Grammy-nominated trailblazing artist / producer TAVE dropped his debut EP Fly Away and we can’t get enough of it. After years of crafting hits behind the scenes for artists like 6LACK, Masego, and AESPA, the UK-bred musician finally steps into the spotlight with a project that highlights both his production mastery and compelling artistic vision.
Sharing his time across the diverse landscapes of Los Angeles, St. Lucia, and London, TAVE found much of the EP’s inspiration in moments of solitude and growth amid the serene beauty of St. Lucia. Featuring collaborations with R&B powerhouses Eric Bellinger, Musiq Soulchild, and Tia Gordon just to name a few, Fly Away effortlessly fuses soulful melodies with modern, forward-thinking production. Vulnerable, visionary, and vibey in every way, the EP captures the emotional highs and lows of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery all set against lush, genre-defying soundscapes.
We caught up with TAVE to talk about the making of Fly Away and what’s next for this boundary-pushing artist.
"Fly Away" carries themes of love, healing, and self-discovery. Can you walk us through the creative process behind this EP and how your time in traveling shaped its direction?
The creative process really started with being honest with myself and intentional about pulling from art and emotions that resonated with me, then translating those feelings into sound. During the pandemic, I finally had time to sit with myself, and that space led to a lot of reflection. I realized I had spent so much of my life being of service to others but hadn’t truly done that for myself. Through that discovery, I uncovered layers of grief, heartbreak, anxiety, and sadness I had been carrying, and it became clear that I needed to enter a season of healing.
That’s when my self-care journey began, and the EP became a way of documenting it through music. Moving back home to St. Lucia played a huge role in shaping the sound – there are even recordings of nature woven into the project. I wrote most of the songs by the beach, at waterfalls, or right after spending time in those places. That connection to nature gave me space to breathe, reflect, and not rush creativity.
At the same time, traveling between St. Lucia, the U.S., and London exposed me to different cultures of music that all inspire me in unique ways. Bringing those influences together while grounding myself in the healing energy of home helped me shape Fly Away into a project that feels both personal and universal.
The collaborations on this project are phenomenal, featuring icons like Eric Bellinger, Musiq Soulchild, and Tia Gordon. How did you approach curating these partnerships, and what unique energy did each artist bring to their respective tracks?
Thank you, I’ve been in the music industry for quite some time, so some of these collaborations came naturally from existing relationships, while others were just one degree of connection away. What really mattered to me was creating genuine partnerships where the music could flow from a place of honesty & authenticity.
Each artist brought their own unique energy, style, and life experience to the project. Sometimes that meant being in the studio together, having deep conversations, and letting the songs grow organically from those exchanges. Other times, I would send over a track that I felt really aligned with an artist’s spirit and trusted them to make it their own.
Eric Bellinger brought his effortless melodies and modern R&B sensibility, Musiq Soulchild added his timeless soul and wisdom, and Tia Gordon delivered a fresh yet deeply emotive energy that feels both vulnerable and powerful. Together, they didn’t just feature on the songs they expanded the vision of Fly Away and helped bring new dimensions to the story I wanted to tell.
The title track "Fly Away" feels like an embodiment of courage and embracing life's flow. What inspired the lyrics, and what message do you want listeners to take away from it?
“Fly Away” is definitely an uplifting love song. When Tia and I first met in London earlier this year, the chemistry was instant and the energy in the room just felt right. We spent most of the session sharing stories about our cultures, playing each other’s music, and connecting beyond just the creative process. Out of that space, Tia wrote and recorded the song in under an hour, which speaks to how natural and inspired the moment was.
At its core, “Fly Away” is an empowering, honeymoon-phase love song. It’s about feeling seen, supported, and celebrated. That kind of connection brings a joy so powerful it makes you feel weightless, like you could float. The message I want listeners to take away is that love – whether romantic, self-love, or spiritual – has the ability to uplift, heal, and give you the courage to embrace life’s flow with an open heart.
Tracks like "US" and "Trinity" are rich with emotional storytelling. How do you balance creating music that is both deeply personal and universally relatable for audiences?
When I create, my intention is always to tell an honest story through vibration, but also to leave room for experimentation and discovery. Over time, I’ve learned how to really lean into vulnerability and translate my emotions sonically, which allows the music to carry a deeper truth.
At the same time, I’ve always loved the kind of music that most people connect with. Growing up listening to the radio exposed me to so many different genres and eras. That wide range of influences naturally finds its way into my sound. I think that’s where the balance comes from: the songs are rooted in my personal experiences, but the musical language is drawn from a palette that feels familiar to many listeners. So even when the storytelling is deeply personal, the emotions love, loss, healing, hope are universal, and the blend of genres helps bridge that gap between my story and the listener’s own journey.
With “Into You” highlighting toxic dynamics in relationships, were there any particular experiences or reflections that influenced this track's confessional lyrics?
It’s funny you ask that. “Into You” actually started as an instrumental I created back in St. Lucia, and I held onto it for a while before bringing it into a session with Kenyon and Stacy. We were in the studio having one of those deep life conversations, and naturally, relationships came up. That’s when I decided to play the track, and Kenyon immediately jumped in the booth and began sketching ideas and concepts on the spot.
We’d all experienced those situations where you see the red flags but still find yourself drawn in, because at the end of the day we all have imperfections. It just felt like the right moment to be completely honest and tell that story. For me personally, the inspiration came from a past relationship where I didn’t recognize my own red flags at the time. Writing the song became a way of reflecting on that truth and putting it into a form people could connect with.
You’ve worked with an incredible roster of artists, from K-pop acts like AESPA to legends like Jazmine Sullivan and 6LACK. What have been some pivotal moments or projects that shaped your identity as a solo artist?
Working with and being around such incredible artists has been like a masterclass in itself. I’ve learned so much from each collaboration. There have been many pivotal moments in my career, but one that stands out is my time working with The-Dream and his team. That experience really opened my eyes to the level of detail, discipline, and excellence that goes into creating timeless music. Moments like that helped me sharpen my craft and also gave me the confidence to trust my own voice as an artist. I began to understand that while collaboration is powerful, my personal perspective and experiences also hold value. That realization has been central to shaping my identity as a solo artist.
What was the transition like moving from collaborating with others to crafting your own vision for this debut EP? Does it feel more liberating or challenging?
I’d have to say it’s been both liberating and challenging. The liberating part is that this project is entirely my story, my art, and my truth. There’s a real freedom in being able to shape something that feels so personal without compromise. At the same time, that freedom comes with its own challenges. When you care deeply about your work, you naturally put a lot of pressure on yourself not just to meet your own expectations, but to create something that truly resonates and stands up to the standard you’ve set from years of collaborating at a high level. It pushed me to build confidence in my own voice, and to trust that my perspective as an artist has value on its own. In the end, that balance of liberation and challenge is what made the EP so rewarding to create.
You’re known for your genre-defying style and emphasis on emotional storytelling. How has your versatile background influenced your approach to music-making?
I’ve always loved so many different styles of music, so crossing genres feels natural to me. When I’m creating, I pull from whatever sound or influence resonates in the moment and find ways to weave it together in a way that still feels authentic. For me, it’s not about chasing trends, it’s about honoring the emotion of the song and letting the genre serve the story. That versatility also gives me the freedom to collaborate with musicians who specialize in particular sounds, which brings an added depth and texture to the music. My background exposed me to everything from soul and R&B to pop, reggae, hip-hop, and even global influences, and I think that fusion is what allows my storytelling to feel both personal and wide-reaching.
You often speak about the healing power of music. How do you hope Fly Away contributes to fostering connection and healing for listeners?
I always create from a place of honesty, love, and vulnerability, and my hope is that those intentions translate through the music’s vibration. With Fly Away, I want listeners to feel something that’s both grounding and uplifting almost like a hug from God. Music has such a unique ability to comfort, inspire, and heal, and if this project can give someone even a moment of peace, courage, or motivation to keep pursuing what they love in truth, then I’ve done my job. More than anything, I hope Fly Away reminds people that they’re not alone in their journey and that healing and joy are possible.
Beyond music, what else should we know about TAVE? Any other secret talents you're hiding?
Beyond music, I’d say I’m really passionate about art in all its forms – not just music or paintings, but the art that exists in everyday life. Health and wellness are also a big part of who I am; I’m actually in the process of rebranding my seamoss brand, which is something I’m really excited about. Travel is another love of mine. Experiencing new cultures, connecting with people, and seeing the world through different lenses constantly inspires me both as an artist and as a person. And outside of that, I’ve also been working on some new tech ventures that I look forward to sharing soon. For me, creativity doesn’t stop at music ,it’s a lifestyle that I try to carry into everything I do.
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