Out today on Western Vinyl, Dawn Richard has teamed up with Canadian artist/producer and sometime-Destroyer-member Joseph Shabason for a unique single that blends Richard's take on three Sade tracks with a reworking of Shabason's "Broken Hearted Kota" from his 2019 EP, Anne.

Titled "Broken Hearted Sade", the track features lyrics and melodies from Sade's "No Ordinary Love" and "Cherish the Day" from 1992's Love Deluxe, plus earlier track "Is It a Crime?" from the British band's second album Promise.

As Shabason tells it in the press release, the idea came together by chance while he was on tour last fall opening for Richard and Spencer Zahn, during which he would soundcheck with "Broken Hearted Kota":

"Almost immediately after the first soundcheck, Dawn would come in and start singing Sade songs over the chords. It worked so seamlessly that we made it part of the show every night. After the tour ended, we knew we had to record it. In February, Dawn sent me her vocals, and I rearranged and remixed the original song so that the arrangement worked. The end result is a fun reimagining of both the Sade songs Dawn sang and what 'Broken Hearted Kota' could be."

"Sade has been a profound influence on me musically," adds Richard, saying:

"Her ability to blend soul, jazz, and timeless storytelling has shaped the way I approach my own artistry. Her music is not just heard; it’s felt, embodying a depth and elegance that transcends time. Choosing to cover three of her records and weaving their stories into one new experience is something I’ve always wanted to do. It’s my way of paying homage to an artist who has inspired me endlessly, while also reimagining these classics through my own sonic lens."

Listen below: