1 2 Watch: PIE

Next up in our 1 2 Watch series is Brazilian alternative soulstress and multi-instrumentalist PIE, who has just dropped off dazzling new single ‘Solitude’.

Born in Sao Paulo, now based in London, PIE has been surrounded by different sounds and cultures throughout her life. With strong Latin and Bossa Nova influences, as well as the flourishing UK jazz scene, PIE has saturated her diverse musical and cultural upbringing into a condensed, eclectic and affecting sound. 

PIE burst onto the scene with her debut offering ‘Apathy’ in March, catapulting herself into the public eye with the tender and intimate effort that forced R&B and soul fans to take notice - breaking 100,000 streams in a mere two months. Now back with her sophomore single, ‘Solitude’ continues her sonic and narrative exploration. 

The first time I heard the chorus of ‘Solitude’, I distinctly remember pressing pause and releasing a noise so deep seated in pleasure that my neighbours were most likely mildly disturbed. The groove was too much for me; too rich, too smooth. I had to immediately re-up the tune and I’ve barely stopped playing it since. 

Jazzy, wistful guitar chords combine with natural, full-bodied drums and grooved bass make up the soundscape - a vibrant palette for PIE’s creamy vocal tones to melt into the plentiful mix. Focused and thoughtful lyrically, PIE’s layered narration is mirrored in the encapsulating texture of the instrumental. 

Somehow crafting herself a lane at a busy junction, PIE’s sultry, generous and endoscopic strand of R&B is bound to steer clear. Hitch a ride before it’s too late.