Draft Article

Upcoming, young, Leicester born, solo artist Mass is increasingly gaining popularity since the release of her newest self-titled EP, which was released early last month. Rhia aka Mass has also recently announced her debut solo UK tour that will take place across the country later this year. Previous to this she also toured alongside the names of Jack Garratt, Bombay Bicycle Club and King Krule, whilst continuing to build an impressive name for herself on the new British music scene. The 17 year old’s melodic and truly thought provoking backing tracks and distorted vocals are a work of art. Mass’ new EP is a vivid collection of impressively outward looking songs that allow her audience to take an intrusive step into her childhood life. Although only picking up his first synthesiser three years ago she appears to be at one with the truly intriguing collection of instruments dhe uses in creating the sound which is so unique to her. Mass was first introduced into the music industry by BBC Introducing late in 2013. By uploading her, now very popular single, ‘Mastermind’, she was recognised by Radio 1 as a talented individual that could go far in the music business. At the end of last year she headlined the BBC Radio 1s Future Festival, alongside acts such as Rationale and Nao. The bond she appears to have with her music and the concentration and endurance it takes for her to perform his music live comes across very strongly when watching her.  The lyrical content in her music represents that of something that might leave the mind of an experienced adult and not that of a teenager. However, maybe this impressive new artist represents something about the upcoming generation and the difference between them and older generations. If she represents anything at all that is the ability to include the complexity of someone’s innermost thoughts into songs.
I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to speak with Rhia earlier this month after supporting Jack Garatt in Nottingham.

That was some performance, it must be intimidating for an upcoming artist like yourself supporting such influential and mainstream acts such as Jack Garratt all whilst playing enormous stages when you’re used to playing much smaller venues. Do you prefer the smaller venues or larger scale arenas? Thank you but yes, it’s certainly an entirely different experience, of course I cannot say that I do not enjoy playing smaller venues because that’s where I’ve came from and the reason I am where I am today, however there’s defiantly an element of fun that comes alongside the challenge of playing to larger crowds that haven’t come to see me. I enjoy being able to try and win over an entirely new audience.  I also actually find larger arenas less intimidating as with smaller venues you’re very up close and surrounded by your audience, which is much more intimidating and you also want to impress much more as they are your own fans.

You and Jack have obviously followed very similar paths so far in your rise to popularity, as you both came through the same new music scheme, is his success an inspiration to you and has he helped you at all over the last few months, which must have been chaotic. Yes, Jack is an old friend. Although we didn’t grow up in the same area we have always followed eachother’s music online and communicated through certain sites. As you are aware he obviously entered his music into the system before me and then told me to do the same myself. In that respect I guess you could certainly say he has been a mentor yes.

You’re EP came out earlier this year and impressed many people as well as many other musicians and big names in music, you’ve also recently signed a deal with Heavenly Records if I am correct, any news of an album anytime soon? I know, I was so shocked by the publicity and response I got, I wasn’t expecting anything like this, but yeah, the guys down at heavenly got in contact and signed me, which is excellent news for me, as it means I get to work with such an experienced and amazing record company. Shouldn’t be talking about albums just yet, it’s all a bit hush hush, but I can tell you that I’ve been writing and certainly have enough songs for an album, so maybe some time in the near future for sure. Keep an eye out.

Any other plans for the future, we know you have  your first solo headline tour planned for later this year, what towns are you most excited to be playing at? Yes, I can’t wait, every date on the tour will be incredible, the thought that people are coming purely to see me will be a sensation I will have never felt before. Obviously I spoke with the organisers when creating the schedule for the tour and picked out certain locations, but obviously everywhere will be immensely fun. I think I’m most looking forward to the last night of the tour, which is coincidentally in Leicester, will be sort of like a homecoming I guess, but in terms of any other plans for the future, nothing in particular yet. Mainly just writing and keep at what I’m currently doing.

Thank you for speaking to us Rhia, from me and everyone at Resonate we wish you the very best in the future, we know you’ll go far. Thank you, my pleasure,  I’ll look forward to seeing you soon.