Tanya George: The Devil

**TANYA GEORGE SHARES INFECTIOUS NEW ****[SINGLE](https://us.list-manage.com/S3UzOXUcVMc?e=220f1bd8bb&c2id=0c4f074a7248f1c39f90f475a2115518)**** + ****[VIDEO](https://us.list-manage.com/1A8JprCalhd?e=220f1bd8bb&c2id=0c4f074a7248f1c39f90f475a2115518)**** *****THE DEVIL***

**+ DEBUT FULL-LENGTH ALBUM *****[CONTRAST](https://us.list-manage.com/bYxjhmi4_y4?e=220f1bd8bb&c2id=0c4f074a7248f1c39f90f475a2115518)***** DUE OUT JULY 29**

Stepping closer to the long-awaited release of her debut full-length album, dynamic Melbourne electro-soul multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and award-winning performer Tanya George today unveils an infectious new single and [music video](https://us.list-manage.com/DtIprEfUZiG?e=220f1bd8bb&c2id=0c4f074a7248f1c39f90f475a2115518)*[The Devil](https://us.list-manage.com/8Rv_elwTUwd?e=220f1bd8bb&c2id=0c4f074a7248f1c39f90f475a2115518)*, taken from her forthcoming LP *[Contrast](https://us.list-manage.com/_y7t1e79oaB?e=220f1bd8bb&c2id=0c4f074a7248f1c39f90f475a2115518)*, due out on July 29. And to celebrate her debut album’s release, Tanya will also christen *Contrast* live in action at a special hometown launch show at Wax Music Lounge on August 8.

![](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/adhoc/5150cea3/724a9d3f-008a-c94f-cbb8-628c76375305.jpeg)

A slinky blend of soul, indie, R&B and pop, brand new track *The Devil* buries a knowing wink on a foundation of laidback grooves, infectious melodies and hypnotic bounce. A self-aware ode to temptation, sliding from innocent wallflower to willing participant, *The Devil* balances percolating warmth and depth with a light-hearted spin on its underlying subject matter, helmed by Tanya’s effortless vocals.

*“This is one of my favourite songs, and it’s become a real crowd favourite too. Hearing people sing it back to me at the top of their lungs is a special feeling, so I can’t wait for it to finally be out in the world, and people can dance around their houses singing it,” *shares Tanya*. “The song weaves together a collection of experiences and observations. It’s about watching people navigate life through their vices, seeing struggles unfold in different cities, and witnessing those with wealth and power become entangled in things they probably shouldn’t. Temptation is everywhere; it doesn’t discriminate. I played around with the lyrics for a long time and even considered telling the story from a third-person perspective, beginning with “He was…” In the end, I chose a perspective that felt more immediate and honest, but that question stayed with me throughout the writing process and today.”*

Produced by Tanya herself, along with additional producing from Lewis Pidutti and mastering courtesy of Lachlan Carrick, *The Devil* also arrives today with an accompanying music video, filmed by Brandon Li Wan Po, aimed to spark a conversation behind the message of the song with a formidable band, including Swinthin Anthony Oliver (Jessica Mauboy) on bass guitar, Liam Conroy on keys, Leon Kechayas (Emmanuel Kelly, Reece Mastin) on drums and Jesse Bear (Miguel, Bilal, Solange Knowles) on guitar.

Lifted from her forthcoming debut full-length, *Contrast*, *The Devil* joins the 10 tracks that make up the album. Dazzling with elements of soul, R&B, neo soul and pop, rooted in the lineage of Sade, Erykah Badu, Jamiroquai and Amy Winehouse, it was also fittingly 10 years ago that Tanya first began writing the 10 songs that would ultimately become *Contrast*, with many of the record’s songs penned in her soon to be 90-year old Dutch Oma’s (grandma) home. With the album’s release date also coinciding with her Oma’s 90th birthday, *Contrast* in fact opens with *Oma’s Contrast Intro*, a musing spoken word introduction from Tanya’s beloved Oma. And it is this resounding embracing of juxtaposition that powerfully permeates *Contrast* from start to finish, from the charming upbeat jaunt of *Serious* through to effortless bounce *(Unjust Things)*, suave and undulating charisma *(The Devil)*, powerful R&B-hued ruminations *(Piece of Mess)*, and sumptuous odes to matters of the heart *(Can’t Love Anymore)*. In its latter half, *Contrast* nods to its opener with *Oma’s Interlude*; another poignant spoken word outing from Tanya’s Oma once again that touches on the mysteries of time, before shimmering with acoustic simplicity and buoyant melodies *(Have You)*, silky smooth grooves laden with affable beats *(No Soul)*, and ultimately closing out on *Daffodils & Violet Skies*, with its swooning melodies and lush arrangement balanced alongside the addition of fellow Melbourne artist *Blush’ko*.

An album that spanned relationships ending, savings running out, *“producers not getting it”*, Tanya adds, as well as a pandemic and a long, quiet stretch of finishing proceedings alone in 2023, the upcoming release of *Contrast* showcases, celebrates and unpacks the many contrasts in Tanya’s own life, while also forming a universal album that is as versatile as its namesake, while also offering a cohesive body of work from a truly gifted and resonant artist.

*“A part of my brain is always asking, Have I done enough? Is this the right time? Is this the right release date?”* shares Tanya of her upcoming album*. “But an even bigger part of me says, Who cares? It’s time to share it with the world. There will never be a perfect moment, and in many ways, this feels exactly like the right one.”*

*“I actually finished the album back in 2023,” *Tanya adds,* “but after pouring everything I had into creating it as an independent artist, I was completely exhausted. I needed some space to step away, recharge, and come back to it with fresh eyes (and a little more energy!). I played shows in Europe and really found myself. Now, I’m more than ready. I feel genuinely excited, and I know I’ll have such a deep sense of fulfilment finally sharing these songs with the world. When I was 21, I promised myself I would make this album with these songs. It has taken longer than