Ones2Watch Home

Photo by Henry Wainwright

A steady, sultry bassline and silky vocals are all Phoenix Laoutaris needs to establish an atmosphere that feels both intimate and assured. Her latest single, “Here We Go,” relishes in this atmosphere, capturing the internal confusion and eventual clarity that arises after breaking free from a toxic love. Despite the raw feeling that naturally comes from exploring an unhealthy romantic cycle, Laoutaris uses her self-assurance and fresh, soulful arrangements to act as a navigator back to herself.

British soul artist Phoenix Laoutaris brings together the rich textures of R&B, neo-soul, hip-hop and jazz to create music that feels close-knit and effortlessly expressive. Raised in Totnes, Devon, Laoutaris grew up surrounded by sound, drawing inspiration from her multicultural heritage and a wide-ranging musical upbringing. She began writing songs at 14, using music as a way to make sense of her emotions and experiences, a sense of honesty that oozes out of her artistry today. Laoutaris first harnessed wider attention during lockdown in 2020, when she performed her original song “Flowers” during an Instagram Live talent contest. Now, after opening the door for a new journey with her July release “About You,” Laoutaris’ new single “Here We Go” introduces an inspiring continuation in her sound.

As “Here We Go” begins, it’s apparent that there’s an assertiveness within Laoutaris’ emotional journey throughout this toxic romantic cycle — giving the song a weighty strength that sits within her self-assurance. At the heart of that cycle, the chorus cuts straight to the frustration of repeatedly finding yourself in the same place: “Is that what makes you proud / You love to bring me down / Here we go again.” It’s a moment of clarity wrapped in repetition, perfectly reflecting the introspective battle between attraction and emotional exhaustion.

The track gains a dynamic edge as Laoutaris showcases her smooth rap-leaning flow, highlighting her confidence through her attitude rather than her emotions, as she does through her singing. She swirls genres together to create her own signature sound that’s both distinct and cohesive all at once — Laoutaris’ vocals are brimming with that suave R&B energy, with a little bit of that hip-hop flair having a moment to shine and not to mention the warm richness of the alt-soul instrumentals.

That genre-fluidity is one of both the song’s, and Laoutaris’, greatest strengths. There’s such ease to both Laoutaris’ musicality and storytelling; you emotionally connect to it while still melting into each honey-infused sonic layer. As her voice floats into the “ah ah ah’s,” the spike of electric guitar weaves right in to give an extra engaging texture, adding another dimension to a production that already immerses you into the groove.

The instrumentation also mirrors the emotional loop at the center of the song. The heavy thump of the bass drum feels like the anchor that keeps pulling Laoutaris down into the whirlwind of detrimental desire, while the smooth, carefree backing vocals feel like the relief of letting that person go. Most importantly, the song holds each beginning stage of gaining clarity: the emotional depletion of still being attracted to someone proven to be toxic, enduring that cycle and finally shattering your own rose-colored glasses to put your well-being first. Laoutaris builds that story into the sound itself, allowing the production, vocal performance and shifting flows to reflect that ultimate realization.

There’s a glimmering talent in Laoutaris’ ability to create an environment that not only pulls you in through the wave of production, but through her reassuring vulnerability as well. “Here We Go” feels confident without diminishing the tenderness that comes from the sensitive situation, and that very trait is what makes Laoutaris such a shining voice in the music scene — ripping the shame away from open vulnerability to create groove-driven empowerment.

Listen to "Here We Go" below: