“What Are Friends For” is the latest from Jeffrey Chan, an Australian-born, Los Angeles-based artist whose charismatic dance-pop sound stands out on this enveloping production. Chan describes the release as “about pushing limits, exploring friendship dynamics, and breaking the tension. I find the idea of ‘friends with benefits’ more common than not nowadays, especially within the gay space, and I wanted to explore that idea through this fun and playful club track.”
“The pressure is rising,” Chan’s climactic vocals let out, escalating in emotion alongside a swelling array of colorful synths and steady rhythmic propulsions. “Don’t know what we’re waiting for,” the vocals soar as illuminated piano drives into the central title-touting hook — dazzling within an arp-y, magnetic synth captivation. The ensuing “dancing in the shadows,” verses brings back the debonair, sensual composure, which evolves seamlessly into another contagious “what are friends for,” repetition. A club-friendly conclusion melds booming bass and repeating vocals for an especially infectious result.
The track marks continued momentum for Chan, who performed at Weho Pride and Breaking Sound Los Angeles. A continued ascent seems definite. Chan adds: “This is just a first peek into a project I’m working on that is going to explore authentic experiences and stories within not only myself but the larger LGBTQ+ community.”
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We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
