It has been a long time coming for Leah Mason, better known by her stage name Minke, to break-through with her debut EP, The Tearoom. Through a series of unfortunate circumstances, the British songstress finally got her break with her single, “Gold Angel”, back in 2015. With more than 15 million streams in that first year, it set Minke on the path to a freer emotional expression that was cultivated by introducing electronic elements that moved her away from her bluesy, rock lineage.
The EP is dotted with themes of broken relationships and is an independent anthem for self-reliance and self-worth. “It was a time of upheaval,” Minke stated. “When I listened back to the EP, I didn’t realize how much I was writing about relationships and men — as well as just being heartbroken. To me, the word ‘Tearoom’ looked like ‘Tear Room’. There are many angles to it. It speaks to the sadness. I’m also British, so the name works on that level.”
Not only is The Tearoom an emotional release for the Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter, it is a transformation into a modern, genre-bending artist that captures the depths of love and life without being categorized by a style. On her track, “Too Late”, it is filled with stinging, danceable synth beats of the 80s and if you are looking for a stellar ballad with some technical guitar work, then check out “Frantic Love”.
There are no missteps on this EP. Minke is destined for greatness and The Tearoom EP is her first volley and it is devastatingly brilliant.
Go pick up the debut EP, The Tearoom, by Minke on iTunes now or stream on Spotify below!
