Based in the U.S., Tolivia is an artist with a deep connection to the traditions that shaped her. You can hear the legacies of gospel, R&B, and jazz in her music, which feels both timeless and daringly modern. For her, singing is about telling a story and using her voice to guide the listener through an emotional landscape. She believes music is a lifeline. It offers comfort and escape, helping people feel inspired, uplifted, and empowered.
Her new five-song EP, “Love Switch,” is a journey through love, hurt, and empowerment. Her powerful voice carries so much sincerity and emotion across the well-crafted instrumentals, drawing from her own experiences with love.
The EP kicks off with “Never Too Late (intro-glow).” The track is built on a deep, heavy bass line that provides a solid foundation for her rich vocals. It’s hard not to be reminded of some of the great vocalists from back in the day. The song itself feels like an anthem of self-belief, a statement of confidence and resilience that seems to capture Tolivia’s own spirit. I found myself hitting repeat on this one; it sets a powerful tone for the rest of the EP.
Next is “On Time,” a beautiful R&B ballad that really sticks with you. The beat creates an infectious rhythm, but her soulful voice is the real focus. The song celebrates a love that arrived at just the right moment. There’s a real glow of effortless power in her singing, and her range is impressive. It’s a track that feels both nostalgic and incredibly modern, which is a difficult balance to strike.
I have to talk about the guitar melodies in “Balanced & True.” They hooked me right from the intro. Soon, jazzy beats with a hint of reggae join in, blending with the R&B and soul foundation to create something special. Tolivia’s voice acts like another instrument, weaving itself into the track as she sings about love. Those guitars are essential; I can’t imagine the song without them. It just goes to show how much the small details can matter. You have to hear it for yourself.
“No Mo” immediately grabs your attention. The intro is hauntingly beautiful, creating a soundscape that feels immersive and present. The track blends contemporary R&B with a hip-hop feel, which fits the song’s theme perfectly. It’s about that moment of self-realization, of finding your self-worth and deciding to walk away from a relationship that’s no longer healthy. It’s about saying ‘no more’ to the insecurities and toxic patterns you can finally see clearly. The guest verse from SQUINT adds to the emotional weight of the track and helps drive the message home. This song should appeal to anyone who loves hip-hop and R&B.
The EP closes with “White Flag (diss),” where the title is used sarcastically to mean the exact opposite. The production has a futuristic R&B feel, and Tolivia’s stunning vocal performance conveys the raw, poignant emotion of the song. She sings about the painful discovery that the person you’ve been giving your all to is actually a walking red flag. It’s a feeling anyone who has been with the wrong person will understand.
“Love Switch” is a powerful mix of vulnerability and strength. Tolivia uses her impressive vocal skill, sharp writing, and personal experiences to create something that is captivating, emotional, and hard to forget.
Check out the project and let us know what you think.
Tolivia (@toliviasings) • Instagram photos and videos