A fresh new single from Toy Taha brings out a lush and alluring R&B vibe that's riddled with soulful vocals and a silky undertone that creates an atmosphere that you can swim through.
"Suite EFX" takes elements of old school and new school R&B Styles and mends them together to create something a little bit different and refreshing but also comfortable and welcoming at the same time.
This track is packed with character and shows a ton of presents for the artist as a performer and a songwriter as well as the song really comes through with a certain amount of color and a sultry edge that grabs your attention from the get-go.
The track bears a really solid hook as well that ends up floating around in your head for hours after the song has ended and the only way to satiate that is to play the track again which in my opinion is smart songwriting.
There's also something about the track that makes you want to see her perform live because of the particular energy that she has on it.
The track comes through with a great array of instrumentation and these almost jazzy undertones with key vibes and pianos that feel the songs ether along with vocal harmonies that she uses almost as instruments in the background.
Toy definitely doesn't hold back in terms of filling the gaps and the spaces between elements of the song with those thick vocals that sort of give the song this forward-moving flow.
You can also tell there's a lot of heart that went into this track and that the artist has a true love for her craft which is incredibly evident from the first few seconds on.
What are my favorite things about the track is this crossover of an almost 90s undertone that's brought into today's platform that lets everything kind of have a particular sheen to it and helps its appeal quite a bit.
This is a perfect example of a songwriter that's seasoned and experienced and that creates songs that are quickly addicting and come from someplace genuine and authentic.
I also love that she's having a really good time doing this which you pick up on a lot during the course of the track.
With such a well-woven single we wanted to have a sit-down with Toy Taha to find out where this track actually came from and what might be coming up next for the artist.
Here's what happened.
Buzz Slayers: Okay, let's start with “Suite EFX"! This single has such a vibrant and alluring feel to it with smooth soul and sultry undertones! How did this track come about?
Thank you so much. “Suite EFX” came about after I acquired the track from Grammy Award winning producer Dreamlife (Nas, Ari Lennox, Summer Walker). I wrote the lyrics and arranged the song in approximately 15 minutes and we recorded the song straight through in one take. In true Virgo fashion, I ended up recutting a couple of words over, but for the most part what you hear on the final version is from one take. That’s how inspired I was by the music and it was a complete honor to know that Dreamlife thought the finished product was a great song.
Basically, I was compelled to write “Suite EFX” following a lengthy celibacy. I wanted to exude passion and sensuality and empower other women in that way. When I’m writing, I like to use metaphors and innuendos and when you decode the lyrics, you get the gist without me being overtly sexual or vulgar. I think women want and enjoy pleasure as much as men and I think it’s important and empowering to note that sex is not only for the man.
I am often reserved and notoriously private, so for me to write and sing such a sensual song like “Suite EFX,” it was liberating because this was an intimate view into my world.
Buzz Slayers: How did this all start for you as an artist? When did you fall in love with music?
I’ve always had a great love and appreciation for the arts and I cannot remember a time in my life without music, therefore it has forever been an integral part. I believe I fell in love with music as a very young child, approximately at the age of 4 and obviously at that age, you can’t really define it, there’s just a feeling inside. I can recall wanting to sing around the house every chance I got because I loved it so much, but was so shy, I would never sing around people (other than immediate family), in school or anywhere in public. I simply remember singers like Whitney Houston, Anita Baker and Shirley Murdoch in particular that made me love music and love singing.
As an artist, my career began ten years ago when I released my promotional project entitled, “I Am Woman” in 2013. I wrote and arranged every song and did additional producing on it. We recorded the project in 2012 and I just wanted to release it for myself like a purging not knowing many people would gravitate toward the music, listen and appreciate my contribution.
Buzz Slayers: What kind of things really inspire songs for you?
Honestly, I believe my songs write themselves. That’s how I truly know the creativity is not solely my own, it’s from God. For sure. It doesn’t matter what the topic is I’m writing about from heartbreak to sex and everything else in between, I now know the Ultimate Creator inspires the work and I’m more of a vessel or conduit.
Inspiration can be drawn from anything and everything. My life, the lives of family and friends, a film I’m watching or in moments of solitude an idea will simply appear. The latter is probably my most favorite because that’s when I know it’s something special or magical. When it’s not contrived and is created out of sheer spontaneity.
This song has some great styles on it! Can you give us some of your biggest influences musically?
Thank you. I have many musical influences, however stylistically I would have to say the most impactful to my artistry have been: Janet Jackson, Amel Larrieux, Jill Scott, Stevie Wonder, Teena Marie, Prince, Michael Jackson, Phyllis Hyman, Beyoncé and Me’Shell Ndegéocello. When it all comes down to my vocals and productions, I believe you can hear a little piece of all of them in my work, in some way.
Buzz Slayers: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
When I’m not working on music, I’m actually working in my career of nursing and if I’m not doing either, I love supporting other artists (local, indie, underground, mainstream) in concerts around town. Also, I enjoy fine dining, I love a good spa day, a chill day with Lifetime Movie Network or spending time with my loved ones.
Buzz Slayers: Who's in your headphones right now?
Right now, I’m currently listening to Jade Novah, Dawn Richard, Flwr Chyld, Mary J. Blige, I’m always listening to Stevie Wonder, Beyoncé of course, she’s my most favorite artist of today. Also, Luther Vandross, Ledisi, Lauryn Hill and D’Angelo.
Buzz Slayers: Are you doing any live performances right now?
I plan on doing so soon. I personally deal with stage fright and have anxious energy when it comes to live performances, it’s almost debilitating, however I try my hardest to push through and deliver soulful vocals.
Buzz Slayers: Did you record yourself or hit a big studio for this?
I only record myself for rough cuts. Quick ideas or to lay down the foundation of what it is that I want to do once I get to the actual studio, but yes my project EIGHT was recorded in a studio and the current music I’m working on is out of a professional studio.
Buzz Slayers: What can your fans expect from you in the near future?
My fans can expect more good music. Fun music. Healing music. Music with a message. Lovemaking music. Just all of the vibes. I aim to incorporate different genres and continue to be versatile because I love everything from jazz to soul to opera and lyrical content is also extremely important to me, therefore I enjoy structuring and crafting the songs and I think you can hear that in the art. In the meantime, please continue supporting my latest EP that I released entitled, “EIGHT.”
Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
To all of the fans of my music, I would love to say thank you so much for your support and most definitely, my day ones. Those who have been on this musical journey with me since 2012 and those who have requested my return during an eight-year hiatus and those who have witnessed my growth and evolution as a songwriter and vocalist. Please keep streaming, please keep purchasing, keep sharing the music with those who may not know Toy Taha, it is greatly, greatly appreciated. Stay tuned.
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