EP Review: JayaHadADream and Zoutr - 'Redemption Songs'
Nottingham's next big star reaches new heights
There’s a lot of brilliant talent in Nottingham and it’s always exciting to see one of our hidden secrets transcend into a star beyond the city’s boundaries. The latest to do this is JayaHadADream.
Following a performance at Glastonbury Festival after winning their 2024 Emerging Talent Competition, Jaya has gained a whole new army of fans, but this isn’t something that happened overnight. Her fanbase has been steadily gaining over the past year, as a result of her hard work and dedication to her craft.
This saw her leave her day job as a Criminology teacher in Cambridge, committing herself fully to her music. With the release of her debut EP ‘Redemption Songs’, Jaya proves that this decision was the right one.
“Even though life has been a whirlwind for Jaya lately, it’s clear that ‘Redemption Songs’ is just the beginning”
It’s important to highlight Zoutr, Jaya’s producer, here - who worked on the entire project alongside her. On stage recently at Stand Up To Knife Crime 2024, Jaya nodded to Zoutr behind the decks, referring to ‘Redemption Songs’ as “our EP,” sharing the credit between the pair equally.
Since beginning to work with Zoutr, it’s undeniable that Jaya has really found her groove, bringing her music to a whole new level. Producers often don’t get enough recognition, but Zoutr must be recognised as a huge part of Jaya’s recent success, and she ensures his input isn’t forgotten.
Even though life has been a whirlwind for Jaya lately, it’s clear that ‘Redemption Songs’ is just the beginning. She has teased a free EP launch party (date and location TBC), so make sure to keep an eye out for details for an opportunity to see her perform live in Nottingham.
‘Redemption Songs’ is out on streaming services now.
By Gemma Cockrell.