Scottish singer-songwriter Kohla has officially released her debut album, Romance, on the 8th of September.
The album includes the single “Golden“, a shimmering neo-soul track inspired by vintage Marvin Gaye and the contemporary R&B nuances of artists like Frank Ocean and Sabrina Claudio. Through the song, Kohla conveys the essence of self-love and self-worth with the lyric, “Just give me all of your emotion – like I’m golden.”
The album Romance is a blend of neo-soul charm and smooth R&B, creating a sound that feels nostalgic yet thoroughly modern. The deep, emotional undertones of the album are complemented by Kohla’s soulful vocals.
The seven-track LP includes notable singles such as “One and Only”, praised by Wonderland Magazine, “Sweetest Love”, which was named Single of the Week on BBC Radio Scotland, and “Bedroom”, celebrated by The Herald Newspaper as a response to pop misogyny.
Kohla, the musical persona of Rachel Alice Johnson, is not only a singer-songwriter but also a producer with a classical background. She is a multi-talented artist, showcasing her prowess as a dancer, poet, and graduate of the Edinburgh College of Art.
An advocate for women in the music industry, Johnson founded Popgirlz Scotland, a support group for women in music. Additionally, she is a passionate lecturer on feminism at international universities.
Working primarily on Ableton software in her home studio, Kohla is part of the small 2.9% of female producers in the music industry. Recognizing her talent and potential, Help Musicians recently selected her for professional training with Ableton expert Anna Lakatos.
Speaking about Romance, Kohla reflects on the album’s personal significance. “I wrote ‘Romance’ during a summer of intense emotional upheaval. The album became an emotional outlet, and as I penned down my feelings, the songs flowed naturally,” she shared.
Kohla’s journey through understanding romantic love, influenced by societal perceptions, forms the thematic backbone of the album. The artist grapples with shedding naive romantic ideals and celebrates the more profound love and respect she discovers for herself.
Influenced by her early exposure to classical music masterpieces by Beethoven, Mozart, and Debussy, as well as legendary artists like Sam Cooke and Etta James, Kohla’s sound is both timeless and contemporary. Co-produced with Dave Lloyd of the Edinburgh band Stillhound, ‘Romance’ intricately blends digital and analogue sounds, encapsulating Kohla’s rich memories.
The album, penned during what Kohla recalls as a “filmic heartbreak”, is not only an emotional journey but also a showcase of her diverse inspirations, from the soulful tunes of Etta James and Sam Cooke to the poetic writings of Jackie Kay and the cinematic vision of Sofia Coppola.
In Romance, listeners witness the culmination of Kohla’s profound creative voyage. This debut album promises a rich, heartfelt, and unique listening experience.
Listen to “Golden” below!
#Peace.Love.Golden
