Forest Claudette Joins Earthgang For New Song “Mess Around”

Forest Claudette [He/They] , a rising R&B talent, has released his mesmerizing new tune “Mess Around,” a collaboration with hip-hop group EARTHGANG. The enticing music, soulful but ethereal, merges current rhythms with flashes of old-school soul. “Mess Around” is the Australian-American singer’s first new single since 2022’s critically praised The Year of February EP.

The slinky after-hours ballad begins with a heavy rhythm. “If I could mess around and see you,” Claudette sings over the dreamy, multi-layered production, before adding, “But the exit’s on the way and the writing’s on the wall.” The catchy chorus demonstrates the emerging artist’s entire range and features a hypnotic synth flute melody, lending “Mess Around” a carefree, vintage vibe.

Aside from a few of acoustic releases, “Mess Around” is Claudette’s first new song since his debut EP, The Year of February, was released in 2022. That collection included critically lauded tracks like “Creaming Soda” and “Hologram,” in which Claudette asks if They deserve the fame he has coveted his entire life. The Year of February also included a lot of heartfelt content.

The sad half of the EP comprises “Gone Without a Trace” and “Goodbye,” with the latter leaving a lasting memory. “You didn’t like the way I said goodbye, that’s because I didn’t want to say it,“. They sing in the chorus, expressing a commonly felt but rarely spoken breakup feeling. The reality is that Claudette has always had an ear for great hooks and the voice to deliver them.

The newcomer was born in the Dandenong Ranges of Victoria, Australia, but spent his productive years in the United States. Inspired by singer-songwriters such as Frank Ocean and Moses Sumney, he polished his skill in an alternative high school and composed his first song when he was 15. Soon after, Claudette attracted the notice of triple j, which led to co-writing sessions with other singers and songwriters.

Claudette takes it up with “Mess Around,” a scorching track guaranteed to impact the R&B market and beyond.

Listen to the song via Warner Records by clicking HERE:
https://forestclaudette.lnk.to/messaround