Rising star Pritt is undoubtedly carving her own path to success with the stunning combination of her sultry R&B vocals and Asian melodies pulsating though her music. Coming from a Tamil background and being classically trained in Carnatic music from the age of 8, the R&B artist uses her femininity to empower the presence of women in urban music and demonstrates her ability to gracefully blend two worlds into one. -‘Eastern meets Western R&B’.
Pritt shows off her impressive enthralling melodies with the release of her long-awaited EP ‘Transparency’. The project features seven songs and shares aspects of her life where she felt wronged and insecure whilst paying homage to her past self. Featuring the last cover of this year’s LiquidMag, we caught up with the south London songstress to discuss her growth in the music industry and get a further look into her creative process.
Listen to 'Transparency' below
First of all, Congratulations on the latest EP! It’s amazing. How do you feel now that it’s out in the world?
Thanks guys! I’m relieved and very appreciative. The love has been immense, kind of overwhelming haha. The thing is, when I released ‘Identity’ (which is on the EP) - it blew up. I dropped it out of frustration @ aunties and wasn’t expecting the response it got - so to drop this EP after that, was a lot of pressure. I’m glad it’s out there being enjoyed though! I almost kept it to myself haha.
Let’s talk about the making of ‘Transparency’ how did the EP come about and what was the inspiration behind it?
Well, I hate being vulnerable with people, especially talking about feelings and being open so I wanted to challenge myself a little bit and talk about real things that people go through – comparison, failure, heartbreak, love etc. I wanted this EP to shine lyrically and that’s exactly what it’s done.
My parents are my biggest inspiration – I would not be here without them. To see the growth of them accepting me doing music, as a career is one of the reasons I wrote this EP. My mum has always on board, she just had aunties in her ear telling her that it was a bad idea. My dad on the other hand, had a very hard upbringing so for him, music wasn’t the stable option for his daughter to pursue! When he finally accepted that this is what I wanted to do, he was 100% with it. It went from disbelief to sending my videos into his WhatsApp group chats!
How was it producing this project? How involved were you?
So I’ve worked with multiple producers on the EP, who are all so talented! One of the producers ‘Kill September’ recently worked on my favourite song off of Wizkid’s new album (Made in Lagos), called ‘Gyrate’. Banger! I wish I could go through all the producers’ accolades but we won’t have room! They sent me the beats ages ago and I went back to the folder and started working.
I wrote everything on the EP, sent it off to get mixed and here we are. I was involved in putting the whole EP together from directing how the artwork would look like, to the order of the songs, all way to the finished product. I like to be very hands on where I can, which is why I’m trying to produce and mix my songs so the next EP may be all me, who knows?!
And the name ‘Transparency’, where did that come from?
It’s literal. I’m being transparent with you. I spoke to my friend to double check because the original title was ‘Transparent’ but it felt a little aggressive haha! Once it got the thumbs up, it was time to go!
What was the first song you decided to feature on the EP?
My honest answer to that question is I actually don’t know! I think it was Growing Pains or Top Boy - I remember writing both of them in the same week. Most songs on the EP I started ages ago but never finished so it was tying loose ends and going from there.
Your ‘Eastern meets Western’ take on your music definitely brings something different to the industry. Tell us a little bit about how growing up in South London and coming from a Tamil background has influenced your style as an artist.
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I love South so much! There is a whole community and feeling of togetherness that I don’t really appreciate until I deep it. We’ve all grown up in the same place and everyone’s linked in some way – it’s mad small. Don’t get me wrong, we still have chatty patty aunties but I feel like life just isn’t as exciting without them!
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When I first started music, I hardly saw any Tamil people doing it as a career. M.I.A was the only Tamil person I had seen successful in the music industry out of millions of people. I never really looked into how much representation really makes people happy until this year, if I’m brutally honest. The ‘Eastern meets Western’ aspect came to life when I started incorporating Carnatic adlibs to my music and it’s just gone from there. Being Tamil has influenced me as a person which has influenced my style as an artist – there was no defining moment.
What made you want to start singing and who would you say your biggest influences are inside and outside of music?
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My mum took me to go to Carnatic music lessons every week from the age of 8 and I self-taught the rest, I’ve always loved music! She also had me performing from the age of 2, so I didn’t really have a choice!
My biggest influences outside of music are my friends and family, I’m very grateful for them. In music, I would say I take influence from everyone, it’s actually really hard to pin point who exactly. I have so much respect for producers – Timbaland, Metro, Pharrell, Mike Dean and a couple female producers I love – WondaGurl and NAO. It’s nice to see women take over in a very male dominated aspect of music!
How would you say you've grown as an artist since the first single you ever released?
I have grown vocally and in terms of music knowledge. I know what I like especially when it comes to the engineering aspect. My last EP was amazing, so this one had to executed right. I’m a perfectionist and I can’t tell if it’s a good thing or a bad thing anymore haha but I’ve become aware of what I need to do to get to where I want to be.
Who would be your dream collab?
I have to have a song with Frank Ocean, that is the dream. But I have loads of dream collabs for different styles, will keep you posted when it happens! Speaking into existence and all.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
Wizkid’s ‘Made in Lagos’ album is fireeeee! I have been playing it non-stop. Incredible scenes!! Absolutely love M Huncho and Nafe Smallz new album, DNA – a work of art!
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What’s next for you, now that the EP is out, can we expect any visuals?
Funny you should say that, I have just dropped visuals for my song ‘Top Boy’ which is available to watch on YouTube. I have new music lined up for 2021 which I am very excited about – very grateful! I guess you just have to follow me on Instagram to stay posted.
Art Direction/ Digital Editor: Vanessa Abia
Producer: Moses Mason
Photographer: Gracie Olukanni
Production Studio: Projext Liquid Studios
Connect with Pritt @_Prittmusic
At just 15 years of age, Joyce Cisse known as Flowerovlove is successfully pursuing her dreams as a musician whilst juggling her modelling career and school life. After the release of 3 successful singles this year, we caught up with the multi- talented artist to give us the low down on her ‘first and favourites’.
Listen to Flowerovlove's latest release 'Fat Wave'
When was the first time you realised you wanted to be a musician?
the moment I knew I wanted to be a musician was around early ages of 5-7 listening to one direction and wanting to project the feeling that I had into my own creation.
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What was the first song you made?
The first song I made and finished was actually a rap song ‘around the block’ when I was 13 I’m not sure if the world will hear it soon.
What was the first song you release officially?
Kiss & Chase - The song is inspired by mediation and taking time to yourself, the lyrical aspects are soft whereas the fluttery catchy pop beat accumulates a lo-fi indie pop and bedroom pop sound
When was the first time you realised you wanted to be a musician?
the moment I knew I wanted to be a musician was around early ages of 5-7 listening to one direction and wanting to project the feeling that I had into my own creation.
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What was the first song you made?
The first song I made and finished was actually a rap song ‘around the block’ when I was 13 I’m not sure if the world will hear it soon.
What was the first song you release officially?
Kiss & Chase - The song is inspired by mediation and taking time to yourself, the lyrical aspects are soft whereas the fluttery catchy pop beat accumulates a lo-fi indie pop and bedroom pop sound.
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Who is your favourite band or singer?
The strokes, Aivvays, Blondie and unknown mortal orchestra
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Connect with Flowerovlove @Flowerovlove
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Art Direction/ Digital Editor: Vanessa Abia
Producer: Moses Mason
Photographer: Moses Gamboi
Production Studio: Projext Liquid Studios
Kaylee Golding is a DJ and an award winning radio presenter. She is originally from Birmingham but is now living in East London. Hence why she follows the slogan “Your favourite Gyal From Brum”. Representing who you are is at the heart of all of Kaylee’s work. As a presenter Kaylee has worked on some brilliant stations including Radio 1, and Gaydio. And is a weekly presenter on the community radio station Reprezent Radio. Throughout her career she has interviewed a huge amount of artists including: Pia Mia, Swarmz, Beverly Slowly, Lady Leshurr, Krept & Konan, Ms Banks, just to name a few! In addition to this Kaylee has won multiple awards for her presenting. Including best specialist and best interview at the 2019 student radio awards.
Connect with Kaylee @Kayleegolding
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Photographer: Mardy Photograpghy
Connect with Projext Liquid @Projext.liquid