Barefoot In The Garden

First Word Records are proud to present 'Barefoot In The Garden'; the first single taken from the sophomore solo EP by Victoria Port.

Forming part of a forthcoming 5-track set merging classic soul with contemporary sounds. this was put together from sessions recorded at the world famous Abbey Road Studios in London, and Victoria's home studio Candle Shop. This project exemplifies Victoria's talents as a singer-songwriter, developing upon the building blocks of her debut EP 'Did it Again' and Victoria's work as one half of electronic-soul duo, Anushka (BBE / Tru Thoughts / Brownswood).

'Barefoot in the Garden' is a smooth slice of mid-tempo alternative soul music, complete with an infectious hook, dreamy synths and strutting guitar licks. Victoria is accompanied on this track by frequent collaborators Hemai and JNR Williams, whilst the EP also includes contributions from highly-acclaimed drummer Moses Boyd, and vocalists such as Lea Lea.

The sonic tapestry stitched together on this EP epitomises the quality of British soul music of modern times; a vintage symphonic feel approach with modern-day production techniques, encompassing the Ronson-era of the late great Amy Winehouse, to the pack leaders of nowadays such as SAULT and Jungle. It's a logical progression considering Victoria's lifelong influences of US luminaries like Minnie Riperton, Gladys Knight, Nina Simone and Dionne Warwick.

Her fanbase includes Gilles Peterson (BBC 6 Music / Worldwide FM) who has tipped her as "an exciting emerging new artist whose sound fits alongside current successful acts like Cleo Sol, Lynda Dawn and Yazmin Lacey."

Victoria's previous EP had support from a wide range of tastemakers, including Cerys Matthews, Huey Morgan, Somewhere Soul, Mo Ayoub (Selector Radio), Ronnie Herel (Mi-Soul Radio's "One to Watch"), Tony Minvielle (Jazz FM) and across platforms like Rinse FM, NTS, Soho Radio and Global Soul, whilst her work with Anushka also received airplay from Annie Mac, Jamz Supernova, Huw Stephens and BBC Radio 1.

Victoria says "I remember writing this song last summer. I sat in the conservatory with Jnr, Lou (Hemai), and an acoustic guitar. The birds sang, and my little boy laughed and played outside. It's a reminder of the real things of value in our lives – not material possessions or accolades, but the simple things that humble us and connect us to our common humanity. Sometimes, I stop and slow down, feeling so much joy for the beautiful people and moments that enrich my life, soul, and heart."

Already a seasoned live perfomer, additionally to various live appearances solo past & forthcoming including We Out Here, Jazz Cafe and Koko, Victoria Port is set to be one of the leading lights in the world of British soul music.

'Barefoot In The Garden' is released on digital platforms September 18th, with the EP of the same name to follow in November on vinyl & digital.