Liverpool’s rising star Tonia announces the release of her mesmerising debut EP ‘Afloat’, following her serene, pastel palette visual for her single of the same name, which gained support from BBC Radio 1 Future Pop’s Maia Beth, amongst many other tastemakers.
Out now, Tonia’s debut EP unreservedly explores themes of heartbreak, growth and moving on, breaking down her experience of coming of age as a woman. The 2022 EP track and single ‘Empty Conversations’ was released in 2022 and laid bare an unspoken conversation with an ex.
Tonia entered the music scene in 2021 with the success of her debut single and EP track ‘Flux’. Impressing even the most seasoned of pros with her self-assured style and sincerity, ‘Flux’ won Tonia radio fans like BBC Radio’s Jack Saunders, Sian Eleri, Gemma Bradley, and BBC Introducing. UK guitarist, producer and singer edbl serves up a remix that also appears as a bonus track on the EP.
The uplifting love ballad Sweet Relief rounds off the body of work, leaving Afloat on a poignant note of hopefulness. A live version can be seen below.
Speaking on the EP, Tonia says:
“‘Afloat’ is processing my perception of acceptance and how I love others. The EP is a scrapbook of different moments over the past four years. Writing each song has helped me process heartbreak, overthinking, love, and times of learning, growth and moving on.
With most of the songs based on lost love and heartbreak, I chose to end the EP on a more hopeful note. I wrote Sweet Relief over zoom during lockdown with one of my best friends. It’s about the waves of different emotions and sometimes overwhelming thoughts that come with falling in love. Love can be confusing, and writing this song was cathartic. It helped me find clarity and overcome barriers due to past relationships.
The whole EP reminds me that there’s always the ability to grow and move past relationships, even if you feel helpless and lost at the time! It also acts as a reminder that there is power in being on your own.
Despite the heavy weight of the experiences in each song, I’ve managed to stay Afloat.”
Working with the acclaimed producer, 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. Building upon her distinctive sound, the singer has an adept skill for diary-style, heartfelt storytelling. Her music is honest, intimate, and revealing, inviting the listener into her most personal moments.
Growing up in a musical family, Tonia (pronounced Toe-knee-a) was surrounded by pianists, 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 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 mastered the art of holding an audience in her hand, it wasn’t surprising that 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.
Honest lyrics blend into the pulse of her ode to mellow soul, and the worlds she merges are known for their free-thinking, indiscriminate nature. These escapist tendencies find a home in ‘Afloat’, paving the path for Tonia’s limitless upward trajectory.
‘Afloat’ EP is available now via all major platforms.
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