Built on an irresistible and minimal groove, Do It All Again, progressively evolves through a lush arrangement with an elegant vocal as per Modeling Clay – Praa’s first single which achieved critical acclaim in the UK last year from the likes of The 405, Earmilk, CMU Approved and many more. With her crystal clear and distinguished voice, Praa invites us onto the dancefloor with cinematographic Nothern soul.
Praa espouses a modern soul for generation Y, full of ambition yet sweet and pure in nature. With hints of Jorja Smith, Kehlani and NAO but with a French swagger that brings out something altogether deluxe in the mix. Beyond her artist name, there is an erudite young woman who has a great ability to synthesize all of her influences. As she builds towards a debut LP expect to hear a potent array of tracks traversing RnB to evanescent Trip-Hop and even 90’s New Jack over the coming year. All based around a sparse and minimalist production sound which will inevitably entice each listener with more reward upon each listen as you enter Praa’s absorbing universe textured with rich vocal work and the warmest of melodies.
Minimalist, inventive and smooth, Praa’s music is backed diligently by three creative minds: producer Timsters (Manceau, Colorado) and mixed by Robin Florent (Portugal The Man, Dua Lipa) and mastered in Finland by Svante Forsbäck also being signed to Timsters own indie label Elephant & Castle. Check out Do It All Again below!
We managed to catch up with Praa as she talks about her latest single and more!
So how has the release of Do It All Again gone down so far with fans?
The project is quite young, so I don’t know if I can really say that I have « fans » haha, but people have been quite enthusiastic about the track and the music video. Media too. So I’m really glad.
Can you tell us something about the track no one else knows?
When I started to write the lyrics, I was convincing myself that my boyfriend was cheating on me. I’m a quite jealous person. That’s why the text is a bit dark. But of course it was just an illusion, I really need to put myself in a dark mood and to invent stories in order to write and let go the things I keep inside. Finally, the lyrics are about doing same mistakes all over again.
Will you be releasing an EP or Album at all this year?
Yes I’m working on an album that will probably be released this autumn.
Will you be touring the UK or Europe at all this year?
I hope so ! Few shows are coming in France. I really want to play in UK too.
Have you found it more difficult being a solo female artist in this industry?
For the female part I can’t say as I can hardly compare. But for the solo part, I think it depends on your personality. For me I think it’s a strength, I need to have the control on everything I’m doing, and entirely lead my project. But I’m not really « solo » either, I’m lucky I can count on a great record label: Elephant & Castle, and my producer Timsters who’s really supporting me. My manager too.
What do you think bands and artists have to do to keep the smaller venues alive and kicking?
Never forget where you’re from, support the venues where you played your first shows and keep on going to see concerts there.
What do you get up to in your spare time when not working on music?
I love to travel. I try to do it as much as I can. I love California, New York, London and Amsterdam. I wish I’d go there more often.
If you could work with any band on new song, who would it be and why?
I’d love to work with Kaytranada and/or Rejjie Snow. I’m a bit ambitious, haha !
What was the first gig you attended?
It was in a bar in the area of the fishing port of my city, really particular atmosphere. I was fifteen, I played three hours in a row, mostly covers but also my very first songs. At the end of the show I was so happy I had played – and so tired too – that I forgot I was actually going to be payed. I was going home and the owner of the bar ran after me with my money.