American DJ-production duo DJDS, along with a star-studded cast (Khalid, Charlie Wilson, and Charlotte Wilson) ‘bring the heat’ on soulfully-tinged single, “No Pain.” 

DJDS (aka DJ Dodger Stadium) bring the heat on their latest single, “No Pain.” The DJ/production duo, based in Los Angeles, California, consists of Jerome Potter and Sam Griesemer. DJ Dodger Stadium taps Khalid, Charlie Wilson, and Canadian R&B artist Charlotte Day Wilson for “No Pain.”

The opening production, on the intro of “No Pain,” is detuned.  This gives the record a unique sound.  This showcases great adventurousness by DJDS from the start. During this section, Charlie Wilson sings,

“Baby, I know

That you’ve been hurt before.”

He goes on to sing the chorus. As always, he oozes with soulfulness, amplified even more given the gospel vibes of this record.

“Feeling no pain (keep me up)

Feeling no pain (keep me high)

Feeling no pain (lift it up)

Got me feeling no pain (to the sky).”

Khalid follows Wilson, singing the verse. He shows incredible assertiveness and command. Khalid is backed by awesome production, which includes a slick drum groove and a dash of organ.  Notably, the sound mixes old-school and contemporary.  Wilson returns back again for the chorus, followed by the first appearance by Charlotte Day Wilson on the post chorus.  Notably, she sings the intro, originally sung by Wilson (“Baby, I know / That you’ve been hurt before.”).

Unsurprisingly, Wilson gets his own verse – killing it as always.  Wilson joins forces with Khalid on the final chorus, while Day Wilson returns with the memorable post-chorus.  Also notable at different points of “No Pain” are the haunting, backing vocals.  It shines brightest at the end, particularly with Day Wilson harmonizing. Pitch-shifted vocals expand the depth.

Final Thoughts

“No Pain” is an electronic record, but DJDS does a fantastic job of making it incredibly soulful.  That plays to the strength of its singers, all of which reside within the urban contemporary realm.  Hard-pressed to find flaws, “No Pain” is nothing short of brilliant.

DJDS • No Pain (Ft. Khalid, Charlie Wilson & Charlotte Day Wilson) • Loma Vista • Release: 3.30.18

Photo Credit: Loma Vista