Swedish Nu-Soul Collective Pink Butter Drop Debut EP ‘Can We Go Back’ Featuring Hip-Hop and Soul Legends

After an exciting summer kickoff, Swedish nu-soul collective Pink Butter have made waves with their debut EP Can We Go Back, released last week via Root Records. The six-track offering deftly blends timeless jazz foundations with contemporary hip-hop and soul, featuring collaborations with Detroit hip-hop icon T3 of Slum Village and Jermaine Holmes, renowned for his work with D’Angelo’s Village Vanguard band. The result is a warm, human sound that rejects digital perfection in favor of live, organic interplay — a nod to the golden era of ‘60s and ‘70s soul and jazz fused with modern sensibilities.

Your creative process is rooted in spontaneity and live performance. How does that improvisational energy shape the music you create, especially in the studio?

The foundation of the EP was recording us four playing together live, just like in the old days. Capturing that real-time energy brings out the best from each of us individually, then we layer vocals on top.

How did you navigate blending timeless jazz with modern hip-hop and soul production?

Coming from a jazz background, we love classic hip-hop loops but want the music to evolve dynamically. We experimented and jammed a lot to find a cohesive sound that honors both worlds.

“Can We Go Back” features T3 from Slum Village. How did that collaboration happen?

It was a dream come true. We had the track ready and thought, “Who’d be perfect?” T3 came up instantly. We nervously reached out on Instagram, and to our surprise, he loved it and recorded his verse.

Jermaine Holmes’s vocals add serious emotional weight on “Made For Me” and “U.” What impact did he have?

Seeing Jermaine sing backup with D’Angelo years ago blew us away. When we heard his vocals on our tracks, it gave us goosebumps. His harmonies and vocal lines added a magical layer.

You reject digital perfection in favor of a more human, analog feel. What drove that decision?

We got a bit bored with computer-corrected “perfection.” We have way more fun playing live and capturing moments organically — it’s about vibe and emotion.

The EP touches on hope and presence, especially in “Alright.” What inspired these themes?

During the pandemic, we all needed a sense of hope. “Alright” was our way of saying, despite uncertainty, things will get better. For a listen or further info, check out Can We Go Back now on all streaming platforms via Root Records.

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