Totnes born, London based rising singer-songwriter and MC ​Phoenix Laoutaris​ has released her debut single ​‘Flowers’​ via ​WEAREBLK​.

The deeply personal offering sees ​Laoutaris delve into heartbreak and vulnerability, boasting smooth R&B vocal runs over a poignant drill beat, as she sings ​‘cause you, locked my love away, now I can't trust the same’.

Speaking on the new single, Phoenix explains ​“The song pinpoints a moment and time in my life when I was coming to terms with the reality of relationships. That you can’t always trust what feels real. I’ve always been independent but I learnt to never put your independence onto another soul”. She adds...”​ ’​Flowers’ was written as a cathartic release, hoping It would resonate with people in similar situations. I wanted it to be real and for people to feel my energy at that very moment.

Phoenix sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

I’ve always had a huge passion for music. Ever since I was a little girl I used to sing in my room and pretend I was performing to a big audience. Whilst growing up I've been surrounded by culture and music. My family is an extremely musical one, with my mum being a professional classical violinist and my dad playing multiple amounts of instruments.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

From young I would listen to artists like Amy Winehouse, Lauryn hill, Adele, Lily Allen, Faith Evans, Stevie wonder, Ms Dynamite and D’Angelo… the list goes on. I definitely think that these artists have hugely impacted the way I sing and write music to this day.

There are many artists I would love to work with in the UK scene. Artists like Loyle Carner, Tom Misch, Ghetts, J Hus, Maverick Sabre and Pa Salieu.

3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the coronavirus pandemic?

I know this pandemic has been a huge struggle for almost everyone. As artists we aren’t able to book the studio as often or even have people come along that would make a session vibey and fun. Although the main problem I think for most Artists is the performance side. Performing is what I enjoy, it fills me with happiness that no other thing can really give me. The act of writing and performance are co-dependent. i love creating a song but the pleasure radiates when you are able to connect and interact with an audience who appreciate what you do. It is a symbiotic relationship

A side from that, I believe this lockdown in my case, has been a wonderful blessing in disguise. I would have never jumped on that live and therefore wouldn’t have been signed.

4. How would you describe your sound?

I want to make heartfelt music. Currently, the music I'm writing/written is on an R&B, Neo-soul, Lofi Jazz/Hip-Hop vibe. But as I write more, I find myself going to other genres to get different sentiments and emotions out of the song and also to appeal to a wider audience.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

A fond moment that I shall always remember was my first paid gig which was at the beginning of 2020, little after I wrote the song flowers. I wasn’t in the best place at that time, however, the love and support that got shown that night was incredible! Everyone I knew turned up to cheer me on, they sang my lyrics. We cried and laughed, it really was a night to remember.

However, obviously, my PROUDEST moment to date is being signed by WEAREBLK. Some artists will work a lifetime to have the opportunity that I was given. I still get excited about the thought of it all! I will always be full of appreciation and gratitude to the people on that team CW Jones and my family, especially my brother Lake. I'm over the moon with the thought of this next year, what it may have in store and how I will prosper.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Never stop grinding. There are times when you will compare yourself to others and feel as if you cant do it, I still get those feelings now. It gets said by everyone but the truth in it is to never give up. Even on that night of the live stream on IMJUSTBAIT, I waited past 12 to get let on. I was the last person to perform and I was nervous as hell especially as I was performing my own song. whilst waiting I contemplated whether I wanted to do this Infront of all those people, im glad I never left the live that night as I really didn’t believe that I would get onto it, let alone win! Really the main thing is to never turn down the opportunity. If you are in doubt then check the situation, look at it this way: 5 years down the line, will this have bettered your career? Or in 5 years, will it have made things worse? Ask yourself these questions. If the answer is yes, I see myself in a better position then take that opportunity and go for it. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?

So many talented underground artists in the UK that you need to check out - CW Jones, Jodie Bea, Jatz da kid, Blue Room Mafia, Sam wise, Finn Foxell, Sophie Demasi, And Producers too like- Levi Flye, Lupe Beats, Aitch eight.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

I've been listening to Jasmine Sulivan's new album. I've been a fan of hers since young. The power and emotion she brings to songs are insane and the way she does her melisma’s and riffs are incredible! Otherwise, its just the same old school classics I have on repeat.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

I enjoy the little things however its become increasingly harder to do these things during the pandemic. I love cycling around London with my mates, Picnics in the park, festivals, comedy shows, art galleries, parties, going to the beach. Those are the sort of things that bring me happiness.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Water, magnum and a comfy tracksuit.

Phoenix Laoutaris’ debut single “Flowers” is out now on all major streaming sites.