The Lael Project celebrates Pride Month with bold new remix of 'I Need a Man' by Lael Summer

In honour of Pride Month, The Lael Project is proud to announce the release of “I Need a Man (Touchy Feely Remix)”, an electrifying new dance track from soul/pop artist Lael Summer, out on June 24th 2025 via True Groove Records.

Originally written in 2012 by Lael Summer and producer/guitarist Tomás Doncker, “I Need a Man” debuted on Lael’s 2013 album ‘Burden to Bear’ as a funky, horn-driven anthem. In this fresh remix, Doncker teams up with producer James Dellatacoma - aka Touchy Feely - to reimagine the song for the dance floor.

Known for his work with artists like Herbie Hancock, Nine Inch Nails, and Matisyahu, Dellatacoma transforms the track into a high-energy club hit while keeping Lael’s powerful original vocals front and centre.

This marks the fifth posthumous release from Lael, a rising star in New York’s music scene who tragically died by suicide in 2017 at the age of 24. Unlike previous Lael Project releases that centered on mental health and emotional struggles, this song takes a confident, sensual turn.

Lyrics like “I Need A Man

Who don’t mess around with sweet talkin

Gotta know exactly what he’s doin’...

I need a man to take me to the finish line” showcase Lael’s bold self-expression and Disco Diva attitude.

Founded by Lael’s mother, musician and actress Marla Mase, The Lael Project is both a musical and advocacy initiative aimed at preserving Lael’s artistic legacy while breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness and suicide. Through the release of Lael’s full song catalog, Marla highlights the complexity of her daughter’s life - a young woman who struggled with depression but also experienced joy, friendship, and creative fulfillment.

“Lael wasn’t defined by her mental illness,” says Marla.

“It’s not either/or - it’s both/and. Lael was fierce, funny, and focused - and she also struggled with an eating disorder. She loved to laugh, sing, go out with friends - and she lived with depression. She was a gifted artist who also battled suicidal thoughts. This song, I Need A Man, celebrates the joyful, vibrant side of who she was.”

Producer Tomás Doncker adds, “This remix turns a funky original into a full-on dancefloor banger. It’s Lael like you’ve never heard her before.”