EP Review: Jay Mya - 'Chance To Fail'

“You’re not from New York City, you’re from Rotherham,” might be how the majority of musicians would react to a rap artist hailing from the South Yorkshire town, but Jay Mya is one who’s clearly putting the work in. In an Arctic Monkeys fashion, his EP ‘Chance To Fail’ was handed out before James Arthur’s sold out show at Sheffield’s City Hall. Clearly selling himself – like Arthur – as a chart-friendly artist, moments of ‘Chance To Fail’ are as impressive as hip-hop influenced club moments by David Guetta, Dizzee or N-Dubz.

It’s most notable on ‘Need You’, featuring a sample of ‘90s trance anthem ‘Finally’ (by Kings Of Tomorrow), which wouldn’t sound out of place in Sheffield’s Embrace nightclub, or one in Ibiza or Ayia Napa. The balance of a sing-a-long chorus, club-friendly beat, the inclusion of real instruments and memorable lines is as strong as it is with the majority of recent club favourites, while ‘Let Me Know’ (adding to the N-Dubz feel, featuring some female vocals) is another synth-heavy song that’s both authentic and perfectly produced.

‘Break Out’ opts for grime-heavy verses in between Steve Foster’s breakdown chorus, while ‘Catch Me’ focuses on an electric guitar accompaniment and gritty effects throughout. As with ‘Chance To Fail’, the tracks without featured artists don’t work quite as well but then again, the same can be said of some of rap’s biggest names. The determination is clearly there though; with debut single ‘Chasing Rainbows’ peaking at #15 on the Indie Charts and a supporting slot with Professor Green last year. “I know I’m getting closer,” he sings on ‘Chance To Fail’, and with the focus he has and the right direction, he should be right.