Despite being in the midst of a sold-out tour around Australia wowing audiences supporting Odette, Melbourne based soul singer Thando has somehow managed to find time to release her brilliant new single “Happy”.
Teaming up with Melbourne producer Tentendo, Thando mesmerizes and serves notice in equal measure with this one. “Happy” is an skilful synthesis of soul and hip-hop, with some smooth honied vocals belying the darker, more biting message of the song’s lyrics. Talking about the song, Thando described “Happy” as:
“a letter to my conscious self from the perspective of my anxiety. From my perspective, my often forgotten villain sneaks up on me when I’m feeling my most content and consequentially risks relationships and opportunities for happiness. I personified and gave her a voice, so that I may attempt to better understand her and learn how to keep her at bay.”
2018 has really cemented Thando as one to watch. She kicked off the year with the release of “Numb”, a powerhouse collaboration with REMI, which saw her reflecting on her own identity as a woman of colour in Australia, and all the feelings of ostracism that accompanies that. She’s also been winning plenty of fans with her captivating live performances, having secured high profile and coveted support slots with the likes of Leon Bridges and Sampa The Great.
If you’re one of the lucky ones who managed to get tickets, you can catch Thando on the road as she finishes up the sold out tour with Odette. For those that missed out, the Melbourne soul singer will also be appearing at BIGSOUND Festival on Thursday 6th September, as well as the Wollombi Music Festival in NSW, and the Wallaby Creek Festival in QLD, later in September. For more information and to check out those tour dates you can visit Thando’s Official Site or her Facebook page.
