英国のシンガーソングライターVictoria PortがソロデビューEPを発表。エレクトリック・ソウル・デュオAnushkaとしての活動を経て、独自の音楽スタイルを確立した。

EPには注目のデビューシングル「Cigarette」に加え、美しいバラード「Haunting」、スロージャム「Keep Love For Me」、タイトル曲「Did It Again」の計4トラックを収録。HemaiとShevlaneがプロデュースを手がけ、Victoria自身が楽曲を書き下ろしている。

ドミニカ系の祖母や母親としての経験からインスピレーションを得たという本作は、Gladys KnightやMinnie Ripertonらソウルミュージックの巨匠から、Cleo SolやJorja Smithといった現代アーティストまで幅広い影響が感じられる。60年代のガールグループへのオマージュも随所に散りばめられた。

「キッチンで踊りたくなるような曲」を目指したというVictoriaのヴォーカルと楽曲構成力が光る作品。BBC 6 MusicやWorldwide FMなどで既に高い評価を得ており、英国R&B/ソウルシーンに新風を吹き込む新星の登場を告げる1枚だ。

ソウルミュージックの新たな可能性を感じさせる傑作。

A1. Cigarette
A2. Haunting
B1. Did It Again
B2. Keep Love For Me

First Word Records are delighted to present 'Did It Again', the debut EP from Victoria Port.

Victoria is a British singer/songwriter that's previously released two albums as half of electronic soul outfit Anushka (on Brownswood and Tru Thoughts respectively), with a third album from the duo scheduled for release later in 2025 on BBE. Now Victoria is finally making the move to showcase her music, in her own unique way, as a solo artist.

Her first solo single 'Cigarette' saw support from Cerys Matthews & Huey Morgan on BBC 6 Music, Gilles Peterson (Worldwide FM), Mi-Soul Radio ('One To Watch'), Dan Digs (NPR Music), Tony Minvielle (Jazz FM), Somewhere Soul, Soho Radio, Totally Wired, Global Soul (also as part of their live showcase at Koko, London) and many more, while her last Anushka project also received extensive support from tastemakers such as Annie Mac, Huw Stephens and Jamz Supernova, and saw her wowing crowds as a regular player on the UK and international festival circuit.

This debut 4-track EP is set to place her where she firmly belongs; as an exciting new talent in the vibrant, eclectic UK r&b/soul scene.

As well as the single 'Cigarette', the EP includes the beautiful follow-up single 'Haunting', and two more soulful tracks; the slow jam 'Keep Love For Me', and the title track 'Did It Again'. Production comes courtesy of Hemai and Shevlane, with all tracks written by Victoria herself, along with her trusted team of accomplices; JNR Williams, Dominic Martin & Louie Hemus.

'Did It Again' is largely inspired by the legacy of her Dominican grandmother, and the tales of all the powerful women she has known, and is yet to know, encompassing their vulnerability and their truth. This in turn with her own journey as a mother. "I found the journey into motherhood transformative", she says. "I felt lost and broken at times, but simultaneously the most capable and powerful I've ever been. I've had to do the work and face my own shortcomings, in order to be the person I want to be, for my child, and ultimately for myself".

Sonically, Victoria takes her influences from a lifelong appreciation of soul music, drawing inspiration from artists like Gladys Knight, Minnie Riperton, Diana Ross, Nine Simone, Ella Fitzgerald and Dionne Warwick, to contemporaries such as Cleo Sol and Jorja Smith. She adds "I'm particularly obsessed with the girl bands from the '60's. I love the stories and the harmonies. Motown was the soundtrack to my childhood. Songs that make you want to dance in your kitchen!".

This debut solo EP is a beautiful example of Victoria's prowess as a vocalist and composer alike.

'Did It Again' is to be released on vinyl and digitally worldwide in February 2025.