Halfway through writing an article, I hit a wall and got lost in the brain fog that seems to plague society in 2023. As a way to clear my mind, I reached for my phone and started scrolling through my feed – a common way to procrastinate from actual work. But for once, my procrastination led me to an unexpected source of inspiration: a rising artist named Lizzie Berchie and her powerful single, “I Hope.”

Released just last month teasing a new EP release coming this May, Lizzie Berchie is a self-proclaimed “neo-soul sweetheart from Newham” who teams up with producer Hilts to create a soulful and introspective track that explores the complexities of love and hope. According to Lizzie, “I Hope” evokes “Black love on a Sunday evening” and takes the listener on a journey through the vulnerability that comes with finding a love that feels perfect yet uncertain.

The track has an airy, dreamlike quality that makes me feel like I’m dissolving in its sound. It draws inspiration from soulful legends like Erykah Badu, but there’s also a distinctly London feel to what Lizzie sets out to achieve.

As Lizzie shares, “‘I Hope’ was written from a place of finding a love that feels so perfect it leaves you vulnerable as nothing is truly guaranteed. Hope is sometimes perceived as weak or wishful when really, hope is an anchor for the soul.” With poignant lyrics and a powerful message, “I Hope” is a testament to the transformative power of love and the importance of holding onto hope even in the face of uncertainty.

Following that, I immersed myself in Lizzie’s 2023 deluxe album release, Under The Sun, and it’s safe to say that I’m completely captivated. The original article I was working on may have to wait, as I can’t seem to pull myself away from the sounds of this album. It’s the kind of music that you need to experience in a large space with the volume turned up, allowing yourself to get lost in melodies. So grab a cup of tea and prepare to meditate.