With a sleek alt-R&B sound and a studious devotion to her ‘90s influences, DMV-area singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist ​​Ayoka​​ emerged in 2020 with her debut singles “​Elevate​” and “​Need to Know.” Her frank lyricism and relatability appear effortless across both tracks, but the clarity of self presented across her upcoming debut, ​Venus​, is a journey years in the making.

“This album shows the visceral, vulnerable and duality of love, attraction, commitment and romance,” says Ayoka. “I tapped into unearthed feelings from my past relationships and current relationship. I drew out things I wish I had said, or things that I’ve actually gone through and now have a deeper understanding of.”

Venus​ is about the ups, downs and emotions we go through when trying to navigate the dating pool and deeper commitments to others, Ayoka also pays homage throughout to her spiritual journey through astrology, which has shaped her into the woman she is today.