We Speak Music
mau from nowhere’s Soft Steps: A Sonic Journey of Growth and Grace
More than a year after his debut album, The Universe is Holding You, Kenyan-British artist mau from nowhere returns with his latest project, Soft Steps, a seven-track EP that showcases his continued sonic evolution. Blending alternative afro-fusion and R&B with his signature genre-bending style, Soft Steps presents a refined, innovative sound that charts mau’s authentic creative journey.
Raised across three continents—Nairobi, the UK, and the Netherlands—mau from nowhere’s music is a seamless fusion of local influences and global sounds, drawing inspiration from the likes of Outkast and Bloc Party. His eclectic background shines through in this latest release, which blends hip-hop, R&B, and electronic elements to create a unique soundscape. Having already captured attention with previous singles, a four-track EP, and his critically acclaimed debut album, mau’s Soft Steps serves as the next chapter in a rapidly evolving career.
Since being recognized as Apple Music’s East African Up Next artist in May 2023, mau’s trajectory has been on a steady rise. His serene, airy sound—marked by melodic raps and heartfelt lyrics—has brought a breath of fresh air to an industry often saturated by convention. Soft Steps further cements his place as a forward-thinking artist unafraid to experiment, offering listeners a meditative reflection on life, love, and the process of becoming.
The EP marks a notable shift from his earlier raw, rap-centric introspection to a more complex and melodic form of storytelling. This sonic evolution reflects a growing maturity as mau steps away from the purely personal to explore broader, universal themes. His ability to capture the intricacies of human emotion while maintaining an unmistakable groove is what makes Soft Steps both compelling and deeply relatable.
As mau from nowhere explains, Soft Steps is “an ode to patience, navigating growth and the trials that come with it with the grace to forgive myself and the calm endurance to forge onward into the unknown.” The title itself reflects the gentleness of this journey—taking one step at a time with quiet perseverance. Through these seven tracks, mau invites listeners to do the same, encouraging introspection and offering a comforting reminder that growth doesn’t always have to be rushed.
The EP’s production mirrors this theme of patience and grace, with lush soundscapes and subtle yet intricate instrumentation. Mau’s delicate approach to both his lyrics and beats brings a sense of calm to the project, making it feel more like an immersive experience than just a collection of songs. Tracks flow seamlessly from one to the next, weaving together a narrative that balances softness with strength—a reflection of mau’s own journey of self-discovery.
Soft Steps not only highlights mau from nowhere’s continued sonic evolution but also solidifies his place as an artist to watch. In a landscape where genre boundaries often feel rigid, mau’s ability to fluidly blend afro-fusion, R&B, and alternative sounds is both refreshing and groundbreaking. More than anything, this EP proves that his creative journey is far from over—if anything, Soft Steps feels like just the beginning.
As the world watches mau from nowhere move forward, one gentle step at a time, Soft Steps stands as a testament to his growth, resilience, and unwavering authenticity. It’s a project that speaks to the power of patience, and it’s clear that mau’s willingness to take his time is what sets him apart.
INSTAGRAM | X | FACEBOOK | SPOTIFY | SOUNDCLOUD
Critically acclaimed vocalist, songwriter, and producer, Emily Saunders has just released ‘Moon Shifts Oceans’ — her upbeat, soul-infused album that blends smoky vocals with jazz-fusion and folk-pop sensuality. Saunders crafts a deeply personal and emotional soundscape, evoking magical nights filled with warmth, connection, and freedom. Her songs inspire hope and healing, embodying a belief in music’s power to uplift and transform.
The next single to come from the album is the record’s opener ‘Blue Skies Forever’, an epic, uplifting track bubbling with vibrancy. The track’s multi-layered vocals and ethereal melodies radiate sunshine, positivity, and love. Its glistening sunshine-soaked, funk-infused vibes are perfect for the balmy summer months, as we harness the glorious energy of the beautiful blue skies around us.
Emily’s works are celebrated for their innovation and emotional depth, and ‘Blue Skies Forever’ is no exception, delivering a powerful message through her signature sound. Creating a unique fusion, she brings an infectious energy and comforting richness to every note, seamlessly blending virtuosity and adventurous musicianship of the highest order. Future-jazz and Brazilian-inspired, Saunders writes hooky basslines underpinning her riffs and grooves with an irresistibly catchy pop sensibility. At the core of ‘Blue Skies Forever’ Emily’s soaring, enchanting voice, playfully dances over her infectious melodies and bold music-production, effortlessly weaving its way into the listener’s soul.
“Writing and producing music, creating its riffs, grooves, and a space for my voice and lyrics to fly means the world to me. Blue Skies Forever reaches for the blue skies that always exist above the clouds of everyday life, that despite the troubles in the world around us, hope rises in the human heart and connects us all… somehow and somewhere, the sun shines in blue skies”, says Emily.
Born in Charing Cross, Saunders grew up in Brixton, South London, in a highly musical family, singing from the age of four. But navigating challenging family dynamics in her teens, she sought shelter and support at a local hostel, where she lived for three years from age 16. “These difficult years spurred me on creatively, and music became my safe space, where I transformed the adversity from teenage chaos to a deeper understanding of the impact of sound on those turbulent times. This has been my driving force ever since”, she explains.
Saunders had to dig deep when diagnosed with acute psoriatic arthritis in 2017, leaving her semi-paralyzed, unable to walk, and isolated at home. “It would be easy to ask why me? Why now? But it’s empowering to be free even when everything around you feels like it’s closing in,” says Saunders, who recovered and pushed through the trauma of her disabling injuries to forge an even deeper sound and a determination to self-engineer and fully immerse herself in her music with the freedom to create with no restraints. “Focusing on the creative force within can transform each and every one of us. The trick is to keep believing, keep creating, and keep sharing”, she says.
Her new album ‘Moon Shifts Oceans’ is a creation of beauty, strength, and soul. Saunders is at her best, her voice is rich and magnetic, wrapping around melodies with effortless grace and artistry, offering an intimate journey through her world of deep feeling and dynamic sounds. The album conjures the perfect night — the air is warm and sultry, your friends are by your side, and the evening has just begun. Think honey vibes and breathless pop sexiness. Saunders keeps you hooked from the first track. Every note is a reminder to live life with joy and openness.
Dubbed “the Queen of Jazz Fusion,” her engaging, distinctive vocals, and hands-on production blend pop and soul-jazz with echoes of Brazilian beats. With the album, Saunders masterfully balances depth and joy, offering a soul-soothing escape filled with groove, melody, and heart. Expect catchy songs, infectious grooves, and vibrant rhythms. After her critically acclaimed debut album, her follow-up, ‘Outsiders Insiders’, was described by BBC Radio 2’s Jamie Cullum as “absolutely brilliant,” showcasing her artistry with unique compositions praised for their originality. Today, Saunders is unstoppable. Now, on her highly anticipated forthcoming new album, ‘Moon Shifts Oceans’, she has again raised the bar, offering a powerhouse of hits — her best yet, and hailed by critics as the breakout star for 2025.
Saunders’ music has hit the Top 10 on international iTunes and Amazon charts in the UK, USA, Germany, France, and Indonesia, receiving multiple 4-star reviews including: Evening Standard, Guardian, Independent, and Daily Telegraph. Her music has received multiple plays on BBC Radio 1, 2, 3, 4, 6; consistently playlisted on Jazz FM; and receives widespread radio play on national stations across the globe, from US and Japan to Australia, Spain, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Italy, México, Brazil, Turkey, New Zealand, South Korea, and South Africa.
2025 Live Dates:
7th June- Twickenham Exchange Theatre, London.
13th June- Y-Theatre, Leicester.
-
We Speak Music7 days ago
Shadows of a Silhouette deliver a rush of energy with razor-edged new garage-rock single, ‘No Matter Where I Go’
-
We Speak Entertainment2 days agoThe Unconventional Path of a Musician Without Boundaries
-
We Speak Music7 days ago
Acclaimed US singer-songwriter Juliet Lloyd to tour the UK for the first time this summer
-
We Speak Entertainment1 week agoRhythms & Reflections: The Chewy Mane Story