Always encompassed by innovative space, we hosted a @better__listening session with New Balance and @carimakesnoise, who took us through her debut EP ‘Flux’ at The Corner Store in Shoreditch, LDN, in light of our ABZORB campaign that was shot in the The Barbican. Quiet down now and immerse yourself.

Intimately-lit, the candid scene was charged by @timeand___space who finessed every detail to reflect New Balance’s ever-evolving relationship with improved motion. Touches of etiquette in the form of abstract chessboards and vintage vinyl paraphernalia went hand-in-hand with the bespoke natural rum and wine menu by @wearemirchi and @drinknewtheory.

A mellow early evening buzz soon settled into organic conversation between CARI and her producer, PRGRSHN, which covered her songwriting process and how she channels her grief into her music through authentic and unfiltered lyrics. A writer first, CARI leads with her words and lets melody come second. By doing it this way she’s able to keep her inspiration raw and her range diverse. A walking embodiment of the ABZORB 2000’s fearless form.

Frank Ocean and Tracy Chapman were quickly hailed as two of her primary role models. “They’re my Mount Rushmore,” CARI passionately mused. Praise was also dished out for her R&B loving mother as well as her Grenadian roots and her church background. The result of these elements? A fluid, creatively untethered eclectic body of work that’s opened a dynamic doorway destined for even more success. 

After a short round of audience participation, CARI then craned the spotlight over PRGRSHN and asked him a couple of questions which peeled back the layers of his own musical identity and explored what it was like to work on Stormzy’s last album ‘This Is What I Mean’. A memorable end to an educational and inspiring night for all those who made the journey out. 

The ABZORB Listening Session has lost frequency. Tune into all things New Balance ABZORB over on the size? website.