A pulsing, ambient beginning to the track leads us into a piano-backed contralto vocal with deep messaging behind. We quickly lead into the chorus, a melody that’s commercial but not sugary or “nice”. We’re listening to a choral arrangement vocally during the chorus which works really well as a message driver.

This is definitely a club focused track from Tali‘s newly released album Empress Era. We’ve got an insistent treble-toned pot style snare pushing the rhythm along. Some nice strings sitting ethereally and well-down in the mix keep the overall arrangement anchored. Well regarded and storied UK personality Stamina MC joins Tali here with an in-your-face rap through the middle of the track. The volume is up for this and we’re in no doubts about the nationality of the gentleman, as the Sarf English accent (London itself?) is wonderfully detectable throughout. Awrigh’ geezah?

The mix to me is nicely sharp. The aforementioned drum track commands that, and drops away like an audio rollercoaster (oh my word, that’s a cheesy one, but I am keeping it in!) as the track heads into an unexpected brass solo. Unexpected but not unwelcome, as it works well.

Back to the vocal. We have a really good, catchy but not sickly melody going on. It’s a chorus line that’s designed to command your attention, in tune and arrangement. What’s the message, I hear you all demanding of me? I prefer to let the artist speak for themselves in these things, so from the EPK we have:

“… is a very literal and straight forward track that states if you want to be amongst all the other amazing artists in our industry who have laid down a legacy and helped paved the way for others to come through, then you have to be prepared to work hard and hustle for what you want,” says Tali. “Too many people expect to be overnight sensations, or assume that TikTok popularity automatically translates to talent. When we all know that’s not the case! Prove yourself if you want to be respected – show us how much you want it!”

I like that. Put in the hard yards. Nobody is an “overnight sensation”.

This is a very well thought-out track. Recorded in Tali‘s own studio, it’s been piloted through the mix by Kiwi legend Tiki Taane. My description of the drum track might not have come across as complimentary as I intended, so I will int out now that the track is driven along by this and a warm, drone bass line that together do more than keep time, but dictate the entire back-end vibe of the song. Such things go well in clubland, and I can see this being another dancefloor filler for Tali.

Expect it on George on high rotation. It’s available now, so head to Spotify, Apple, Google Play or wherever you get your tunes from and check it out. Amongst Kings And Queens, from the album Empress Era, by Tali.