Bob Marley once quoted ’One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.’ In so many those words hold truth. From revolutions, stuggles, times of war and peace, as well as devastation; music has and will always be a great uniter, builder, healer, and source of inspiration. From the gospels of Mahalia Jackson, to the likes of Michael Jackson’s ‘We Are The World’ (To support famine relief in Africa; decades later covered by artists like Rihanna and Justin Bieber for Haiti), Mariah Carey’s ‘Hero’ (Carey re-recorded the song following September 11th, additionally performing the hit for telethons over the past two decades), Whitney Houston’s ‘One Moment in Time’ (The single was released as part of the soundtrack for the 1988 Olympic Summer Games & 1988 Paralympics), to Katy Perry’s ‘Firework’ (Perry dedicated the song to those who have been affected by bullying), music has always been a gift that gives. In recent events following the devastation in Japan, many artists have been stepping up to the plate in order to give back, but also give an avenue for their fans to give back. Baiyu, is one of those artists, whose latest EP is a double-dose of giving, partly to her fans and whole-heartedly to the people of Japan.

Baiyu’s latest EP is entitled  Fan Fair which she explains “it’s because this album is really for you… the one that’s stuck by me through thick and thin, and told me that I could do anything I set my heart out to do. You’re the one that pushed me to create, to be inspired and to be inspiring. Therefore, my thank you comes in the form of song, and these songs are made for your pure, unadulterated enjoyment.” The EP features five songs which include her latest single ‘Together” which feature her soulful vocals paired with mid-tempo beats and celebrating love. 

Baiyu’s EP, as previously stated, offers a double-dose of giving. Baiyu’s EP is a gift to her fans but also is an act of giving. Baiyu is offering her EP free to all her fans on her official site. Fans can download the album completely free of charge, but have the option to name their price. The price you name for good music, will be donated to Japanese aid relief organizations. Baiyu explains “There is a heartfelt reason why although Fan Fair is meant to be a free download, you also have the option to donate any amount that you’d like towards the project with no minimum. No, this donation is not for me – it’s for a much bigger cause. The tsunami and earthquake tragedy in Japan has, and continues to impact so many people that I couldn’t just stand by without at least trying to make a difference. With that said, 100% of the proceeds from Fan Fair will go towards Japanese aid relief organizations. This way, not only do I get to share my music with you, we get to share a little bit of love and support to the people of Japan.”

EP Track Listing & Thoughts:

‘Take A Number (feat. Fred the Godson)’: This track is a Baiyu club classic featuring heavy up-tempo beats that features an almost a militant/band chorus.

‘Secret Lover’: One of Baiyu’s sexier tracks which combines a mix of haunting yet inviting lyrics with Baiyu’s vocal abilities. It’s one of those tracks you add to the end of your playlist while you’re getting your makeup on before you go out to help amp up that Jessica Rabbit feel, a bit of mystery with lots of sex appeal.

‘Together’: This track is definitely for those in love, or just love to love. From the lyrics to Baiyu’s soulful voice, this track is one of my favorites in my entire Itunes collection. It’s the type of song where maybe you had a little argument with your significant other and they go off to work, and then you listen to this song midday while you’re cleaning or painting your nails, and next thing you know you’re all giddy waiting for your honey to come home.

‘Gone’: This track is opposite from ‘Together’ emotionally, but on par vocally, this is the type of song you listen to when you and your Boo have an argument in the morning, and then you listen to this song midday while you’re cleaning or crying, and next thing you know you’re packing whosever belongings whose name is not on the lease. It’s like a Big Sister song, when you need an extra push to just say ‘this relationship is just too complicated’. It’s a beautiful ballad which perfectly incorporates and highlights Baiyu’s vocal range.

‘Alter Ego’: Morning Song!! For those who know me a little more personally, I love morning songs. A morning song to me, helps put me in a mood for how I want to start my day. Although it definitely has a clear message in regards to interpersonal relationships. If you broaden that scope a bit, it does celebrate the Alter Ego, meaning ‘when the suit comes on’ or when you’re out with your girls, you have a different side with no apologies. Love it! 

Overall: Baiyu’s latest EP Fan Fair is an excellent collection of work featuring great vocals, amazing beats, and intoxicating lyrics. Additionally, the EP not only showcases Baiyu’s range but her heart as well, from her dedication to her fans to her commitment to humanity. Baiyu is an amazing artist and individual and please check out her EP on her official site to download for free with a great option to donate any amount of your choosing to help those in Japan. You may also choose to purchase the EP through Itunes .