The beautiful, intimate and homespun piano of ‘Homes’ marks Shida’s debut release from this young Swedish / Iranian pianist / composer, and the fourth in a row of new albums by female-fronted artists released on 130701 this year. In terms of influences, Shida cites the lyricism and rich harmonies of 19th Century Romantic composers like Chopin, Schumann and Debussy. Other ballpark reference points might include Erik Satie, Goldmund, Nils Frahm, Dustin O’Halloran, Aphex Twin’s ‘Druqks’ album, and Ethiopian pianist Emahoy Tsegue Maryam Guebrou. Shida signed to 130701 in February, after the label were floored by the beauty of her recordings. In the wake of the success of the likes of Max Richter, Nils Frahm, Hauschka, Johann Johannssonn , etc there has been an absolute glut of pianists emerging over the past five to ten years.When our friends at Swedish label Sing A Song Fighter sent us Shida’s album demos to check out, their sense of purpose and luminous lyrical quality immediately shone out as something genuinely special. There is a palpable depth and integrity in her work. It is not showy or smart, articulates no grand concept, but flows from its creator freely and true. From start to finish, there’s a sense of honesty and humble warmth seeping through every note. Revealing a wonderfully fluid sense of touch and melody, it is simply beautiful, warm, homely music with a big heart. Shida will tour the UK in September alongside label-mates RESINA and EMILIE LEVIENAISE-FARROUCH