Shay Lia unravels the multitude of intricacies within herself on revelatory sophomore LP FACETS
Following her infectious collaboration with Kaytranada last month, Montreal’s Shay Lia now releases her 10-track LP FACETS; an examination of her experiences as a woman of the world and a reclamation of her identity through the exploration of femininity, sensuality and heritage.
To open the album, Shay Lia embraces her sensuality, delivering the featherlike lead single ‘HIGH’. Shay says the song’s ethereal nature was inspired by a trip to Miami in which she felt her femininity amplified by the sun and gorgeous breeze; unlocking a feeling of powerful ecstasy. The track is produced by GuiltyBeatz and through their exploration of the Amapiano sound, they were able to create an Afro-fusion beat that borrows elements from all across the continent.
Following on we have ‘ON THE LOW’, the latest single preceding the album’s release. The song is Shay’s 10th collaboration with Kaytranada and is indicative of the growth manifested during both artists’ careers. As the 10th instalment of the pair’s fruitful partnership, we are treated to a funky, late-night cut in which Shay expresses her frustrations with the on again/off again nature of her situationship.
‘ROMEO & JULIESHA’ was born from a songwriting collaboration with Maesu and Kari Faux, a new process for Shay Lia in which she was able to delve more into the track’s production. The result of Shay’s foray into musical directing is a slick, fun and theatrical cut detailing a missed connection during a night out, attributed to male incognizance in recognising the signals being sent.
Continuing to up the stakes is ‘TAKUTÁ’, an exhilarating joyride, propelled by a rambunctious bassline and Shay’s undeniable charisma. Designed as a visceral experience, Shay explains “TAKUTÁ isn’t meant to translate directly to anything specific - it’s supposed to be a cue to reclaim your body, your sensuality, your melanin, your freedom and do whatever moves you. TAKUTÁ is a joyful expression of my singularity - of all the facets of myself.” Produced by Colombian-born Andrés Rebellón (who has numerous credits across the album), the song has an infectious nature that can be appreciated regardless of geographical location.
On ‘E.G.O (Energy Gets Old)’ we find Shay once again embracing collaboration, bringing together Canadian producer/writer Chiiild, Canadian alternative R&B duo Majid Jordan and Compton rapper Buddy. The song tackles narcissism and its prevalence in contemporary society, taking aim at those who thoughtlessly toy with others’ emotions; taking but never giving back, “I was in a stage of healing and it was cathartic to have a room full of great men come up with lyrics that helped me bite back at someone’s god complex.”
‘ATTERRISSAGE’, French for ‘landing’ follows and is a beautifully refined record, Shay’s maturity as a songwriter and vocalist in full bloom. The song takes the form of a traditional soul track, its timeless sonics complemented by the drumming of renowned Jazz musician/producer Karriem Riggins who Shay reached out to after feeling she had a song worthy of being graced by his talents. The song serves as a spiritual rumination on the distance between two people and one person’s yearning to close the gap.
Drawing from inspirations such as Prince and Jamiroquai is ‘UPSIDE DOWN’, a glittery, funk and pop inspired jaunt where we find Shay Lia at her most celebratory and positive. The song’s pulsing four to the floor beat underpins the euphoric atmosphere created by its various musical elements; jittering funk guitars, absorbing synths and exquisite violins combining for a weightless experience.
The album’s tone once again pivots with the hard nosed ‘PRETTY’, a gritty detour from the more ethereal sounds heard elsewhere. Speaking on the track Shay says, “PRETTY is about all of the people I had to part ways with before I began this project… PRETTY is about the light you can find after pushing through the darkness of having had toxic people play with your sanity and truth.” Further showcasing her versatility, the more venomous inflection in Shay’s vocals on the song’s chorus are contrasted by an insidious sweetness elsewhere in the verses.
As the project begins to reach its conclusion, a wave of melancholia rushes through ‘THE WAY’. A film noir sounding record in which Shay works through the painful process of healing from a love that was ill-fated due to bad timing. There is an air of optimism running through the track, with the chorus’ ascending chords creating a feeling of reassurance and independence in overcoming these struggles.
Album closer 'SOLO' is a summery, reggae inspired R&B groove centred around Shay’s newfound self-worth and the softness it has afforded in her life. The timeless feeling of the song’s sonics echo the sentiment of continued serenity in the new space that Shay has created for herself, “I decided to move forward on my own in full confidence, solo and free. I felt much lighter after making this decision and that’s why the song feels like a warm classic - it’s meant to relay the softness of my confidence and close out FACETS with a note on my growth and the consciousness I gained from this era.”
The album precedes Shay’s highly anticipated debut headline tour, which kicks off on 22nd November in France and sees the French-Djiboutian traverse across European cities Amsterdam, Brussels, Berlin and London. She resumes her tour in 2024 for the North American leg, which starts on home turf in Montreal on 23rd February.
Shay Lia is an artistic force that exists at the intersection of various musical genres, creative disciplines, places and times. Through the release of FACETS, the singer/songwriter reconciles the various lives she’s lived across cities, countries and continents. The cohesion between her various musical influences and self reflections solidifies her status as a top calibre artist who wields full control of her creative talents.
Shay Lia Tour Dates
UK/EU
Wed 22 Nov 2023 - Paris, France - Le Hasard Ludique
Fri 24 Nov 2023 - Amsterdam, Netherlands - Paradiso
Sat 25 Nov 2023 - Brussels, Belgium - Grand Salon
Mon 27 Nov 2023 - Berlin, Germany - Urban Spree
Tue 28 Nov 2023 - London, UK - Camden Assembly
US/CA
Fri Feb 23, 2024 - Montreal, QC - Montreal en Lumiere @ Le Studio TD
Sat Feb 24, 2024 - Toronto, ON - The Drake
Mon Feb 26, 2024 - New York, NY - Baby's All Right
Wed, Feb 28, 2024 - Chicago, - IL Schubas
Fri March 1, 2024 - San Francisco, CA - Popscene @ Rickshaw Stop
Sat March 2, 2024 - Los Angeles, CA - The Moroccan Lounge
Tour Tickets Here
