Single reviewsThe Other Side Reviews

Sage Of New England – Racunga (2023)

Combine the natural talents of singer-songwriter Matthew Hayes Jacobs and producer Justin Tracy, and what do you have? Sage Of New England is what you have. Embracing music at a young age Hayes began playing the guitar at age 7 and was writing original music by his mid-teens. The overall aim was to create music with depth, insight and reflection while fusing different genres. Blending elements of progressive rock, folk, indie-folk and bossa nova, it appears he is meeting his goals splendidly.

Following their well-received song ‘Walking True’, Sage Of New England blasts into 2023 with the track ‘Racunga’. Inspired by his desire for music that is, as I mentioned, reflective, insightful and profound, ‘Racunga’ is about “awakening the spirit of generosity, compassion and adventure in our hearts…” Using his storytelling prowess, Hayes uses the fictional spirit Racunga to encourage and empower listeners to “live life to the fullest”. He explains that “I really wanted to make a song that celebrates going down a spiritual journey and that there are fruits to be harvested when you go down that path.”



A barebones track blending elements of folk and folk-rock, although in an entirely obscure and inimitable way, ‘Racunga’ hits you between the eyes with its originality. A masterful piece of work, the song places you in a comfortable bubble while retaining a mild brashness in the spokes of this sonic wheel. Elegant and sophisticated, you can hear the natural skill of Tracy as a producer – moreover, the charm of Hayes’ dulcet tones enchant you with its simplicity. The thing is, while sophisticated and mature, a raw ethereal haze makes ‘Racunga’ a stripped-back sensation.

Sincere, sentimental and empowering, Sage Of New England helps us reach that light at the end of the tunnel with the single ‘Racunga’.

For more from Sage Of New England, check out their official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.

This artist was discovered on Musosoup #sustainablecurator