Rising artist TAVE has had an extraordinary journey — from earning a scholarship at just 13 and performing with some of music’s biggest names to now stepping into the spotlight with his deeply personal debut EP, Fly Away. Blending soul, honesty, and live instrumentation, the record captures a journey through heartbreak, growth, and new beginnings. TAVE spoke with XS Noize about how the project came together, his favourite collaborations, and what’s next.
“Fly Away is like a vibrational journal — it tells a real-life story of loss, heartbreak, growth, self-discovery, and new love.” — TAVE
You started young — playing piano and earning a scholarship to the London School of Music at just 13 — and have since performed with Mark Morrison, toured with All Saints, and collaborated with Rod Stewart. Looking back, can you believe how far you’ve come, or do you still have those pinch-yourself moments?
Yeah, I practised a lot growing up. Once I realised I could actually have a music career, I got pretty determined to work with the best out there. I didn’t really know who I’d end up working with, but there were definitely moments where I had to stop and feel grateful, like, wow… I’m really in the room with these amazing artists. So yeah, I still have those pinch-me moments, for sure.
What would you say makes you stand out as an artist?
I think my unique selling point is honesty — just staying true to what I love and the influences that shaped me. That’s what’s kept me consistent, both in my sound and in how I connect with people.
Without giving too much away, how would you describe Fly Away? What does it reveal about you as both a person and an artist?
I’d say Fly Away is like a vibrational journal. It tells a real-life story of loss, heartbreak, growth, self-discovery, and new love. It really reflects where I’ve been emotionally and spiritually, and gives people a genuine sense of who I am, both as a person and an artist.
Talk me through the writing and recording process. How did you approach putting this collection together, and what made these songs feel like the right ones for the EP?
The writing process was really blissful. I started the idea back in 2020, just before the pandemic hit, which gave me time to learn a new instrument and create from a fresh perspective. It was both easy and challenging. I’d never put a full project together before, so I had to give myself grace when things didn’t go according to plan — but also stay inspired and keep moving forward. Some songs just gave me that special tingle when I pressed play, and I knew those were the ones that belonged on the EP.
Do you have a favourite track from the collection?
That’s a tough one because each song holds a special place for me. But if I had to pick, I’d probably say “Into You” ft. Kenyon Dixon & Stacy Barthe and “Trinity” ft. Mali Music and Cory Henry.
“Into You” is special because I started the idea while I was in Saint Lucia, and the more I worked on it, the more connected I felt to it. I added a bunch of live instruments, and it ended up coming together even better than I imagined.
“Trinity” was written after I went to a Beyoncé show. I was heartbroken but also kind of ready to let go and start a new chapter. Mali heard the track and asked what he should write — I told him to just feel the music. Somehow, he wrote exactly what I was feeling that night. It was like the music spoke for both of us.
The EP includes collaborations with artists like Tia Gordon on the title track and Eric Bellinger on “US.” How did those partnerships come about?
It’s funny you mention those two. I thought the EP was finished, but my label, Warner/ADA, suggested adding a UK artist. They sent me a few names, and Tia immediately stood out. I had a song I couldn’t wait to play her — that became “Fly Away,” which ended up being the title track.
As for Eric, I was introduced to him through his publisher at the time, Michelle Bell, who had been championing my EP early on. Eric was amazing to work with. On the very first day we met, we had this really open, vulnerable conversation, and “US” came together naturally from that.
Will you be touring or performing in support of the EP?
That’s a good question. If the right opportunity comes up, absolutely — I’d love to perform these songs live. Coming from a live production background, I know how tricky it can be to pull off shows as an emerging artist, but I’d really love to get the instruments out and bring these songs to life on stage.
You’ve received huge support and even earned a Grammy nomination. How do you handle the pressure that can come with that kind of recognition?
Thank you. Honestly, I don’t really feel pressure from it. At first, I was a bit nervous moving from behind the scenes to being in the spotlight, but now I’m in a place where the only thing that matters is creating what I love and connecting with people who resonate with it. It’s about putting in the work — everything else follows. I’m really enjoying the journey.
What are your thoughts on social media? Can new artists still succeed without being constantly online?
I’d say I’m more of an ambivert — mostly introverted, but I can be outgoing when I need to be. Social media is the best tool we have to promote ourselves, whether we like it or not. The algorithm can be annoying, but as creatives, we’ve got to find ways to work with it. You don’t have to be online all the time, but it helps to set a realistic rhythm — even one or two consistent posts a week. At the end of the day, it’s about releasing music you love and letting it fly.
Finally, with Fly Away out now, what’s next? Maybe an album?
Right now, I’m pressing 300 limited-edition vinyl copies of Fly Away, which will include three extra tracks not available on DSPs. I’ll be announcing release dates for those soon. I’ve also got a few artist projects I’m finishing up, and I’ve already started working on my next EP. There’s no release date yet — probably a couple of years out — but I’m really excited. My process involves a lot of live instrumentation, so it takes time to get everything right.
Thanks for the chat, TAVE.
Thanks for having me — I really appreciate it!
Be the first to comment