Astræa is the pop trailblazer you already know and love. This multifaceted artist and producer has soundtracked some of the biggest telly moments of the last few years, think Love Island, Very.co.uk and even Lloyd’s Banking, the latter being a haunting rendition of quintessential 90s afterparty tune “You’re Not Alone” – you know the one.
Having her ethereal chops broadcasted into the homes of millions across the UK without so much as a debut album out, it’s safe to say Astræa is firmly on the right track, gearing up for the release of her very first EP – “Tonight I Run” – in any case. The project is a culmination of these last few years, feeling out her sound through trial and error, and striving for the utmost perfection in her performance – like in this exclusive live performance of transcendent tune “Cave”.
In an industry where women have to fight twice as hard for equal treatment and to be recognised for their talents, Astræa stresses the importance to her as a producer to have something she could call 100% my own. “Being a completely independent artist and having that full creative control over my music, artwork, pictures, & videos means that the project is that much more personal and revealing of who I am as an artist and a human being,” she elaborates. “I hope the EP is something people can connect with and listen to when they need that sense of motivation, peace, or catharsis.”
The result is a stirring and impeccably produced take on dark-pop, whether it be the whimsical yet heartfelt stylings of imposter-syndrome piano ballad “My Own Worst Enemy”, or the sweet, shimmering melodies of the album’s namesake track, “Tonight I Run”. Though emotionally gruelling, the experience of writing and producing from start to finish was extremely cathartic for the singer, and way cheaper than therapy, which she actually practices with people with schizophrenia and children with learning difficulties.
If anything, “Tonight I Run” proves that there are many, many layers to this fascinating pop star, and we’re obsessed with each and every one.