The Lael Project releases “It’s About Soul,” Lael Summer’s seventh posthumous single, honoring her legacy while promoting mental health awareness.
The Lael Project has released “It’s About Soul,” the seventh posthumous single from late New York soul-pop singer-songwriter Lael Summer. The song is available on all major streaming platforms beginning July 10.
Originally released in 2013, “It’s About Soul” returns with a fresh arrangement from longtime collaborators Tomás Doncker and James Dellatacoma. The new version features vocals taken from one of Lael’s live performances at New York City’s The Blue Note. In addition, it includes instrumentation from The Specials Horns and the late keyboard legend Amp Fiddler.
More than a decade after its original release, the song continues to showcase Lael’s fearless artistry. Its lyrics and performance reflect her vulnerability, confidence, and unwavering authenticity.
Lael died by suicide in 2017 at the age of 24. However, her music continues to inspire listeners around the world. Guided by her belief that helping even one person through music could make a difference, her legacy now lives on through The Lael Project. Founded by her mother, artist and activist Marla Mase, the nonprofit promotes mental health awareness, suicide prevention, healing, and hope through Lael’s music.
Honoring Lael’s Legacy Through Music
“It’s About Soul” also serves as a female empowerment anthem. The re-release celebrates Lael’s artistry while encouraging conversations about mental health. Moreover, The Lael Project hopes the song will remind listeners that support is available and that open conversations can save lives.
Marla Mase shared that the song reflected her daughter’s belief that true strength comes from a person’s character rather than appearance. Although Lael loved fashion and glamour, she also struggled with an eating disorder. According to Mase, those experiences shaped both her vulnerability and her confidence, giving the track its bold, playful energy.
Producer Tomás Doncker explained that the team wanted to highlight the emotional power of Lael’s live vocals. Using modern technology, they restored her performance from a concert with the True Groove All-Stars at The Blue Note. Furthermore, they brought in The Specials Horns and Amp Fiddler to complement the song’s soulful sound and reinforce its message of female empowerment.
With its renewed production and enduring message, “It’s About Soul” continues Lael Summer’s mission of inspiring hope, encouraging self-worth, and raising awareness about mental health through music.
Stream The Lael Project’s “It’s About Soul,” Lael Summer’s seventh posthumous single that honors her legacy and promotes mental health awareness.
