Auckland via New York RnB/Neo-Soul artist Alayna has announced she will be bringing her heartfelt debut EP Sweet Soul to Auckland’s Anthology Lounge. The vocals for the five-track opus were recorded at Golden Age Studio in Auckland by Josh Fountain of Leisure. The instrumentals were then produced and reproduced in New York City at various studios during the artist’s tenure in the city that never sleeps. The tunes have since racked up millions of Spotify streams, with the title track having been heard over five million times across the globe.
The EP was released via Vancouver-based label 20XX, the brainchild of Chad Hillard of renowned music blog Hillydilly. Hillard heard an early Soundcloud rendition of Alayna’s track ‘Bliss’ and immediately introduced her to a score of producers to help further hone her tunes.
Attendees at the recent Going Global Presents showcase at Whammy Bar and Mitch James’ appearance at The Powerstation will know that Alayna’s powerful and profound blend of RnB, Neo-Soul and polished Pop leaves a lasting impression. From the sombre builds and drops of ‘Bliss’ to the Bond Theme-in the making of ‘Between Dusk and Dawn’ - the latter of which was co-written and produced by longtime Billie Eilish collaborator Finneas O’Connell.
The release show will be an intimate affair, as inspired by pop heroine Lorde’s live debut in Galatos Basement, which made a lasting impression on Alayna. The sub-100 capacity, velvet-clad ambience of Anthology Lounge was the obvious choice to host her sonic homecoming. The recently-opened K Rd venue emanates class in a similar manner that the artist’s vocal melodies and delicate arrangements on tracks like ‘Sweet Soul’ and ‘High Off You’.
The rising star is already on a relentless schedule, returning to Aotearoa to play the release show only days after completing a recording stint in London with hitherto virtual collaborators Astronomyy and Maths Time Joy.
For fans of Solange, Erykah Badu and recent Anitpodean visitor Nai Palm.
‘Falling Autumn’ Release Show
Friday 23rd November - Anthology Lounge, Auckland
Tickets available through Undertheradar.co.nz