Released in 1989, ‘Once Bitten’ is the lone single from Kim Yaffa, an LA singer once signed to the Hollywood indie label Macola Record Co. Not long after recording this single, Yaffa shelved her music career and moved on to other aspects of the business, but she has become a cult figure amongst those who knew her work. ‘Once Bitten’ has only ever been available on 7″ before now and is an effortlessly classy pop tune with hints of 80s blue-eyed soul and Sade-inspired sounds that lend it a timeless Balearic feel. Copies of the original 7” have been changing hands for as much as $2,000 online in recent years. Hence, this is a genuine bit of musical treasure.
Says Kim about the release, “In the Late 80s Los Angeles had so much going on musically. After singing on a couple of records on Macola Records and backgrounds for other artists, I was searching for my sound, trying to find my footing as a songwriter and performer. I connected with a producer who seemed to get what I was going for and we hired Richard Elliot from Tower of Power at the time for that sexy horn sound, and we recorded Once Bitten and Lights of LA at Larrabee Sound. I think I was really into what Sade and Taylor Dayne were doing at the time, that jazzy vibe! We pressed the songs to a 45 and soon after were kind of forgotten about.”
Remixer Michael David is a member of the influential Los Angeles-based group Classixx, has released music on Cascine Records and worked with Holy Ghost!, Meyer Hawthorne, and Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith. His version adds oodles of echo and reverb, slows things down and makes it a more trippy affair with languid lead guitars that bring a seductive and sleazy feel. London-based production duo and Record Mission label founders Nick the Record and Dan Tyler have vast DJ experience between them. Nick runs the Tangent party with John Gomez, and Dan Tyler is one-half of the legendary Idjut Boys. Their remix is perfectly sunny, primed and ready for open-air dancing with its exquisite flutes. The soulful original vocal is left to roll and will ensure this one becomes a real Balearic anthem.
‘Lights of LA’ is a second original from Yaffa that oozes low-key 80s charm. It has steamy sax and vocals and lush acoustic guitars, all irresistibly tingling the senses.
New Islands will focus on the forgotten cross-genre and cross-cultural music of the 80s, 90s, and 00s, connecting them with the future. This first project is a superb one to get it underway.
Release Date: 08-03-2024
Pre-Order HERE
Tracklist:
1. Once Bitten (Original 1988 Mix)
2. Once Bitten (Michael David Remix)
3. Once Bitten (Nick the Record & Dan Tyler Edit)
4. Lights of LA (Original 1988 Mix)