Under the name Bonzai, Dublin-born Cassia O'Reilly released three EPs of innovatve, electronic-leaning, R&B and collaborated with Mura Masa among others. Now age 22, O'Reilly has rebranded as Cosha and teamed up with producer Rostam for new single "Do You Wanna Dance."
The video is premiering on The FADER and can be seen above. In the visual Cosha begins in an intimate half-light before the action switches to her embracing freedom and leaning out of th passenger side of a car speeding down the freeway. It's the perfect compliment to a muted and delicate song, lit-up by twinkling synths, that makes you feel more alive with each play.
In an email to The FADER about her new material and name change, Cosha: "Over the past few years as Bonzai I've been experimenting, growing, and figuring out what it is I can provide to all this. Although young and swayed by the passion I had to fulfil my dreams and terrified at the idea of losing an opportunity, there were moments I think my judgments were clouded. So I took time to build up the strength to believe in myself and my own gut, in what can be a high pressured and daunting industry, and now I am ready and I am excited.
"I'm choosing to use the phonetic pronunciation of my real name to represent the faith I have in the new songs and direction. Reinvention is my way of drawing a line between what's come before and what's to come now. And to anyone that's been on this journey with me so far, thank you sincerely. I hope to have you on this new journey with me too."
"Do You Wanna Dance" is taken from the forthcoming R.I.P. Bonzai mixtape, due for release on June 1. The mixtape artwork, to be revealed shortly, is designed by Frank Ocean collaborator Vegyn.
Thumbnail image courtesy of Alexis Chabala.