Artist Management | 5.08.2022
Meanjin/Brisbane-based singer, songwriter and producer, FELIVAND, today releases her exquisite debut album, Ties out via Sweat It Out, and ahead of headline live shows throughout August and September.
An imprint of FELIVAND’s rich and talented inner-world, Ties represents a journey of self-care, curiosity and introspection. FELIVAND harnesses her songwriting talents to turn observations and reflection into lasting sonic memories, inflected with indulgent neo-soul energy. Between soundscapes of rich bass lines, warm, jazz-flickered chords, harmonic vocal stacks and crisp doses of percussion, FELIVAND ruminates on the all-pervasive questions of mental health, spirituality, interpersonal connections, and her own place in the world.
Although FELIVAND still records in much the same manner as she began – an abundant flurry of noodling around with samples, bass lines, vocal stacks and chords, cocooned in her bedroom’s secluded sphere of creation – Ties sees her open this once private sphere to outside collaborators including Wes Singerman & Taydex (Princess Nokia, Kehlani, Anderson Paak), Maxwell Byrne (Mallrat, Allday, Cub Sport) Ed Quinn (Slum Sociable, Sycco), Tristan Hoogland (Joji, James Blake), and more.
Speaking on the release of Ties, FELIVAND says: “I have dreamt of recording an album ever since I was little, so to see ‘Ties’ in its final form brings me a childish joy and satisfaction I can’t quite put into words. I have never felt more aligned with or proud of anything I have written before.”
Opening the album is the melancholic beauty of “Way Out”. A gliding trill of piano flutters ahead of a steady beat that introduces the soul-laden voice of FELIVAND amid harmonious melodies. Next, “Stolen Seats” ensures a skipping beat, with the clever simplicity of an organ-led melody, speaks to the power of perception in seeing ourselves, versus how our loved ones see us. Soon, “Not My Way” enters, offering a slowed down coat of introspection, as bass chords twang and acknowledge the lyrical sentiment of letting go.
A woozy and off-kilter interlude in “Safe Here” becomes a definitive mood-setter for the record, seeing bass notes skip and warble to the beat. Previous Billboard and FBi Radio-acclaimed single, “Butterfly Wings” arrives next, seeing a one sided conversation set to a swaying tempo, where percussion flourishes and playful synths glide with FELIVAND’s lyrical exploration of growth and curiosity. FELIVAND collaborated with, LA-based producer duo Wes Singerman and Taydex (Anderson .Paak, Princess Nokia, Rich Brian, Kendrick Lamar, Kehlani) on the track, and in the process masters a duality of sensitivity and attitude.
A late 2021 release, “Where Were You” follows, which scored applause from triple j, community radio, NME, 10 Magazine, MTV, rage and more upon release. A ballad-like piece of empathy, the song consoles, restores and uplifts in equal measures. Next, “Big Little” sees a groove-heavy bass line kick in, while a snappy hook jolts you into an infectious rhythm, as a reassuring love note. Soon, “Ripple Effect” relies on distorted guitars and a muted bassline, to see its swanky and smoothness tell the tale of snowballing action.
A melancholic dream-pop jam of jangly guitars and cruisy backing vocals, sees “Lately” enter, before the self-soothing power of “My Cool” as an antidote to anxiety in its funky stratostephic tempo. Next, “RIde Home” sees slow gracious movements of piano, and a resounding horn fill space prior to a softly tapping snare. FELIVAND locks into a higher register and between whispers and smokey vocal hues, speaks to those who struggle to be alone. A finale, “Seasons” arrives as a magical epilogue, befit with crispy and rolling basslines, and softly scattered vocal hues, closing the door on this chapter in FELIVAND’s universe.
Influenced by the likes of Kali Uchis, Solange, James Blake, among others, FELIVAND’s recent projects have garnered praise from Billboard, COLORS, triple j, Rage, NME, Apple Music (New Artist of the Week), community radio and more. Prior to her album singles “Where Were You”, “Butterfly Wings” and “Not My Way”, FELIVAND’s 2020 sophomore EP, Nerve, arrived a bewitching, seamless slide into slinkier, darker shades of pop for her soul-tinged music. It marked a distinctive maturation in sound from debut EP, In Bloom, that now boasts more than 12 million streams combined. In her next movements, fans can hear Ties in its live beauty this month as FELIVAND performs headline shows from hometown Brisbane’s Woolly Mammoth on August 19, Mary’s Underground in Sydney on August 27, and Melbourne’s Northcote Social Club on September 2.
Don’t delay in soaking up the effervescent and elegant sphere of FELIVAND, as her debut album in its radiating beauty, emotion and vulnerability, Ties enters the world for endless play.
TIES IS OUT FRIDAY, AUGUST 5 VIA SWEAT IT OUT
FELIVAND AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES
Friday, August 19 – Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane – TIX HERE
Saturday, August 27 – Mary’s Underground, Sydney – TIX HERE
Friday, September 2 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne – TIX HERE