The Glaswegian DJ, TAAHLIAH, has turned her attentions to the recording studio to release new, experimental track ‘Brave’. TAAHLIAH, who made her name in the underground queer scene in Glasgow, stated she was ‘bored of playing other people’s songs’ and provided us with her first dance track ever over the weekend, released via the London label untitled (recs).
‘Brave’ is a dance floor anthem, speaking to TAAHLIAH’s own experiences of ‘coming to terms with her own transness’ as well as embracing solidarity and strength within the LGBTQIA+ community. The debut single delivers wacky auto-tuned vocals from collaborator Sophie Thornton mixed with colourful, vibrant synths and a thick bass line. The tempo shifts allow Thornton’s empowering lyrics to ring out – ‘Been a long time / but I’m trying to be brave / Don’t think twice / Cos I’m trying to be brave’ soars above the vivid electro-dance beat, providing a sense of unity and support.
TAAHLIAH made history in November last year, being the first black trans artist – not only to be nominated at the Scottish Alternative Music Awards (SAMA) – but be nominated and win two categories in the same year. The talented artist received Best Electronic and Best Newcomer at the 11th SAMA ceremony, propelling her to wide-spread acclaim.
TAAHLIAH has shared stages with LSDSXOXO, Eris Drew and the late SOPHIE. She stated that the late artist was a ‘pivotal inspiration’ to her, that she taught you to “be fearless in your vision.” Taking to Twitter, TAAHLIAH said of SOPHIE’s passing ‘One of my biggest inspirations, in both art and life. I feel grateful to have known you, your energy, your vision and your talents. Rest in peace, power and paradise, SOPHIE.’ TAAHLIAH played at SOPHIE’s memorial on 6th February via Zoom, organised by Club Quarantine.
Speaking about her newest pop-banger to Line of Best Fit, TAAHLIAH stated that ‘Brave’ ‘encapsulates that anything is possible” and can “speak to as many people as possible, whilst still providing a localised safe haven for queer/trans/black listeners.” Untitled (recs) states of the new debut single ‘an unequivocal and timely call for bravery and acceptance. ‘
Listen to ‘Brave’ below.
