Brandee Younger is defying expectations. Over the past 15 years, she has worked relentlessly to stretch boundaries for harpists. In 2022, she broke new ground by becoming the first black woman nominated for a Grammy for Best Instrumental Composition. An ever-expanding artist, Brand New Life builds on her already rich oeuvre, transcending genre. As the title suggests, Brand New Life is about forging new paths. It features originals by Brandee, reinterpretations of Dorothy Ashby classics, and more.

Produced by multi-hyphenate drummer and composer Makaya Mccraven, Brand New Life brings together the past and the present, combining Younger's original music with select reinterpretations of Ashby's work, and the latter's previously-unrecorded compositions. Younger was first introduced to Ashby via the many hip-hop artists who sampled her music, and she now collaborates with some of those very artists on the new album, including Pete Rock and 9th Wonder. The album also has notable contributions by Meshell N'degeocello, Mumu Fresh, and production by drummer and composer Makaya McCraven.

"Creating this album has been a longtime dream of mine," says Younger. "I really had a lot of living to do before being able to execute it, genuinely. The finished product is truly representative of where I am now and it is an honor to convey that through the compositions of one of my heroes."