Born and bred Londoner GIYA has just dropped a heart-warming new single entitled ‘4 once.’ All her music is tinged with grit and an uplifting charm, whilst being soaked in pop sensibilities, and ‘4 once’ is no different. Her sound represents her city that she holds very close to her heart. Drawn into the orbit of South London producer Ali Bla Bla, she started hanging around his studio, becoming firm friends with Hak Baker, later joining him on tour in 2018. Learning her craft alongside some very talented peers, GIYA is proud to say that she’s developed a signature sound of her own.
Her latest single ‘4 once’ showcases this sound. A lo-fi inspired offering at heart, the single features a colourful melting pot of piano lines that ebb and flow between each other, sitting perfectly on top of playful drums. Her vocals are soaked with personality and tinged with emotion and rawness, forming a formidble partnership when paired with her well-penned lyrics.
Speaking further about the single, she says: “London is a peculiar place, and I feel the young people often want different things to the old, it’s that battle between change and conservatism. I can speak for my friends and people my age that we are pushing for a far more inclusive place in general, whereas it seems the powers that be always want the opposite.
But in the summer, something happens to the city I have always felt, that the good wins, the music wins and the general vibes just win. It’s truly like nothing else. 4 once is my love note to the city, but mainly to those dancers and the baskers, and I want 4 once to be that tune that is reminiscent of those times when the sun seems to heal all your problems.”
Her upcoming E.P “Odd Fish,” is a huge step forward for GIYA. This offering is a blend of old and new and her producer in Brighton, Scoop Monty, has helped enormously behind the scenes.“It’s really, really raw. It’s honest, and it doesn’t beat around the bush. It feels like a bold move, one that doesn’t give me anywhere to hide. It’s brutal at times, but I’m really, really proud of it.”
Backed by Jess Iszatt on BBC Introducing London, festivals such as Glastonbury, Victorious and 2000 Trees have all taken note. GIYA is quickly rising to become an exciting artist in the UK.
