Malika first popped up on our radar last year with the release of her incredible soulful track “Put On Me”. Capturing not just our attention, producing powerhouses Snakehips asked her to appear on their track “Falling” from their “Money On Me” EP, and Malika has been showing off her vocal chops ever since.

Now gearing up to release her debut EP “Songs About C” this summer, Malika is teasing us with the release of her latest offering “Run”. Showcasing her effortlessly cool R&B-tinged vocals, the track is an exciting look at what’s to come. Eager to find out more, we sat down with Malika to get to the newest voice of the R&B world.

Hey Malika, how are you?

I’m good thanks, it’s been a good day so far.

When did you first fall in love with music?

Honestly, from birth. I grew up singing and dancing, and I won my first talent contest when I was 5 so music has always been a part of my life.

You seem to have strong R&B influences in your sound. Who would you say are your main influences?

Oh yes definitely! Growing up I listened to the usual suspects; Whitney Houston, Destiny’s Child, Brandy, Mary J Blige. But my musical taste does vary and there were also a lot of other styles and artists that inspired me, like Eminem, India Arie. And of course, like any kids of the 90s, I was a true Spice Girl fan.

You’ve just released your latest track, “Run”. What was the inspiration behind this song?

The inspiration came from a break up, and just feeling a bit lost and confused. I was feeling unsure of the future and asking myself “OK, so what do I do now?” Luckily I threw myself into my music and the result of my experiences is “Run” and the rest of the EP.

How does it differ to your debut track, “Put It On Me”?

“Put It On Me” is different because, sonically, it’s much lighter than “Run”, and there’s a lighter subject and story to it. I think “Run” is more thought provoking and pensive.

It comes from your debut EP. What can you tell us about this?

The EP is called “Songs About C” and will be out in the summer. It’s like a diary of songs, and takes listeners on a musical journey from the beginning of a relationship (when you first meet someone as explored in “Put It On Me”) until the end (where you’re trying to find yourself again as indicated in “Run”) and the ups and downs in between.

What are your main musical goals that you want to achieve this year?

To release “Songs About C”, do some live shows and get back in the studio to finish the next project. I want to keep bringing you guys great new music.