Haitian soul meets cinematic R&B in artist MyCompiledThoughts‘ forthcoming EP Kouri, due April 10, 2025. This musical project poses a fundamental question to its listeners: “What are you running away from?”. Derived from the Creole word for “to run”, Kouri captures the essence of MyCompiledThoughts’ distinctive style, combining poetic storytelling and spellbinding productions.
The EP confidently affirms that Vodou, often misunderstood, is a powerful and integral part of Haitian culture. With its first single “Chasing” already viewed over 100,000 times in a week, and comparisons with groundbreaking artists such as Frank Ocean and The Weekend, Kouri promises to be a unique musical experience where intimacy and cinematography meet to establish MyCompiledThoughts as a rising star on the music scene.
MyCompiledThoughts: portrait of an artist with Haitian roots
From Boston to the international R&B scene
Born Carlheb Cemesca in Boston, MyCompiledThoughts has established himself as a versatile creator with a mastery of both songwriting and musical production. His artistic journey is deeply rooted in his Haitian heritage, while embracing the contemporary sounds that define modern R&B. The artist has woven harmonious links between his Caribbean origins and his American musical background, giving his music a strong, singular identity.
In a city like Boston, known for its vibrant music scene, MyCompiledThoughts has developed a sonic identity that immediately sets it apart. Its ability to marry traditional rhythms with modern production and evocative lyrics has forged a unique place in the musical landscape. This fusion is not merely aesthetic – it represents the authentic expression of a dual cultural identity lived with pride.
A unique and authentic artistic vision
What sets MyCompiledThoughts apart is its ability to transform personal narratives into universal experiences. Haitian soul meets cinematic R&B in the forthcoming Kouri EP through a visual and sonic narrative that transcends traditional musical classifications. Each track is presented as a scene from a larger film, with its dramatic tensions, moments of pure emotion and thematic depth.
MyCompiledThoughts’ vision is based on uncompromising authenticity. By incorporating elements of Haitian Vodou into his music, he is not seeking easy exoticism, but rather the rehabilitation of an often-stigmatized spiritual tradition. This approach is part of a broader movement of cultural reconnection and identity affirmation that resonates particularly well with his audience, whether they are familiar with Haitian culture or not.
Kouri: A musical journey between heritage and modernity
The deeper meaning behind the title “Kouri
The choice of title “Kouri”, a Creole word meaning “to run”, crystallizes the central theme running through the EP: what drives us to flee, literally or metaphorically? “Kouri yo di. Run, they say. They tell me I’m ‘Chasing,’ I tell them I’m running. Se kouri map kouri.” These words from the project sound like a personal and artistic manifesto. The exploration of what it means to run – to flee one’s fears, one’s past, the judgments of others, or perhaps oneself – structures all seven tracks, creating a remarkable narrative coherence. From “Chasing” to “Want Me”, each track tackles a different facet of this quest or flight, depending on the perspective adopted.
MyCompiledThoughts transforms this existential anxiety into a cathartic, deeply human work of art, where each listener can rediscover a part of his or her own experience. This question, posed from the very first notes of the EP, acts as a thread running through the entire project. It invites personal introspection while immersing the listener in the artist’s psychological universe.
The imprint of Haitian Vodou in the work of MyCompiledThoughts
One of the most striking aspects of the EP is undoubtedly the emphasis placed on Vodou spirituality, as evidenced by the track “Erzulie Freda”. By reintroducing this spiritual figure in a contemporary musical context, MyCompiledThoughts is part of a process of cultural rehabilitation. Erzulie Freda Dahomey is a loa (spirit) of Haitian Vodou, associated with love, passion and artistic inspiration. She is often seen as a benevolent deity, but also a complex one, carrying deep human contradictions.
Another standout track, “Anba Satan”, explores the reappropriation of personal power in the face of betrayal and societal judgments. This track illustrates how MyCompiledThoughts uses the conceptual framework of Haitian Vodou to address universal themes such as fighting adversity, resisting oppressive forces and reclaiming one’s own voice.
EP collaborations and highlights
“Chasing” – The single that’s already attracting fans
The EP’s first single, “Chasing”, has already won over the public with its video clip viewed over 100,000 times in just one week. Described as having “a menacing atmosphere worthy of the next A24 horror film”, the track perfectly embodies the cinematic dimension of the MyCompiledThoughts universe. It’s a desperate sprint through the unknown, a breathless confession wrapped in eerie melodies and immersive production.
The song weaves together elements of dark R&B and alternative soul, blending shadowy synths, heavy bass and immersive soundscapes to create a world where fear and fate collide. With evocative lyrics and deeply affecting vocals, “Chasing” captures the weight of running away from something you can’t escape.
“Moving Crazy Pt. 2” – Meeting Tyler Loyal
Another highlight of the EP is the collaboration with Tyler Loyal on “Moving Crazy Pt. 2”. This encounter between two Boston-based artists is a testament to the city’s rich music scene and the importance of local artistic connections. Tyler Loyal, known for his innovative approach to hip-hop, brings a complementary energy to MyCompiledThoughts. This collaboration is part of a narrative sequence that begins with “Moving Crazy” and continues with “Moving Crazy Pt. 2”, reinforcing the EP’s coherence.
An authentic voice on the contemporary music scene
Haitian soul meets cinematic R&B in the forthcoming Kouri EP to create a unique musical experience, where tradition and modernity intertwine harmoniously. With its seven carefully composed and produced tracks, MyCompiledThoughts offers us much more than just a musical project – it’s a true artistic and cultural statement that celebrates its Haitian roots while fully embracing contemporary musical trends.
By observing the question “What are you running away from?”, MyCompiledThoughts touches on an existential interrogation that resonates in all of us. The release of Kouri, scheduled for April 10, 2025 on all major streaming platforms, promises to be one of the highlights of the year for fans of alternative and committed music.
