Elliott Skinner’s “I Linger On” unfolds like a whispered confession at the edge of dawn — slow, deliberate, and unguardedly human. Over sparse piano chords and gauzy textures, Skinner’s voice hovers between ache and acceptance, finding beauty in the act of holding on even when time insists on letting go. The track resists the dramatic swells of typical soul ballads; instead, it lingers in the quiet spaces where breath, silence, and small hesitations carry meaning.
What makes “I Linger On” compelling isn’t just Skinner’s vocal command — it’s his restraint. He allows emotion to simmer rather than spill, crafting a sense of intimacy that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant. The production is tactile and lived-in, every note worn smooth like sea glass. In a world obsessed with motion, Skinner offers a pause: a chance to consider what remains when the noise fades. “I Linger On” isn’t just a song about staying — it’s about learning how to listen to what stays with you
“I Linger On” follows Skinner’s debut single for Ninja Tune, “RECALLING” – a song about the dedicated pursuit of eradicating delusion, and not holding yourself to a version of your life that isn’t meant for you. “It’s about the pursuit of a better reality,” notes Elliott. “Music has always been a force for all of us to connect to each other – to try and understand each other.”
The Texas-raised musician is a thoughtful creator with an ethereal approach to folk and soul music. His compositions are a beautiful example of what comes from the lineage of powerful and intentional Black expression. His sound is both intimate and layered, marked by a deep focus on storytelling and the continuing of the Black Radical Tradition. Skinner spent a decade in New York City learning what community, practice, and art mean to him. Through a dedication to creating music that is an influential force for people to understand other people, Skinner aims for a freeing of the mind, digging into everything that love sits under, and a breakdown of the constructs that divide us.
Skinner has garnered recognition and worked alongside acclaimed artists including Chance the Rapper, Eryn Allen Kane, Leon Bridges, Samora Pinderhughes, Nai Palm (Hiatus Kaiyote), Amos Lee, Jon Batiste, Pusha T, and more. Look for more from Elliott Skinner in the coming months including news of his debut solo album, due in 2026
