POP SENSATION ANANYA BIRLA DROPS ‘BLACKOUT’ (FEATURING Vector & WurlD)

Pop/Hip-Hop Fusion Is Debut Track From Ananya's Highly Anticipated Debut EP

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IRM International

Further establishing herself as one of most exciting new artists on the international pop scene, Multi-Platinum singer/songwriter Ananya Birla has dropped ‘Blackout’.

The dynamic new track, released today via Universal Music Group and supported by Island Records UK, sees Ananya join forces with two of Nigeria’s biggest artists, rap star Vector and electro fusion act WurlD, for a breezy blend of pop and hip-hop. The DJ Buddha (Pitbull, Jason Derulo, Shakira) - produced ‘Blackout’ layers Ananya’s slick vocals over an agile beat, before giving way to the Lagosian rap duo.

‘Blackout’, which Ananya co-wrote with Angela Hunte (Empire State of Mind), is the first single from her highly-anticipated debut EP ‘Fingerprint’, out on May 17th. The song is accompanied by an animated lyric video, available on YouTube.

Speaking on the new single, Ananya explains, “'Blackout' is all about taking a step back from the relentless pace of the modern world. It took me a while, but I’ve realised that life isn’t about racing to the finish line, it’s about savouring every step of the journey.

“I had always wanted to incorporate rap and hip hop into one of my songs, and it was awesome to work with Vector and WurlD on this. I’m a big believer that music is the ultimate global language and collaborating with artists from all over the world is a big part of that.”

On the collaboration, WurlD said, "Heard Ananya for the first time on the ruff draft of ‘Blackout’ and I knew instantly she had something special. I’m honoured to be a part of this great record"

Vector added, "The world needs more voices like ours and Ananya did amazing with this record. it is a pleasure to have joined voices with her and WurlD on this art piece.”

Crafting pop anthems with a strong dose of fiery female empowerment, Ananya is a truly unique talent. Since breaking onto the scene in late-2017, Ananya, who was recently listed as one of GQ’s Most Influential Young Indians, has already racked up over 150 million streams and become the first homegrown artist singing in English to ever gain Platinum status in India, a feat she went on to achieve with her last five releases. She has also performed at some of Asia’s biggest concerts including Global Citizen and Sunburn.

About

Ananya is a singer-songwriter based between Mumbai, London and Los Angeles, and the first homegrown artist to go Platinum with an English language track in India - something she has now done five times, breaking the dominance of Bollywood music on the Indian music scene.

Since signing with Universal Music India in 2016, the self-taught santoor and guitar player, has reached over 150m combined streams and collaborated with artists such as Afrojack, Jim Beanz and Mood Melodies. She has also performed at major Indian concerts including Global Citizen, Oktoberfest and Sunburn, Asia's biggest electronic music festival, and has plans to perform in The UK and US over the coming year.

Ananya, who has been listed as one of GQ’s Most Influential Young Indians and one of Forbes’ Women to Watch, is working on an upcoming EP which is due for release in May via UMG and Island Records UK.

Outside her music, Ananya is a strong believer in equality. She uses music to bring people from all backgrounds together and organizes music festivals in Mumbai to benefit the mental health organisation she founded, Mpower. Mpower was launched after she battled her own issues whilst at Oxford University and works towards dispelling the stigma associated with mental health illnesses and providing care in India where there’s been little to date. Her last two concerts have brought together over 30 thousand people. She recently spoke about Mpower at One Young World.

Source IRM International