Where are you currently based?
I’m in Sydney, Australia
How did you first start playing music?
I started singing when I was about 2 years old, and basically never stopped (haha). I picked up a bit of keys when I was 8 and taught myself some guitar when I was 12. Music has always been the one constant in my life, people told me that when I grew up I wouldn’t want to be a singer anymore but it never changed.
What’s been happening recently?
2022 for me has been lots of gigs, writing with other artists/producers and getting this EP and EP Launch show ready.
Your EP “Human’ is out now! What or who influenced the sound and songwriting?
It’s truly an amalgamation of my childhood and growth as a person and artist. People have been dropping names like Summer Walker, Sza, Jhene Aiko, Sabrina Claudio, Cleo Sol, Alicia Keys – they’ve definitely played a part but I genuinely feel like these songs came from a personal, deep and unique place. I’d say its main influence is life and connecting with my inner self.
How did you go about writing this EP?
I started writing it 2 years ago, I had ideas and songs I’d written from earlier on and the process started with Chelsea Warner and the song Presence. From there I started to flesh out what kind of music I wanted to make and what it is I wanted to say. I had pretty strong and clear ideas going into it so I was really grateful to work with people who wanted to help bring those ideas to life.
Where and when did you record/produce/master and who did you work with?
Some of the songs were recorded in studios, whilst some I recorded at home. On this project we have Chelsea Warner on production for Presence, True, Human and Bittersweet (she also vocal engineered Human and Bittersweet) as well as some instrumentalists from Mauritius on the song Human. We have Lui Mateer on production for Choices and Within, Stefan Iyapah on production for Senses – who is also my cousin and lives in the UK (I hope to head over there soon) and Marley Rooney – who’s also my keys player – on piano for Worthy. All the songs were mastered by my ride or die engineer Diego Raposo who is based in the Dominican Republic. As you can see I’ve taken it International.
How did you approach the recording process?
I really enjoy recording with a vocal engineer, it’s great to have someone throw ideas and help with the recording process. I worked with Charlotte Rochecouste, Chelsea Warner and Matt ‘Gambino’ Borsos. I usually do a few takes of the whole song then work on each part as needed. When I record by myself at home it’s a more meditative experience, depending on the song.
Your single ‘Human’ was recently released, what does this track mean to you and how did Human come about?
Human is a very special song to me. It’s the first time I’ve put traditional Mauritian elements into my music and the blend is just divine. From the ravanne (drum) to the ‘oh-la-la-eh-la-la-ile’ harmonies, it represents my connection to my culture. I remember telling Chelsea, ‘Chels I want to do a Mauritian Sega/R&B song, you down?’ and we got into the studio and created it together. It was magic. The concept of the song rings true to all of us – we are human, we are flawed but we are powerful and loving beings. I wanted to remind people of their strength and beauty.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
Brent Faiyaz dropped ‘Wasteland’, that’s been on rotation for me
You’re playing on Wednesday 13 July at Mary’s Underground Sydney, what can we expect from your live show?
It’s the biggest show I’ve done so far, and I’d definitely call it a show rather than a gig. I have a full band and a Mauritian twist to end the night – it’s going to be a very very special night and I’m so excited to bring my songs to the live stage, some of which will be for the first time. I also have ELISHIA and Melkior opening the night too, I’m hyped! This one is not one to be missed, I’m going all out.
What’s planned for the remainder of 2022?
More writing, more collaboration, more new music, more growth, more shows.
Favourite food and place to hangout?
Sushi for sure, and I love being by the sea or in nature, it always centres me and helps me reconnect.
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