New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Arriving as an artist to watch in 2023, buzzing singer-songwriter LAVI$H unveils his anxiously awaited debut EP, You Made A Big Mistake, alongside a new video for the track "Big Mistake," out now via Def Jam Recordings/ Universal Music.
Staring down heartbreak head-on, the seven-track project showcases his magnetic and multi-dimensional approach to R&B. Icy piano sets the tone for "Big Mistake" as his pleas give way to gospel-style harmonies on a swooning hook. On "Seventeen," hummable clean guitar creaks beneath his breathy vocals as nostalgic lyrics captivate. A twinkling starry-eyed melody glimmers through "Piano Man" as he assures, "It's okay, it's okay, it's okay." Then, there's the finale "Our Chapter." His gritty vocal delivery clashes with soft organ and bluesy guitar for a stunning send-off.
"You Made A Big Mistake is the name of my debut EP, but in reality, the time for revenge has passed," says LAVI$H. "My sentiment is that our time for war will never be over for them, but it's over for me… it applies to so many areas of my life. This body of work is best illustrated by the words 'success is the best revenge', and I know my growth will haunt some people - but I think there comes a time when you realize it's time to become timeless. My time is now and forever."
He set the stage for the EP with "We Make Sense," earning critical acclaim, Complex touted the song among the "Best New Canadian Tracks This Week" and went on to proclaim, "The Toronto-via-Winnipeg Def Jam signee follows up "World In My Hands" with more fire." Rated R&B applauded, "Driven by a moment of introspection, LAVI$H pairs his open-journal verses with a hypnotizing production for a bittersweet tune about drifting aimlessly through life without a certain someone."
Discovered by Chubbs from Drake's OVO Sound who heard LAVI$H's music and was captivated. Before long, LAVI$H had decamped to Los Angeles (by way of Zambia to Toronto) where he began recording at OVO studios and working with top producers.
"LAVI$H is an artist with undeniable talent, that you can't fit in a box," said Chubbs. "I'm truly happy to be a part of his journey."
He served as support for
Jessie Reyez on the UK leg of her tour. Returning to North America, he lit up the stage in Toronto, opening for dvsn. Not to mention, he graced the stage at
Sirius XM Presents: PARTYNEXTDOOR & Friends, shining alongside Drake, Smiley, Roy Woods, and, of course, PARTYNEXTDOOR, to name a few.
Showcasing his range, he delivered a soulful cover of Ed Sheeran's "
The A Team" as part of the Recording Academy's "Reimagined" video series.
TRACKLIST:
World In My Hands
Big Mistake
Always You
We Make Sense
Seventeen
Piano Man
Our Chapter
LAVI$H was born in Lusaka, Zambia, to parents who emigrated to Winnipeg, where they sought a better life for their seven children. The stark contrast in climate and culture to his home in Central Africa was underscored by the new music that LAVI$H heard in this new land. "When I came across all these other genres, it was crazy," he recalls, as he combined his African roots with hip-hop, heavy metal, screamo, and pop. "I couldn't stop searching for more." Young LAVI$H was transformed and empowered when he discovered fellow Canadian Drake's "Headlines." LAVI$H cut his teeth recording songs on a computer with headset mics and using the family's soundbar as a makeshift studio monitor. Believing listeners would embrace him, he continuously uploaded songs online, seeking validation.
Chubbs from OVO heard LAVI$H's music and played it for his team. Before long, LAVI$H had decamped to Los Angeles, where he began recording at one of Drake's L.A. studio houses. While honing his sound, LAVI$H developed his vision as an entrepreneur, building his CLUBBLVD brand in Toronto with Michael "Trizz" Williams and
Christopher "Criti" Jack. Now, LAVI$H shares his highly anticipated debut EP You Made A Big Mistake.