Merseyside sisters Eliza, 22, and Tabi, 25, also known as Kulturess, are cementing their identity with the release of their debut single ‘Big Smoke’, launching on 30 January 2026.
Fully independent and entirely self-directed, the track marks a defining moment for their journey from being signed to going completely independent, with a show-stopping aesthetic and 360-degree work ethic.
“We are cementing our identity and sound. This is who we are,” says Eliza. “We are fully independent and this is our story. We have faced hurdles as the music industry can be challenging for aspiring artists – but that only built our resilience.”
That independence is in the DNA of their debut release, Big Smoke, which connects London and Merseyside, held together by the bond firmly shared by the sisters.
From production and tech to styling and visuals, Kulturess operate entirely from home (probably, I’d imagine, the sisters are the most dynamic and productive remote workers on the planet).
“We do everything,” Tabi explains. “I don’t think people realise how much we actually do. From tech to production to styling – we are driven by our vision and will never settle until we get things right.”
Musically, Big Smoke fuses Jersey beat rap with electric guitars, reflecting the sisters’ dual roots between Merseyside and London (where the pair studied music during their earlier career).
Eliza brings sharp-edged rap and attitude, balanced by Tabi’s melodic softness and harmony. “The harmonies soften things and give the music its emotional balance,” says Eliza.
The dynamic between the sisters is central to the sound. “We’ve always shared the same work ethic,” Eliza explains. “The structure was there from the start, even if the beginning was a little rocky.” “There was a moment where we really learned to trust each other,” Tabi adds. “Once that happened, everything clicked. We stopped forcing it and started finding each other’s natural vibe.”
Their presence can be described as yin and yang and is integral to the core foundations that underpin a sense of their past, present and future journey together, all rolled into one. The volume is also increased by style choices that fuse streetwear, gothic and Bratz Doll notes.
Big Smoke was filmed in London with videographer Benito, whose instinctive understanding of their brand shaped the final result. He was a miracle find after a previous videographer on the day dropped out — an all-too-frustrating experience in the creative industries — but it seems like the collaboration was meant to be.
Behind this fiercely independent and brave duo is a doubling down on who they are and what their message is. “We’ve always felt like misfits,” Eliza reflects. “Our music doesn’t fit in any box, it’s a reflection of growing up in Merseyside, studying in London, and taking inspiration from R&B, rock and rap.”
As their first release, Big Smoke feels both bold and overdue. “This is our first release, and it feels massive,” Tabi says.
It also feels like exactly the right time.
Discover snippets from Big Smoke by Kulturess here: https://www.instagram.com/kulturess and follow to find out how to stream and buy online from 30 Jan 2026.
