INTERVIEW: Tash Hills shares new single

UK-based singer-songwriter Tash Hills is an exciting voice in the modern music scene, offering her own blend of funk-infused soul, pop and dance music. Her influences include artists like Chaka Khan, Quincy Jones, George Benson and Marvin Gaye, which filter through her unique songwriting and incredible vocals to form a sound that’s struck a chord with fans around the world.

Since launching her musical career in 2020, Tash Hills has consistently delivered a sound that’s at once nostalgic and cutting edge. From the moment she debuted with her single “Stepping on Out,” Tash has been going from strength to strength on her sonic adventure.

Her music has earned her a place on coveted Spotify editorial playlists while she’s thrilled live audiences at major festivals like Isle of Wight and Victorious Festival, playing alongside celebrated acts like Arrested Development and The Feeling. Tash’s magnetic stage presence and engaging performances have confirmed her status as one of the UK’s most exciting emerging artists.

Following her debut with multiple well-received tracks and remixes over the years, she now brings us her latest release with her brand new single titled “Sunday Love.” Produced by Flourish, “Sunday Love” is a vibrant fusion of soul, electro-funk and modern pop, all wrapped up in Tash’s sensational vocals.

Jumping straight into a colourful disco-inflected jam, the crisp snap of drums, grooving bass lines and shining synth textures form an infectious rhythm before Tash’s soulful vocals usher in the verse. Spinning smooth leads of intoxicating melodic leads above the dance-focused arrangement, the track bursts into a catchy chorus where kaleidoscopic instrumentation and Tash’s stunning voice collide to deliver a truly memorable sound.

Keeping up the energy throughout as airy vocal layers overlap, buzzy synth tones and intricate funky guitar rhythms maintain an invigorating groove from start to finish, resulting in a spectacular, upbeat pop music experience. As she continues to impress both on the stage and with her studio releases, Tash Hills remains a must-watch artist with a compelling sound.

We caught up with Tash Hills to find out more about her musical journey so far, her new single “Sunday Love” and what she’s got lined up for the future. Check out out interview with Tash Hills below.

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

My earliest memory of making music takes me back to my university days at Southampton, where I was studying Jazz. It was such a pivotal time for me because that’s when I really started to dive deep into the craft. I joined this fantastic 13-piece Jazz/Funk/Soul/Soca band called ‘Sweet Irie,’ and that’s where everything clicked. We started writing music together, and I remember the first song I wrote was with the incredibly talented Kiris Houston (Kylie Minogue, Jess Glynne, Sigma, Bridgerton soundtrack). It was a drum ‘n’ bass track called ‘Now’s the Time.’ It was such a rush to create something from scratch and see it come to life – definitely a moment that sparked my passion for music.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

I’ve always been deeply inspired by a mix of legendary and contemporary artists. Michael Jackson is a huge influence – his ability to blend pop with soul and funk is something I admire so much. Chaka Khan’s powerful voice and energy are absolutely infectious, and Amber Mark’s modern twist on soul really resonates with me. Raquel Rodriguez brings that smooth, sultry vibe that I love, while Jungle’s eclectic sound and Chromeo’s funky grooves always find their way into my music. Each of these artists has shaped my sound in a unique way, and I’m constantly inspired by what they create.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

Inspiration for my music comes from all aspects of my life. It’s not just about the music I listen to – although that’s a huge part of it – but also about the people I surround myself with, the experiences I’m going through, and even the little moments that leave a mark on me. Whether it’s a deep conversation with a friend, a new place I’m exploring, or just reflecting on life’s ups and downs, all of these elements feed into the music I create. It’s like capturing the essence of these moments and translating them into sound.

What’s been your highlight of the year so far?

Without a doubt, the biggest highlight of this year has been having our track ‘Sunday Love’ named ‘Track of the Week’ by BBC Introducing. It’s one of those moments that really makes you feel like all the hard work is paying off. BBC Introducing has been such a supportive platform for emerging artists, and to receive that kind of recognition from them was incredibly validating. It’s moments like these that keep me motivated and excited to keep pushing forward.

What do you love about the UK music scene?

The UK music scene is something truly special. What I love most about it is the incredible diversity and inclusivity that you find here. There’s such a rich tapestry of genres and styles, and everyone – from the artists to the promoters, radio stations, and grassroots venues – plays a vital role in making it all work. There’s a real sense of community and support, where people genuinely want to see each other succeed. It’s a passionate, vibrant scene that’s always evolving, and I’m so proud to be a part of it.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

Our music is all about creating a vibe, so the perfect setting to enjoy it really depends on your mood. If you’re in the mood to dance and let loose, then a packed dance floor is where our sound truly comes to life. The upbeat rhythms and funky grooves are designed to get people moving. But if you’re looking for something more relaxed, a couple of our tracks like ‘Diamond Life’ and ‘Sunday Love’ are perfect for chilling out with a cocktail in hand, maybe in your garden as the sun sets. It’s all about creating the right atmosphere to enjoy the music to its fullest.

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

My style and sound have definitely evolved a lot since I first started making music. In the beginning, I was heavily influenced by the classic sounds of jazz, soul, and funk, and those elements are still very much a part of what I do. But over the years, I’ve learned how to blend these influences with more modern sounds and production techniques. I’ve become more confident in experimenting and pushing the boundaries of my music, incorporating different genres and really honing in on what makes my sound unique. It’s been a journey of growth and self-discovery, and I feel like my music is a true reflection of who I am today.

Has your production process changed over the years too?

Absolutely, my production process has changed quite a bit over time. When I first started, I was more focused on the songwriting and performance aspects, but as I’ve grown as an artist, I’ve become much more involved in the production side of things. I’ve learned to appreciate the intricacies of sound design, and I love getting into the details to make sure every element of the track serves the overall vibe. Working with different producers has also taught me a lot, and I’ve started to take more creative control, experimenting with different sounds and techniques to bring my vision to life. It’s all about evolving and finding new ways to express myself through music.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

My dream collaboration? It has to be Silk Sonic. There’s something about their sound – the blend of funk, soul, and those smooth, velvety vocals that just resonates with me on such a deep level. Collaborating with them would be an absolute dream come true. I feel like we could create something really special together, something that’s both timeless and fresh.

How did you find making your new single “Sunday Love?”

Making ‘Sunday Love’ was an absolute joy from start to finish. Working with Flourish, who’s an incredible producer, really brought a new dimension to my vocals. We experimented with this softer, more subtle delivery that I hadn’t really explored before, and it just worked so perfectly with the vibe of the track. The song has this dreamy, almost ethereal quality with a funky, ‘Chromeo’-esque edge that I’m really proud of. It was one of those creative processes where everything just clicked, and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

The message behind ‘Sunday Love’ is all about love and cherishing those precious moments with someone special. Sundays are often a day of rest and relaxation, a time when you can truly unwind and connect with your soulmate without the distractions of the week. The song is about looking forward to that day, about the anticipation of spending time with the person who makes you feel truly amazing. It’s a reminder to appreciate those quiet, intimate moments that make life so beautiful.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

Lately, I’ve been completely obsessed with Lola Young. Her music is just so raw and honest, and there’s something about her voice that draws you in and keeps you hooked. She’s definitely one of my go-to artists at the moment, and I’m loving everything she’s putting out.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

The main thing I want people to take away from my music is a feeling of joy and positivity. Life can be tough, and if my music can lift someone’s spirits, help them unwind, or just make them want to dance, then I feel like I’ve done my job. Whether you’re throwing it on at a party, getting ready for a night out, or just need a boost, I want my music to be that feel-good soundtrack that brightens your day.

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

One of my favourite live performances has to be when we supported Arrested Development. It was such a surreal experience because they’re legends in their own right, and to have them watching us, really engaging with our set, was incredible. They were so warm and welcoming, and their presence just brought out the best in us. Knowing they were there, listening and enjoying what we were doing, was such an honour – it pushed us to deliver a performance that we’ll never forget.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

If I could pick three artists to headline my dream festival, it would have to be Amber Mark, Jamiroquai, and Silk Sonic. These artists all bring such incredible energy and talent, and I think the combination of their sounds would make for an unforgettable festival experience. As for the location, anywhere with guaranteed heat and sunshine would be perfect – somewhere like the south of Spain or the beaches of Portugal. I can just imagine the amazing vibes that would come from that setting!

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow in your footsteps?

My biggest piece of advice for new artists is to not get too caught up in the numbers, especially on platforms like Spotify. It’s easy to let those metrics affect your confidence, but what really matters is the quality of your music and the connection you make with your audience. Focus on putting out music that you’re proud of and that resonates with people. Also, in the early days, say yes to as many opportunities as you can. Every gig, every collaboration, every chance to perform is a step towards building your audience and refining your craft. Keep pushing, stay true to yourself, and the rest will follow.

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2024?

The rest of 2024 is looking pretty exciting! We’ve got a headline gig coming up at the Fiddlers Elbow in Camden, London on the 24th October, which I’m really looking forward to. It’s going to be an amazing night, and I can’t wait to share the stage with such talented musicians. We’re also working on a new track with Evil Genius, which is set to be released in early 2025!

Listen to Sunday Love below