"Summer Camp" — Jeffrey Eli's New Summer Anthem
by Ethan Ayer
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Jeffrey Eli’s “SUMMER CAMP” is an anthem for summer flings. The rising R&B singer-songwriter’s latest single is heartbreak wrapped in trap production. Great love songs are personal, but universal, and Jeffrey Eli’s “SUMMER CAMP” is no exception, hinging the story of a legendary romance on the countdown to summer’s end.
A breezy guitar loop slowly crescendos as syncopated 808s and hi-hats move around Jeffrey’s smooth baritone, declaring — “This be that summer camp love / You and me never enough.” Created by electronic producer Knapsack alongside pop veteran Michael Pappas (Meghan Trainor, Christina Aguilera), they create a chill atmosphere that compliments Jeffrey’s intricate harmonies and sensual vocals. The lyrics evolve to display an undercurrent of sadness. “Cause when it begins it ends,” Jeffrey belts the lines as the production drops out, only to be brought back in by romantic optimism in the bridge: “Ocean breeze, heavy heat / Beneath sheets, before we leave / Don’t forget about me.” The mix of organic instrumentation with atmospheric synths and trap percussion further enforces this dichotomy by personifying the unique heartbreak of a time-sensitive love.
Originally from Massachusetts, Jeffrey currently attends college in New York, and those two worlds connect in the adorable music video for the track. From dancing on a city rooftop with a flamboyant teddy bear, to just vibing next to picnic tables, the Boy Vano directed video is unapologetic fun. “SUMMER CAMP” by Jeffrey Eli is available now on all streaming platforms and you can follow him on Instagram to keep updated on his musical journey.