North Devon singer songwriter sees ‘standout’ debut single picked up by BBC

A North Devon singer songwriter is looking towards a bright future after her debut single was picked up immediately and played on BBC radio.

Aisha, aged 19, was thrilled when she submitted her single Explorer to BBC Introducing South West and it was selected straightaway for a ‘first play’.

The artists, whose work blends soul, R&B and pop, was also invited for an interview, where she spoke about the inspiration behind the song and her journey as a young North Devon artist.

Aisha grew up in Braunton and has been performing for most of her life and began writing her own songs aged 15. Explorer introduces her warm, soulful vocals and distinctive storytelling style.

Her inspirations include strong female artists Lauryn Hill, Beyoncé, Alicia Keys and more recently, RAYE and Sasha Keable.

On listening to Explorer, BBC Introducing presenter Daniel Pascoe said: “When I first heard the track, I just thought Lauryn Hill… one of my standout tracks of the week.”

Reacting to her first radio play Aisha said: “It’s so amazing to hear something that was in my head turn into a track and then be played on radio. I’m excited to hear what people think of it.”

Explorer is now available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and all major streaming platforms.

Local audiences can hear Aisha for themselves on Sunday, December 21 at St Anne’s Arts and Community Centre in Barnstaple from 5.30pm when she supports local legends Small Town Jones at a Plough Arts gig.

Aisha told the Gazette: “I finished A-levels in the summer and I am now focusing on my music career full time.

“I have been singing locally all my life, from school events to gigs and festivals. I have performed at the On the Road Festival and did a one hour set on the main stage at Oceanfest, which was a great experience. I have also performed at lots of venues across Devon.

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“I come from a musical household and have been harmonising vocals with my mum and twin sister since I was young. Music has always been a passion and a joy.

“I started song writing around 15-years-old and originally just used the piano, but now I have learnt about production and I am collaborating with producers to bring out a fuller sound in my music.”  

Tickets for the Plough@StAnne’s gig in Barnstaple on December 21 are available from https://www.theploughartscentre.org.uk/event/small-town-jones-special-guests-0