First Word Records are very proud to welcome papaya noon, and their debut single for the label - ‘blush’.

papaya noon are a Cardiff-based duo comprised of vocalist Annie Mirza and multi-instrumentalist Greg Marriott.
Formed five years ago, they make jazz-infused R&B music that incorporates their mutual love of classic soul, hip hop & electronica.

To date, they’ve only previously released one single independently (‘flutter’ from 2022), yet have already amassed an impressive fan-base online, garnering over 80,000 followers across their socials, and receiving praise from such luminaries in the US as Missy Elliot, Snoop Dogg, Queen Latifah, 9th Wonder, Bootie Brown & the late great Fatman Scoop.

This is a result of their unique style, captivating grooves & deeply catchy hooks, encompassing a distinctive blend of soul music, from retrospective 90s vibes to alternative futuristic flavours, creating a sonic palette that’s wonderfully contemporary, yet very much their own.

All their music is written, performed & produced single-handedly by the duo themselves, who’ve managed to create a magically powerful potion from their plant-filled Cardiff studio space, and create huge anticipation for their future output in-turn.

The future is NOW, as papaya noon are finally ready to unleash their music into the world, signing to acclaimed London-based independent label, First Word (home to Children of Zeus, Allysha Joy, Don Leisure, Georgie Sweet and many more).

We set things off with ‘blush’; the first taste of their forthcoming debut EP ‘through the moods’. This is an infectiously spellbindng track that exemplifies their sound, and their prowess for production and songwriting. Greg’s intricate textured playing combines with Annie’s sweet soulful vocal harmonies to create a blend smoother than butter.

The duo said that ‘blush’ was “built on a foundation of swung drums, modulating chords & groove-led bass, which allowed space for Annie’s vocals to breathe.”

They explain further that “the track draws on experiences of loss. Specifically, the shame which follows after we put off seeing estranged loved ones. It was important to capture what shame felt like, through repetition and drive. As with the entire EP, the songs were crafted in a way that’s really open to interpretation, and we hope that people resonate with this music based on their own experiences.”

Following a long period of feverishly teasing tiny loops of music online, they finish by saying “it’s such an amazing feeling when audiences at our live shows sing back the seven second clip they've been listening to on our socials!…”. We’re delighted that people will finally be able to enjoy the track in full!

Already hailed by some as “the Welsh Moonchild”, papaya noon were named as one of Clash Magazine’s “must-see” acts at FOCUS Wales in 2025, bringing their music to life on stage with their 5-piece live band, additionally performing at Brick Lane Jazz Festival, The Great Escape, Inglefest, Nowadaze, Swn Festival & Good Vibrations Society, as well as NXNe and BreakOut West in Canada, and supporting the likes of Hot 8 Brass Band & Reel People.

With everything already pointing to the duo swiftly becoming one of the hottest new soul acts in Britain, this is only the beginning of the journey for papaya noon…

‘blush’ will be released on all digital platforms on Thurs 21st May, with the debut EP set to drop in July.