‘Can I Can U’ featuring Skin marks the third single from ‘Deep Dark Blue,’ the upcoming album by Italian artist Francesca Morello, better known as R.Y.F., set for release on April 5th, 2024, via Bronson Recordings.

Now available on all digital platforms starting today, March 15, 2024, the latest single, ‘Can I Can U feat. Skin,’ delivers an electrifying blend of electro dance house infused with the raw intensity of alternative rock guitars. Within its beats lies a powerful message of queer and feminist defiance against homophobia, transphobia, and patriarchy, encapsulated in a refrain destined to be chanted defiantly: “Can I? Can U / Be outrageously queer and stand here without any fear?”

Born through collaboration with Skin herself, who penned her own parts and delivered them with her iconic voice—one revered by music enthusiasts across generations—the song evolves into a captivating duet, escalating in both anger and energy until culminating in a liberating chorus sung in unison, followed by a dark, syncopated finale. Skin, renowned as the charismatic frontwoman of the legendary Skunk Anansie—a band that seamlessly merged rock, heavy metal, blues, and soul with widespread acclaim—needs little introduction. In addition to her work as a solo artist, she is also recognized as a DJ, remixer, fashion icon, actress, and activist.

R.Y.F. talks about the song, “‘Can I Can U’ was born in response to the prejudice, fear and hatred in the air lately, the closed-mindedness, impositions and lack of dialogue. Once again, I felt the need to write a song that celebrated love, the universal love with a capital L. I am referring to love without constraints or hierarchies, without limits of time and space, the love of sharing, the love of romance and the love of friendship, with a willingness to stand up for different and minority views, as well as, of course, my queer family and community. Too often we are treated as if we embody a disease to be eradicated, capable of infecting the world. If so, I will put myself in the forefront to spread our festive and fabulous disease against heteropatriarchy and religious or political fanaticism.”

Adding, about the partnership with Skin, “The idea that Skin could, together with me, voice this message thunderstruck me from the very beginning of the composition of the song. I wanted it to be a dance track, but with some badass guitars, to still give it both a brushstroke of alt-rock, with a nice direct but joyful message, in line with our commitment and activism. With this collaboration, one of my dreams came true. Our friendship and mutual esteem made this magic happen. In my heart, the exchanges of ideas via message as we brought ‘Can I Can U’ to life will remain indelible.”

The album ‘Deep Dark Blue’ is now available for pre-order! Secure your copy by visiting the following link.

Headline photo: Simona Diacci Trinity

R.Y.F. Website / Facebook / Instagram
Bronson Recordings Official Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / Bandcamp

R.Y.F.