Golden Mixtape

There was no doubt that Skyrah Bliss would be a singer when she was younger. A natural poet that soon transformed her words into songs, she was a natural performer. She remembers, “I would mimic the songs I liked that came on the radio. I’d even throw my own mini-concerts at my daycare using the CDs my mom would buy me and a radio. Shortly after I developed a love for expressing myself through words came the melodies that blossomed into songs around eight-years-old.”

Singing along to Whitney, Aaliyah and TLC eventually led Skyrah Bliss to being in a singing group and that’s where we begin but not where we end. We talked about her new single, “Next Him,” her album Vacate and more.

Kendra: You were part of a group when you were younger. How long did it take you to realize that you were better off on your own?

Skyrah Bliss: The first few years were slightly challenging because I was so used to having two other girls beside me on stage. I had as many dancers on stage with me as possible so I could feel a little bit more comfortable, but in the end, it was just one voice. I found my groove and enjoyed the complete creative freedom which later led to finding my sound.

Kendra: Pretty soon you’ll be dropping a new album. What kind of headspace were you in when you were working on the record?

Skyrah Bliss: My headspace was an open book while working on this album. I didn’t have a specific plan or have a particular sound. I always feel that you’re restricting creativity when doing so. I just find a vibe, ride it and create magic. I want anyone who listens to my album to feel as free as I was creating it.

Kendra: A great producer can make or break a track. What did DJ Chose help to bring to the table when it came to “Next Him?”

Skyrah Bliss: DJ Chose is such an amazing artist who understands the craft of creating great records and he felt I could add something great to his production. When he sent it to me I jammed to the beat for a few weeks before I began writing to it. The sound was so unique I wanted to make sure my approach was complementary to the sound. I really wanted a woman empowerment, fun record that’s relatable and I was so happy we pulled it off!

Kendra: I’ve been noticing a lot of R&B and hip-hop artists are drawing from African-based sounds. What about Afro-house made you fall in love?

Skyrah Bliss: I’ve always love culturally influenced music since I was younger. I started to play around with the House sound here and there but I really wanted it to have a Latin influence because I grew up around it and I LOVE horns. That’s why “Sun Down (Bésame)” is my favorite record on my album. There’s something about a horn section on a song that kisses my soul!

I met a producer named Giggz at an industry mixer from Kenya here in Houston. He’s a lot more experienced with House music and we began to vibe out in multiple sessions. My entire project switched up because of the magic we created! I love how Afro-House makes me feel and I knew once I was able to create it there was no turning back.

Kendra: What else do you have going on this year other than dropping Vacate?

Skyrah Bliss: For now I’m focused on dropping Vacate along with dope visuals and hopefully we’re able to get some tour dates locked to start promoting the album!

Kendra: Music can often be euphoric. If you had to make a mixtape that was a blissful experience, what five songs would be on it?

Skyrah Bliss:
Alina Baraz – “Can I”
Sabrina Claudio – “Unravel Me”
Jax Jones ft. Ina Wroldsen – “Breathe”
Burna Boy ft. J Hus – “Sekkle Down”
Wizkid ft. Bucie – “All For Love”