Rising star Mysie has just signed a two-EP deal with 70Hz Recordings, an independent record label founded by Fraser T. Smith and his wife, Sarah T. Smith. Thus far, the budding label has only released music from Future Utopia, Smith’s own new artistic project, and Cosmo Pyke.
Speaking with Music Week, Smith described his excitement about working with Mysie, saying, “The decision to work with Mysie was so natural, in terms of the commitment to her artistry. Seeing her sit at the piano, and just compose melodies and lyrics as a world-class songwriter –that was something that I couldn’t ignore. Mysie’s ambitions are very important to me, because to be working alongside an artist who shares a global vision is really important. I think the world deserves to hear Mysie’s voice.”
The pair came into contact with each other after Mysie entered and won the ‘Rising Star Award with Apple Music’ in 2021. Having selected the nominees from the public submissions of songwriters and composers under the age of 25, this was the first time that the Ivor Novello Awards Academy had awarded the honour. The award included a year-long mentorship programme from an established Academy member, which, in Mysie’s case, was Fraser T. Smith.
Having now signed to Smith’s label, Mysie will be in very good hands indeed. The Grammy Award-winning producer and songwriter has played a big part in many iconic projects in recent years, including Stormzy and Dave’s respective debut albums: ‘Gang Signs & Prayer’ (2017) and ‘Psychodrama’ (2019). Notably, Smith also joined Dave on stage for the rapper’s powerful, politically-charged performance of ‘Black’ at the BRIT Awards in 2020.
Discussing the opportunity to work with Smith through the mentorship scheme, Mysie said to Music Week, “We’ve been doing FaceTime pretty much every week. Today actually marks the day that we started our mentorship. But it doesn’t even feel like it’s been a year, it feels like it’s been a lifetime. I feel like I’ve known Fraser for so long. It was a great process, because I actually got to know Fraser more as a person before we got to know each other to make the music. So when it came to making music, it was just honest, open and comfortable. I felt like I was in a safe space with Fraser.”
Mysie’s musical style is undoubtedly unique, combining elements of pop, soul, and R&B to create atmospheric tracks that often defy a single defining genre. Now having combined her natural talent with the musical expertise of Fraser T. Smith, Mysie is undoubtedly set to leave her mark on the UK music scene in 2021.
