Interview: Povi
Photography by Christian D.K. Long
Povi is a rising indie-pop and R&B singer-songwriter known for her smooth vocals, emotionally rich lyrics, and genre-blending sound. Emerging on the scene with tracks like “Message in a Bottle” and “Who Better,” Povi has steadily built a loyal following drawn to her raw honesty and lush production.
Following her recent single “Ritual”—which showcased her continued evolution as an artist—Povi is gearing up to release her next track, “Let Go,” set to drop on August 8, 2025. The single promises a fresh wave of vulnerability and sonic growth, reinforcing her place as one of the most compelling new voices in alternative R&B and pop.
What inspires your music?
Personal experiences with grief, loss, and love. Right now, it seems like we're going through a renaissance of gay R&B that feels so free and normal. To me, that is extremely inspiring and reinforces the notion that I don't have to fit into a box; I just need to express myself authentically, and the cards will fall exactly where they are meant to fall.
Who are some of your influences?
I'm really inspired by all the queer R&B artists making incredible music right now. We've always been here, but now we are out and things feel "normal".
What are some of your favorite memories from your career?
A few come to mind, my first sold-out headline show in a small venue in LA after my first EP release. Touring with SZA and LIZZO back in the day, and my most recent shout-out on the Joe Budden podcast on their sleeper picks. These small wins reinforce that I'm on the right path.
Which of your projects do you love the most?
YCGI is my favorite song that I've released. It's soulful, buttery, sexy, and encapsulates a type of yearning that I love in music.
Who are some of the collaborators who helped you create your favorite works?
I want to shout out Trey Kams. We've been working together for a little over 4 years. From songs on my EP 'Sweet Tooth' to countless demos and singles released, our collaboration has evolved from him producing and me writing to us collaborating across the board on a full-length album. Both our styles of working compliment each other and I just really respect his artistic direction and creative output.
What are you most excited to bring to your fans next?
This album we're working on, it's got such a strong identity to it already. I can't wait to share, especially for the fans of my alt R&B songs.
What are your goals for this upcoming year?
Connect with people through music, and continue to grow!
How can your fans and our readers best support you right now?
Run up the streams on Let Go!
