Get to know: Athalia - The Soul-Rich Rising Star You'll Want On Your Radar

1 day ago
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South East London’s Athalia is one of those rare artists whose relationship with music began long before she understood what a career was. She grew up surrounded by melody. Her mum, the well known Teanna Bianca, was studying at a music college while pregnant, and that early immersion shaped everything that followed. “I’ve been into music for as long as I can remember,” she says. “Before I could even properly speak, I was already singing with my mum at around one year old and recording songs in the studio by the age of two.”

From piano lessons at six to picking up ukulele and guitar by eight, music became her language. Watching her mum’s dedication showed her what was possible, and online inspirations like Beyoncé and Ariana Grande helped her imagine the kind of performer she could become. But her journey hasn’t been without resistance. She’s faced discouragement, especially around her music, yet she’s turned that into fuel. “Those experiences have only made me more determined,” she says.

Her sound sits comfortably between R&B, Gospel and Neo Soul. Fluid, heartfelt and instinctive. “My creative process revolves around going with the flow... I like to write from the heart,” she explains, drawing almost entirely from personal experience. One of her proudest milestones so far is joining Flames Collective, RAYE’s celebrated choir, where she’s been able to grow among other talented vocalists.

Though she hasn’t released a full project yet - “I don’t think I have, as I’ve never fully finished a project” - she’s in a focused season of development. Her goals are clear: “A major goal I have is to master my vocal ability and reach my full potential as an artist. I also want to network with more people in the industry.” She’s currently working on a new single and promises that “fans can expect songs that truly touch their hearts.”

At her core, Athalia wants her music to feel like a safe place. “I hope my music offers a place of comfort for my audience... My goal is to touch the hearts of those listening, no matter their background.” Offstage, she’s known for her warmth and humour, and because she attends a music school, her personal and creative worlds blend naturally. “There’s not much to balance because music is my life,” she says.

On April 21st at Soul Mama, she brings that story, that heart, and that evolving sound to the Unsigned Showcase launch event. Still early in her journey but already rich with experience, Athalia is stepping into her moment, and she’s ready to be heard.