KULTURESS introduce themselves with debut single ‘Big Smoke’

Liverpool duo KULTURESS step into 2026 with purpose as they release their debut single “Big Smoke”, out now! The track marks a defining moment for biological sisters Eliza Mai and Tabitha Jade Hayles, officially introducing their shared vision after years of individual growth, live performance, and creative refinement.

“Big Smoke” serves as both a debut and a return. Sonically and thematically, it reflects the sisters’ formative time in London, a period that shaped their sound, sharpened their songwriting, and ultimately laid the groundwork for KULTURESS as a project.

Eliza Mai and Tabitha Jade Hayles first began making waves in Liverpool’s emerging music scene as solo artists before relocating south to study music. In 2018, the sisters moved to London, with one studying at Goldsmiths and the other at ICMP. Immersed in the city’s creative energy, they spent several years honing their craft, both individually and collectively.

The turning point came during the 2020 lockdown, when the sisters returned home to Liverpool. Confined together, collaboration became inevitable. What began as informal songwriting quickly evolved into something more focused, giving rise to KULTURESS. That enforced closeness crystallised a sound rooted in shared experience, trust, and musical instinct, transforming years of parallel journeys into a single, unified identity.

“Big Smoke” draws directly from KULTURESS’ time in London, revisiting the intensity, ambition, and emotional weight of living in the capital as young artists finding their footing. The track captures the contrast between aspiration and pressure, reflecting on a city that offered opportunity while demanding resilience.

The release will be accompanied by both an audio drop and an official music video, setting the tone for what follows. “Big Smoke” acts as the opening statement ahead of the duo’s debut EP, scheduled for release in spring.

Raised in Liverpool’s thriving live music culture, KULTURESS are at their strongest on stage. Their performance history spans some of the UK’s most recognised venues and festivals, including The Cavern, O2, LIMF, Sound City, Africa Oye, All Points East, and a recent appearance at the Penny Lane Weekender in August.

That live foundation feeds directly into their sound. Self defined through the “3Rs”, Rock, R&B, and Rap, KULTURESS blend powerful vocals with live instrumentation to create a dynamic and commanding presence. Their Merseyside roots and diverse heritage are woven into every performance, grounding their music in both place and personality.

With “Big Smoke”, KULTURESS formally step into the spotlight as a duo, bridging past experience with forward momentum. The single reintroduces their London chapter while signalling the start of a new one, anchored in clarity, collaboration, and creative confidence.

As their debut EP approaches this spring, KULTURESS stand poised as an act shaped by the road behind them and energised by what lies ahead.

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