Raised in Seattle but now based in LA, Malia Cunningham, best known as MALIA, puts together all the smooth R&B vibes, bringing some Neo Soul touches that merge wonderfully with her angelical voice. Despite not belonging to a musical household, Malia started with piano lessons when she was only 8 years old, and later, already in middle school, she joined the choir. It wasn’t until 2015, that we got to experience the first soothing originals present in the four-track EP “Malia”. Throughout the years, Malia never stopped impressing her audience with bold, healing and uplifting songs, always remaining true to her sweet sound. In 2022 we were gifted with the most honest, refreshing, and empowering piece of work, “What’s After “I Love You?” Starting with a calm interlude, “Falling Fast” introduces the jazzy influences and the instrument that fills the songs with color, the trumpet. “More Than Love”, begins with a lulling guitar followed by soft aspirated vocals that are then relived in soothing harmonies. The song delivers an expansive beat with a clean guitar solo, there are also notes of dynamics and second voices displaying natural passages between registers.

In “Currency”, the distant guitar combined with a dense evolving low bass carries a vulnerability held by the trumpet and clicks that function as percussion elements. The song produces a seductive jazzy atmosphere that was already introduced by the first interlude. Once again we are lifted by Malia’s vocal capabilities and diverse register. The singer attacks the notes with more confidence, using a fuller voice, and adds delicate details at the end of phrases. The second interlude, “Drive Me To Think”, begins in a tense and distorted ambiance that almost sounds backwards with a bass and quiet trumpet that guide us through to the next song, “Hung Up”. The track starts with a descendent melody played by a synth followed by strong impactful strings and a sharp beat. It has a more catchy flow but still carries all the unique and distinct vocal characteristics Malia has accustomed us to. 

“Only One” might be my favorite song from this cohesive EP, it has a more rhythmic beginning with sudden stops and breaks that immediately grab your attention. There is much more clipped vocal phrases introduced by the instrumental character and there is broader vocal designs that demonstrate great vocal control. In a more conclusive tone, the third and last interlude, “Everything and Nothing” introduces the last song, “Undone”. It begins in a soulful note with a playful sneaky bass, full of percussion touches that give more depth to the song. The singer delivers a raspy initial voice sang in a confessional tone, giving emphasis to the heartfelt lyrics that wrap up this beautiful EP. Malia is a complete artist in all departments, her feel-good songs portray her growth through her pain, not being afraid of exposing her emotions to create genuine elegant songs. Make sure you check her recent EP “What’s After I Love You” and don’t miss out on her earlier discography.