We were first introduced to future soul singer/songwriter/producer Johnny Burgos via his butter-smooth mashup of The Isley Brothers' "Between the Sheets" with The Notorious B.I.G.'s "Big Poppa" on "Between B.I.G. Sheets." For his next musical feat, Burgos takes on another legend with a cover of Bill Withers' "Use Me."
For his spin on the funky classic, Burgos delivers a straight-ahead rendition but adds his own flourishes and flavor. Assisted by VJ Brown on guitar, Dave Zerio on keys and Ben Lindell on mixing and mastering, Johnny holds it down on vocals and production. He stays true to the song's foundation and doesn't tinker much with the original arrangement, allowing his soulful vocals to be the focus. In doing so, Burgos' version manages to be both familiar and brand new.
"Bill Withers has always been an influence but has recently become a significant inspiration to me, as I've grown into myself as a solo artist and songwriter. Bill wrote from such an honest place and pulled you into his feelings, while never failing to provide some of the funkiest grooves to date," Johnny shared with us about his admiration and appreciation for Mr. Withers and his artistry. "I hope this cover does him justice," he went on to say, and we don't think he has anything to worry about.
Johnny gives us a look into the making of this cover in a video filmed during his recording session with guitarist VJ Brown. Shot and edited by Jermaine Clark, we see Burgos putting in work on the mic, drum machine, keys and computer while Brown strums away. Press play to watch Johnny Burgos do his thing on "Use Me" in a SoulBounce exclusive world premiere below.
If you're curious about what else Johnny Burgos has been up to, you'll be glad to know that the Brooklyn-based artist will be dropping original music in the form of the lead single from his debut EP next week. Listen out for "Set Yourself Free" on Tuesday, May 29th from his forthcoming project Love Through It All, which will be released in August.
