East London native KIANJA has previewed her forthcoming EP with the soulful “Ever Since You Went Away.” The track imbues an old-school groove as she explores the feeling of loss after a breakup.
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You were the ground that I walked on / Holding me down you are my rock / Darling I pulled the rug from out under my feet, she sings. All of the pain you washed away / deep in your water I was safe / Now the tide takes me way out of your reach.
“I had to leave someone I loved but wasn’t in love with, the only man who ever gave me stability,”
KIANJA tells American Songwriter about the song. “I had to deal with the fact that I couldn’t lean on him or call for help anymore. The penny fully dropped when I wrote this song, that I would have to face everything on my own again.”
“Ever Since You Went” highlights the power behind KIANJA’s voice and her unique sonic direction. American Songwriter is premiering the song today. Check it out, below.
“Ever Since You Went Away” is the first taster from KIANJA’s impending EP. “I’m so excited to share new music,” the singer posted an update to fans on Twitter that read. “I poured my heart & soul into the next few songs & I hope you feel it. Chapter 3 is now open & the first pre-save is in my bio.”
KIANJA developed a passion for songwriting at the age of 12, inspired by soul, reggae, and jazz. She moved to Durban, South Africa, as a teenager where she furthered her jazz education. Upon moving back to London, she honed her songwriting and music production at Tomorrow’s Warriors, Brit School and Guildhall.
Her debut EP, Glory, has received a heavy amount of support back home from BBC Radio 1, Rinse FM and 1Xtra.
Photo courtesy of Different Sauce
