After spending the past few years dropping singles and being featured on Kaytranada's projects, Shay Lia released her anticipated debut EP Dangerous in the spring of 2019. Praised by critics and fans, alike – not to mention, worthy of a co-sign from our forever First Lady, Michelle Obama – the Afro-Canadian artist put the world on notice that she was one to watch out for. Now she's back with a follow-up project entitled Solaris to show that her glow-up is still in full effect.
The inspiration for the album came as she was visiting family for the holidays at the end of last year. She explains, "I really tried to translate all the things that I felt when I was in Abidjan with my family by the beach, living my best life. If you live in a sunny place, then this is the perfect soundtrack for it, and if you don't, then the sound can be your sun. That's why it's called Solaris — it's music of the sun. It's all about warmth.”
She didn't know it at the time, but it turns out that these breezy jams are exactly what we need to help us cope and heal from the trauma of 2020. The album starts with "Irrational," an infectious, reggae-inflected tune that includes a sample of Junior Senior's "Move Your Feet." Afrobeat provides the driving force behind the hypnotic "Mais Oui" and the warm groove "High Up." Previously released singles "All Up To You" and "Love Me, Love Me Not" round out the delightful collection of captivating melodies and rhythms.
We're crushing on Shay's lush new sound and we know you will, too. Solaris is currently available for download wherever awesome music is sold.
Shay Lia Solaris [Amazon][Apple Music][Google Play]
