Live Review: PREMIERE: YSKA delivers powerful debut single in 'Mother'

Going through life, tumultuous events are a given: they happen to everyone, so the expectation that those around you will support you when you need them is one that most, if not all, people have as well. But what about when those who should be supporting you the most aren't there for you at all? What about when you're feeling most alone, those that are meant to be closest to you are in fact nowhere to be found? These are the questions Bulgarian-Australian artist YSKA grapples with on her debut single, and while she may not have all the answers, she does have a brilliant new sound.

'Mother' is the first taste we've heard from YSKA, aka Ivana Kafedjiyska. Teaming up with Guy Burns for production and added vocal engineering courtesy of Antonia Gauci, her debut single deals with the aftermath of ending a long-term relationship and feeling let down by her immediate support network. "There’s a real sense of desperation when not even your loved ones can help you out," she said.

Indeed, this desperation is palpable in 'Mother', which pairs impressive vocals and lush production. Taking inspiration from the likes of LITTLE DRAGON and TYCHO, YSKA packs in all her emotions into just over four minutes, taking you on a journey of despair and grief. Airing out all her grievances instead of bottling them up, there's also an air of liberation in 'Mother' as well, a certain catharsis that can only come when you truly cry out for help. “I generally internalise a lot and find it hard to ask for help, but you can work through that. The end of the song is the actualisation of my independence and a moment of personal power. It felt good in real life, and it feels good in the song too," YSKA said.

With rich and commanding percussion, gentle atmospherics and crisp guitar licks, Burns further amplifies the cries for help in 'Mother' with his production prowess, demonstrating not only his own skills in the producer's seat but also YSKA's potential as an artist as well. Never once overshadowing her, the two collide brilliantly in this blooming, swelling track, carrying 'Mother' to the powerfully emotional level it sits upon.

Impressive from start to finish, YSKA has cemented herself as an artist to watch with just one song. If 'Mother' is anything to go by, we can't wait to hear what's still to come.

Words by Emma Jones

LISTEN TO NEW MUSIC HERE

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