Bristol musician Anna Lisa has been quietly releasing a run of seriously good tunes in the lead up to her debut EP release, Unfollowed, which Nitelife is delighted to premier exclusively ahead of official release this Friday.

Although she can and has produced previously, with Access to Music and BIMM qualifications under her belt, Unfollowed sees Anna Lisa work hand in hand with co-writer and producer MUSSI.

However, it’s this credence given to the beats themselves that makes for such a powerful triple threat, combining gobsmacking vocal ability, compelling lyrics and gass up beats across the five-track EP. 

As music production continues to spread beyond the realm of expensive studios, a generation of artists such as producer-singer Harvey Causon has emerged, as well as those like Chikaya that work in close unison with their producers, who are leaving behind the notion of vocal samples or backing tracks – creating something new and musically spherical.   

Unfollowed fills a hole in Bristol’s music scene that we hadn’t realised was there

While comparisons can be drawn, Anna Lisa’s sound feels entirely unique and fills a hole in Bristol’s music scene that we hadn’t realised was there. Unfollowed paints an ethereal, dark and sometimes dread-filled soundscape, drawing most heavily on dubstep and grime, with trap, hip hop and R&B threads coming in throughout; finishing on the more upbeat, hip hop-led and aptly-titled Moodswings.

Lyrically, the EP explores Anna Lisa’s own ups and downs, as well as raising important questions for all of us, such as her Fuck Your Feelings (f.y.f), which is a snub to her own, overthinking mind – inviting us to do the same.

Unfollowed paints an ethereal, dark and sometimes dread-filled soundscape, drawing most heavily on dubstep and grime

To deliver such a head-turning debut is a rare achievement, however Anna Lisa has spent years carefully cultivating her sound. After reaching top 20 in the MOBO Unsung awards in 2016, Anna Lisa made the healthy decision to gather her thoughts and work out exactly who she is as an artist. Now she’s back with one of the moment’s most exciting new sounds.   

To deliver such a head-turning debut is a rare achievement

You can hear the Unfollowed EP in full above, before it drops on officially on Friday 13 September.  You can also catch Anna Lisa live in Bristol this month on 19 September at Bristol Fringe in Clifton, and on 23 September supporting Kadeem Tyrell alongside Chikaya and D£DW8 at Hy Brasil.

Photos by Emma Blake Morsi

soundcloud.com/annalisaprice
@annalisauk

ANNA LISA LIVE:
19 September – The Ladies Lyrics Lounge, Bristol Fringe
Free

23 September – Kadeem Tyrell (support), Hy Brasil
Tickets