Liverpool’s rising star Tonia announces her upcoming debut EP ‘Afloat’ and shares a taster with new single ‘Empty Conversations’, out now.
Building upon Tonia’s distinctive sound, candid and honest lyricism, her velvety vocal lays bare an unspoken conversation to an ex. ‘Empty Conversations’ showcases both Tonia’s effortless ability to pen immediately relatable songs, and cements her expertise in the smooth, soul-influenced pop she has become synonymous with.
Speaking on the track, Tonia elaborates:
“When I wrote “Empty Conversations” it was quite a while after the relationship had ended but it was enough time to figure out exactly how I felt about it. It is about self-assurance: the joy you can find in the moment you realise you feel no emotion towards someone that you once felt deeply for. I had moved on and grown from a past relationship and I had no hurt left. I was able to enjoy the comfort of happiness I found in myself instead of relying on finding happiness in someone else.”
Working with the acclaimed producer and long-time friend and collaborator Bob Mackenzie (credits include Anne Marie, Tom Jones, King Krule) has allowed Tonia to flourish and find herself both musically and personally. To be released on 20th January, Tonia’s debut EP ‘Afloat’ unreservedly explores themes of heartbreak, growth and moving on, breaking down her experience of coming of age as a woman.
Growing up in a musical family, Tonia (pronounced Toe-knee-uh) found herself surrounded by pianists and opera singers, pop-lovers, and Dad rock fans. Whilst her Grandad played her Chet Baker, her sister listened to Lily Allen. The eclecticism that surrounded her seeped into her own output. Moving to Liverpool saw Tonia take the city by storm, becoming one of Liverpool International Music Festival’s (LIMF) Academy’s ‘Most Promising’ artists.
Tonia has also become a firm favourite live act. After playing Sound City, Tonia supported Michael Aldag at Colours in Hoxton and made a guest appearance with the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. Having finessed the art of holding an audience in her hand, it wasn’t surprising when Tonia’s first headline gig sold-out and shortly afterwards she made her London debut for Blind Magazine at The Old Blue Last. Since then, Tonia has played The Cavern Club with BBC Introducing and captivated crowds at Kendall Calling.
Tonia entered the music scene in 2021, following the success of her debut single, ‘Flux’. Impressing even the most seasoned of pros with her self-assured style and candour, ‘Flux’ won Tonia radio fans in the likes of BBC Radio’s Jack Saunders, Sian Eleri, Gemma Bradley and BBC Introducing. Honest lyrics blend into the pulse of her ode to mellow soul and the worlds in which she merges are known for their free-thinking, indiscriminate nature. It’s these escapist tendencies that find a home in ‘Afloat’, perfectly paving the path for Tonia’s limitless upward trajectory.
‘Empty Conversations’ is available now via all major platforms. ‘Afloat’ EP is out 20th January 2023.
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