Tirzah: The Intimate Voice of UK Electronic Soul

Tirzah Mastin, known mononymously as Tirzah, is an English singer and songwriter who crafts a uniquely raw and emotive blend of electronic music, R&B, and soul. Her critically acclaimed albums, such as Devotion and Colourgrade, have established her as a distinct voice in the UK's alternative music landscape.

Early career

Tirzah began her artistic journey at the Purcell School for Young Musicians and later the Royal Academy of Music, where she met future collaborator Mica Levi. Her first public steps came through the Mykki Blanco-featuring track I'm Not Dancing in 2013, released on the Greco-Roman label. This early work hinted at the off-kilter, emotionally direct style that would become her signature.

Breakthrough

Tirzah's breakthrough arrived with her debut album, Devotion, released in August 2018 on Domino Recording Co. The album was met with widespread critical acclaim for its minimalist production and vulnerable songwriting. While not a mainstream chart success, it achieved significant cult status and solidified her reputation as an artist of profound depth and originality.

Key tracks

Devotion — The title track from her debut album perfectly encapsulates her signature sound of sparse beats and heartfelt, conversational lyrics.

Gladly — This early single, produced by Mica Levi, showcased the potent chemistry and experimental pop sensibility that defined her initial releases.

Holding On — A standout from Devotion, this track blends a haunting melody with gritty electronic textures, demonstrating her mastery of mood.

Send Me — This raw and rhythmic cut from her second album Colourgrade highlights her progression into more abstract, atmospheric territory.

No Romance — Featuring Coby Sey, this track from Colourgrade exemplifies her collaborative spirit and exploration of darker, more complex sonic spaces.

Her follow-up, Colourgrade (2021), further deconstructed her sound, embracing warmer, more organic instrumentation and improvisational energy. Throughout her career, Tirzah's core collaboration with producer Mica Levi has been fundamental, alongside work with artists like Coby Sey and Kwes.

Fans of Tirzah's introspective and textured approach to electronic soul may also appreciate the work of similar UK-based artists. Kelela merges R&B with futuristic club production in a similarly innovative way. Dean Blunt shares an affinity for lo-fi aesthetics and emotionally raw, genre-blurring composition. Jessie Ware explores sophisticated pop and soul, though with a more polished studio sheen. The experimental spirit of Mica Levi, her key producer, is also essential listening for understanding the sonic backdrop of Tirzah's work.

Tirzah's evocative music has earned regular rotation on independent music radio stations and specialist electronic music programs. Her tracks are featured on online radio streams dedicated to avant-pop and next-wave R&B, connecting with audiences seeking depth and authenticity.

Listeners can discover the intimate and compelling music of Tirzah on the curated radio stations featured on onairium.com. Tune in to hear her distinctive blend of soul and electronic experimentation across various dedicated stations available on our platform.