2020 saw two releases from Minas - ‘Drinker’ released in July was a precursor to the upcoming debut album ‘All My Love Has Failed Me’ (releasing later this year) whilst the EP ‘Nudge’ captured the energy (or lack thereof) brought about by lockdown.

‘Burner’ , the next release ahead of the debut album, again stands alone. The track exudes a cool yet angsty vocal that simmers over the top of a steady rhythm and intensely humming bass. Not afraid to spit indignantly at authority Minas questions “How could you call that man there a president?” and as the beat fades away slowly in the second verse he simply states “Fuck the government” before the chorus drops back in again.

Minas is the mononym for James Minas, Greek/Welsh artist and producer based between Cardiff & St David’s in South Wales. When not creating his own music he works as a producer for artists like Welsh Music Prize nominated rapper Luke RV and internationally touring folk artist Dan Bettridge.

Lyrics

Two steps back put your shit down

Two men fled when they hit town

Wise crackers, you’d need half an army to kick out these wise crackers

Two steps back put your shit down

Who let the snakes decide who’s an immigrant

Wise crackers, you’d need half an army to kick out these wise crackers

It’s breaking news

Louder, it’ll work in time

It’s breaking news

Round up, we’re out of time

Two steps back put your shit down

How could you call that man there a president?

Half cut, broke and a let down

But I still show the ropes to my fellow man

GB’s a mess no union

Call it a kingdom I’d say a shithole

5 foot snakes in a green room

They don’t talk like us 'cause they’ve never been down here

Fuck the government

Breaking news

Louder, it’ll work in time

It’s breaking news

Round up, we’re out of time

Reviews for the ‘Nudge’ EP

‘...his music captures an array of sound, intertwining both rap and electronic. Each tune takes us on a voyage through his state of mind, from frustrations to anger and the inevitable self-reflection afterwards.’ - God Is In The TV Zine

On ‘As It Goes’: ‘a subtle tone throughout this track, with a simple guitar melody that creates the groundwork for the vocal delivery to flourish with emotional content. With a flatline vibe it allows the listener to take in every word on this track - showing off the full creative lyrical form from Minas’ - When The Horn Blows

Reviews for ‘Drinker’

‘Drinker is ruthlessly grounded in the realities of the day to day. It’s this authenticity that cuts through.’ - Right Chord Music

‘a fantastic hip-hop inspired electronic track, it has a gorgeously chilled dreamlike melody to it, which catches your interest from the opening beats’ - Alive and Gigging

‘a captivatingly electric track with synthy, feel-good rhythms and modern vocals … thought provoking lyrics that explore the fight with his thoughts ... an unexpected, passionate piece‘ - Rockstate