When we last heard from JNA, she was making Domenica swoon with the premium grade ’80s style electro-funk track, “Tell Me Why.” Turns out that was just one Ball of Wax ago, but since we’ve had a longer gap than usual, JNA has a whole new EP out now, with a more contemporary, but no less satisfying sound. Instead of jangly disco guitar with synth melodies and syncopation, “Gonna Fly,” created with producer Jorgen Paul, features a throbbing club beat and layers of dreamy, undulating synths. More importantly, since Ball of Wax 68 was all instrumentals, listeners didn’t get to experience the soulful purr of JNA’s voice, which is happily remedied here. She lowkeys it through most of the track; you can hear the subtle smile in her voice as she sings, “livin’ life for me, I got a smile on my face.” Even the chorus is laid back, with the only big vocal moments coming at the end of each verse. It’s a perfect approach for a song about doing things your own way and having nothing to prove.
DO NOT MISS JNA’s live set at the Ball of Wax 69 show on 12/17 at the Rabbit Box. This is a rare chance to see a unique, unforgettable performer in a tiny, intimate venue. (And bring home a copy of this very compilation with you, of course.)