I only recently came across a “Funk Wav” remix of The Weekend by SZA. Calvin Harris produced the song so I’m very into it. This upbeat version turns a vulnerable song about a fractured relationship into afterparty jam. And what’s better is the cover art.
My first thought after seeing the background and people holding hands was “This looks like Matisse.” I second-guessed myself until I found the piece that triggered this connection – The Dance (see below). To me, there’s a resemblance in color, imagery and movement.
But what’s the connection between the song and the art? While a dance can be a solo performance, both the cover art and original piece depict a shared experience. You could speculate that some dancers are leading and others are following, being pulled even. And SZA is telling us the story of a woman, unintentionally or not, is sharing a man with another woman.
A relationship is a dance, always shifting, changing and seeking balance. Dancing thrives on communication and self-awareness. When partners move together, the connection is palpable. When one partner falters, hopefully the other can be supportive. And in some situations the power is always in favor of one partner and someone gets dragged.
Lyrics c/o Genius
My man is my man is your man
Heard it’s her man too
My man is my man is your man
Heard that’s her man
Tuesday and Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
I just keep him satisfied through the weekend
You’re like 9 to 5, I’m the weekend
Finally, who’s teaching the class on the influence of art in 21st century music? Cause seriously sign me up. Let’s talk sampling, references, inspiration. Bring in (virtual) panels of musicians and artists. We’ll listen to songs and analyze art (over zoom sessions). Let’s start with this SZA cover art then move on to Slide by Calvin Harris where Frank Ocean threatens to purchase Garçon à la pipe. And then we’ll move on to Katy Perry’s Witness album because that cover art reminds of something too.
The Jam 