released: october 23, 2025

genre: soul / r&b

from: australia

label: self-released

a few thoughts: i met portia sometime last year via a mutual friend in london (birthday settings), and chatted about music, creativity, ideas and plans for the future. it’s always a joy hearing those discussions and ideas come to life. in portia’s case, this has culminated the release of her debut ep need. the 6-track project features some lush, synth and piano-led compositions that are vulnerable and revealing throughout. her emotive and gorgeous vocals on tracks like “need” and “saved” are angelic, with reflective and rhythmic production. the dreamy energy of these tracks are poignant and atmospheric, and along with portia’s soft and angelic voice, and stunning pieces of music. the infectious groove and beat on “closer2me” are infectious, making it a standout to me, while the lush and soothing “shame” are gorgeous tracks that are just incredibly moving throughout. the gentleness of portia’s voice and her ability to convey so much beauty, pain and sense of growth within her music is something to admire. “crystallise” closes the album out with gorgeous synth melodies and strings that feel grand and just so beautiful. need ep is a stunning introduction to portia as an artist – vulnerable, revealing, delicate and with a sublime voice that complements her dreamy production style as well. a stellar introduction to the talented artist.

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