Ruth Koleva is Bulgaria's answer to Lianne La Havas. Strong, mature and developed vocals. Just imagine the two on a track together - it would be an intense powerhouse.

Although Stereofox had featured her Future Sweet EP back in 2013, this was my first time hearing the Bulgarian artist and I'm seriously impressed!

Today's highlight - "Tokyo" is produced by another familiar name - Georgi Linev from Kan Wakan. This is a meeting point of quite a few talented musicians supporting Koleva on her sound journey including Jonah Christian, Rachel Row, Ron Avant (Anderson .Paak) Gene Coye (Flying Lotus) and Cooper Appelt. I guess that list of names explains the sophisticated composition and why we've had this track on repeat!

When it comes to the inspiration behind "Tokyo", the Bulgarian artist shares:

“We grow when we exchange energy,” she says. “And that’s why this song is called "Tokyo". It’s a meeting place where many worlds collide.”

I have a love-hate relationship with auto-tune, but in "Tokyo" it adds a good form of contrast and a unique point of difference. That being said, the entire arrangement and production is absolutely brilliant and I genuinely look forward to more of her work.

Ready for 4 minutes of soulful music? Hit the play button.

posted by Zuli
January 2017