"Love War" marks Fiaa Hamilton's debut as a fully-formed artist. Set against a backdrop of dramatic, full-intensity electro-tinged pop, her voice exudes a finesse that instantly feels like an old favorite. With a compelling backstory, Fiaa has plenty of tales to tell.

A significant turning point came a few years ago when she collaborated with Rag‘n’Bone Man on the track "One Day," released during lockdown to benefit various children's charities. Now headlining her own shows and participating in songwriting sessions in L.A. and Nashville, I thought it was the perfect time to catch up and ask her a few more questions.

Congratulations on the release of your debut single, "Love War"! Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this song?

Thank you so much. I have a best friend who had his heart broken, and it genuinely made me so, so sad. After our phone call, the melody instantly came to me. Music is all about feeling, and I feel you can hear the passion and rage throughout the song.

How does it feel to take the first step in your artist career with the release of "Love War"?

It feels incredible. It feels like I was always meant to do this at this time in my life, as I am in such a great place in my healing process. It took me years to build the confidence to show my art, and I finally feel ready. I’m so excited to just keep going!

Your debut EP is set to be released later this year. Can you give us a glimpse into what listeners can expect from the upcoming tracks?

It is! The EP tells a story. My plan is to take the listener on a journey. Right now, we are at the very start, a person who is vulnerable, innocent, and happy to give up their power. Expect a good girl gone bad transformation, with some darker moments of my life, but each stage ultimately takes you to freedom and understanding who you are. As that happens, my sound also develops. I really found my signature flair by the last track, which I can’t wait to introduce. The EP is a journey of self-growth, and I hope the listener can learn more about themselves through it like I did and accept that nothing is perfect (might have given you a hint at the end there).

You've described "Love War" as exploring your truth in a tale of wanting to break free from a relationship. How does your personal experience influence your songwriting process?

I completely relate to all of my songs. I think "Love War" is about an innocent person, someone who just wants to be loved, unaware of when they give up their happiness because they are trying to please the other too much. When you lack self-worth, it’s easy to fall into this train of thought. It’s also super pop and polished, which I wanted because I like the sound to have meaning too. For me, the meaning behind the sound is someone trying to get everything perfect because they’re scared to take risks, as risks may include failure. As the music goes on, I start to mix up genres but keep to that pop vibe.

Could you share more about your journey into music, from your troubled childhood to finding kinship with music geeks at school and studying music at college?

I started singing with my first words. It came naturally to me, and I feel lucky that I always knew from that moment I wanted to sing and perform. I’d be the child who would take herself off alone to practice performances rather than play games from the get-go! My mum was into music, and my guardian is a music teacher, so I was also given it in my environment, and environment and upbringing are everything. I listened to a lot of Motown and wrote songs from a very young age with my mum. When I was 8, I became a carer for my mum. She went through an awful time, and by the time we got out of it, she was really damaged, so I ended up going into foster care. She’s an amazing lady and doing really well now, and it gave us both the opportunity to help ourselves. But when I went into foster care, I didn’t know how to cope being away from her, so I just threw myself into writing and singing songs. I had missed years of school due to everything, and it was the fact I wanted to study music that got me back into school. So I went to this new school where my foster home was in the Brighton area, and I met the music geeks! Haha, it’s what I called them. They taught me a lot. We made bands, did solo performances, and did a lot of songwriting and exploring different cultures of music. Then from there, I went on to study performing arts at college, songwriting at uni, and vocal performance for my master’s degree!

What role did your experiences as a carer for your mother and being placed in foster care play in shaping your perspective on life and music?

My mum is so, so musical, and it was 100% her that gave me the passion and love for music. When I was 8, I used to sing to her to calm her down in horrible situations, and we used to write songs together. It was our therapy. Seeing how music can help people from a young age just engraved it into my ambitions. I want to help people through my music.

How did your collaboration with Rag‘n’Bone Man come about, and how did it impact your musical journey?

He’s been a huge part of my journey. He taught me a lot. I met him at a bar during an event, and he took a chance on my music. He’s one of the most talented people in the industry.

You've been embraced by the TikTok community and have been performing live twice each day. Do you think the platform has become a major way for musicians to get their music noticed?

Yes, that’s right. I go live at 12:12 and 21:21 every day and perform music. It’s my full-time job now, and it’s given me this ability to be a music artist! TikTok is life-changing for artists. It’s the best form of music promotion, and it’s given so much control to the artists.

Can you tell us more about your TikTok LIVE series, 'The Rise Show', and the experience of playing at the TikTok LIVE pop-up festival in King’s Cross?

Yes, so The Rise Show is my TikTok live show, as mentioned 12:12 and 21:21 every day. The 12:12 show is called the Sunrise Show, and the evening one is the Moonrise Show. In the day, it’s chilled and basically the behind-the-scenes of what I do as a music artist. I may be writing, recording, or showing some new songs. In the evening, I do a proper show with a giant moon! The TikTok live pop-up festival was just incredible! I can’t believe I got that chance. I’ve won a few music competitions, and that was what we had to do to perform at this event. I closed the show, and it was one of the most magical times! I left my soul on that stage. I smacked down my cowboy boot about 10 times with passion while I sang my heart out!

What can fans expect from your upcoming headline show at the Notting Hill Arts Club on May 24th?

A full band and even strings!!! I’m so, so excited. It’s my first time with a band, and I’m ready to totally let go on that stage! There are a few tickets left on TicketSource or on my profile if you want to witness me for the first time with a band!

You've had the opportunity to work with Jihea Oh and collaborate on writing sessions in Los Angeles and Nashville. How has this collaboration shaped your solo career?

Aww, she’s my world, Jihea! We had the best time in the States, and she has taught me so much. She’s one of the most amazing musicians and friends! She gave me the inspiration to go solo and release my music. We released some tracks together that we wrote under the name of Sunset Olive, and when she went away on tour, because of the experience of releasing with Jihea, I had the strength to try it myself. And here we are!

With "Love War" setting the stage for your solo career, what are your aspirations for the future and the direction you hope to take with your music?

I have three more tracks on their way over the summer. Expect a story and a mix-up of genres, but ultimately three more pop anthems! I’m very inspired by country, so I’m excited to let out my inner cowgirl during this time!

Thanks Fiaa - all the best for the future!

Author: Andrew Braithwaite

Andrew is the founder and Managing Director of Music Talkers. He's also a keen music enthusiast and plays the guitar.