American singer-songwriter Tolivia has a way of blending old soul with a new wave sensibility. When you listen to her music, you can hear the distinct phrasing of Ella Fitzgerald, the warmth of Anita Baker, and the undeniable groove of D’Angelo. But she brings her own fresh, unfiltered energy to the table. Her sound is spiritually grounded and emotionally adventurous, a style born from her grandmother’s gospel roots and the progressive textures of neo-soul.
She recently released her new EP, “Love Switch,” which explores the delicate intersection of love, timing, and personal alignment. Each track feels like a chapter in a personal story, capturing the warmth, tension, and beauty of human connection. Tolivia’s voice is the anchor throughout, gliding effortlessly from silky smooth to raw and expressive. The lush, modern R&B production perfectly complements her signature style.
This project is intimate and deeply resonant, showcasing a voice that commands attention and a pen that understands the nuances of the heart. The EP is brief, clocking in at just over 13 minutes, but it carries a significant emotional weight.
A perfect example is “On Time,” one of the standout jams from the project. The song grew from her own experience with a romance that arrived at the perfect moment, reflecting her growth as both a singer and a storyteller.
“Love Switch” is a collection of songs that invites you to sit with love’s glow and its discomfort, to celebrate its beauty and learn from its challenges. The tracks could be about a romantic partner or a close friend; what matters is that each was inspired by a real and meaningful connection.
The EP opens with “Never Too Late (intro-glow),” a beat-driven affirmation wrapped in a bold bassline and electric confidence. It’s an uplifting self-love anthem, with Tolivia’s soaring vocals recalling the golden age of R&B divas while feeling completely current. The song is an inspiring and hopeful piece of self-empowerment.
Next up is “On Time,” a timeless ballad about the magic of a love that shows up right when you need it most. Tolivia’s voice moves across the track with grace, pouring genuine emotion into every phrase. The production manages to feel both nostalgic and new.
“Balanced & True” is a highlight that blurs genre lines. Its dreamy guitar tones, reggae undercurrents, and jazzy R&B textures create a soundscape as honest as its lyrics. It’s a warm, captivating jam that stays with you long after it’s over.
With “No Mo,” Tolivia shifts her focus to personal empowerment, rejecting toxic energy with clarity and grace. The track features a standout verse from rapper SQUINT, and its moody production and assertive lyrics make it an anthem for self-respect.
The EP closes with the cleverly layered “White Flag (diss).” This satirical yet emotionally raw track flips the idea of surrender into an act of self-preservation. With its lush, futuristic R&B vibes and some of Tolivia’s most expressive vocals, it ends the project on a note of reflection and rebirth.
Tolivia’s sound is shaped by legends like Anita Baker, Luther Vandross, Bob Marley, and D’Angelo. She combines her heritage and upbringing with fearless experimentation. Raised in Prince George’s County, Maryland, and trained in the prestigious Visual and Performing Arts program at Suitland High, her music bridges generations. It is soulful, spiritual, and unmistakably her own.
With “Love Switch,” Tolivia shines a light on love, truth, and vulnerability. This EP feels like a significant moment.
It is available now on all major streaming platforms.
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