Love Was Never Your Goal

Some albums ask difficult questions rather than offering easy answers. On The More Things Stay the Same, Dego explores freedom, resilience and renewal through a deeply soulful collection that reflects on the tensions between struggle and hope, asking whether true liberation comes through perseverance or the courage to begin again.

Working alongside vocalist Samii, Dego crafts a rich musical landscape where broken beat, jazz, soul and electronic textures intertwine with warmth and precision. Samii’s expressive vocals bring emotional clarity to songs that wrestle with personal and universal themes, while contributions from long-time collaborators including Kaidi Tatham, Izzi Dunn, Mr Mensah and Matt Lord add further depth to the album’s intricate arrangements.

Despite its weighty subject matter, the record never feels burdened. Instead, tracks such as “Catch The Sun”, “Take Me Away”, “Start Again” and “Jubilation Light Years Away” are carried by a sense of optimism, suggesting that even after hardship there remains the possibility of growth, healing and a fresh beginning.

Released on 21 October 2022, The More Things Stay the Same stands as another compelling chapter in Dego’s remarkable catalogue. Thoughtful, beautifully produced and emotionally resonant, it is an album that rewards careful listening, inviting reflection while never losing sight of the hope that lies beyond adversity.