon!