Emerging Artist Piwa Drops Her New EP DEAD ENDS

Graphic by Cate Banks

By Anne O’Leary

On November 2nd, artist Piwa (she/her) dropped her first EP, “DEAD ENDS.”

Piwa (pronounced P-wah), has come onto the scene with an engaging experimental R&B/Soul EP which is heavy on drums, bass, and her sultry voice that goes in and out of pitch deviation. Not to mention the amazing album cover, which features Piwa herself kneeling in front of a yellow background in a black leather jumpsuit, and platform boots, with her hair seeming to fly upwards. 

The Chicago-based artist begins with a drum-heavy ballad titled “No Fun.” This is also paired with a music video she made with Lyrical Lemonade, where she has an uncomfortable trip to the dentist that turns into a gory horror. 

The next track is the same title as the EP, “Dead Ends.” The three-minute track begins with a voice telling us to Breathe in/Breathe out, possibly speaking about the artist's anxiety or a relationship she feels is a “dead end” with lyrics: “Darling these bullets don’t know how I do it/I turn on my music and rest in peace.” 

“Wake Up” beings as a softer song with light piano and Piwa’s melodic voice: “All my life/Feeling twisted up above/Haven’t found you true enough,” Then suddenly a bass drops with Piwa’s dark voice singing, “I wake up in the eve/I can’t get no sleep/I can’t run from me/Been my worst enemy.” This song would totally end up on a “Villian Era” playlist. 

“Black Footed Cat” is a track that is filled with power and spunk, with a popping hook, “Call me the Black-footed cat/Africa’s smallest, but deadly/The swipe be intact.” Piwa pays homage to her Zimbabwe roots with “I rep Zim nation/Yeah I show face.” The track also has an interlude, a nature documentary describing the animal known as a “black-footed cat,” the smallest wild cat in Africa, connecting to the hook. This track is definitely the most fun and groovy using experimental instruments such as xylophones and synths.  

The next track is titled “Fine Line,” returning to a more chilled out and connecting to “Dead Ends” and “Wake Up” with similar vibes of melancholy with consistently amazing bars and vocals. 

The final track “Feel Free” is featured on Spotify’s “New Music Friday” which is a perfect closure due to its relaxing vocals and melody. While not the lead single, it has reached 11,000 streams. It’s gentle, while still engaging with its heavy beats. In a close, Piwa reveals her unique voice once more for us to listen to.

You can check out DEAD ENDS on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, and Soundcloud.