After releasing a string of solid singles throughout the year – "Wait for It," "Something Surreal" and, most recently, "You First" – singer/songwriter Siaira Shawn has finally dropped her much-anticipated EP, Tender. The aptly-titled project is seven songs and 17 minutes of exactly the type of thoughtful and transcendent energy we’ve come to love her for. While she describes the EP as a “collection of dystopian love songs that weave poetic and introspective tales about her romantic encounters with other women,” the truth is, fans can relate to these types of emotional experiences no matter who they are attracted to. Love is indeed love, and listeners will appreciate her take on such relatable content.
Executive produced by Mars Today, Tender also boasts co-production credits from the likes of ROMderful, Mikos Da Gawd, Chris Keyes and Danny Dwyer and showcases Siaira’s ability to make each and every track her own. Whether gliding over a dreamy mid-tempo track or one with a bit more of a kick, her delicate vocals are a seamless match. In addition to the variety of themes covered on her previously released songs, ranging from self-isolation to self-revelation, the project also tackles common yet unchartered territory including the desire for a chase on the commanding opener “Wolf” and need to stay in the moment on the smoldering ballad “Little Bit.” Siaira truly offers something for everyone, though she unapologetically makes it clear to whom her affection is directed. She says, “As a queer artist I make that aspect of my identity explicit in my music and media because even as it has become more acceptable to be queer in music, we are still marginalized and need more authentic representation.”
Dive into Siaira Shawn’s EP Tender and bless your collection with it from your digital platform of choice. While we wait with bated breath for tour dates in promotion of the project, LA SoulBouncers can celebrate its release this Thursday at Paper Tiger. The event is part of Okayplayer’s monthly On & On: A Night of Neo Soul party and tickets are available now.
