Tiny Habits

On the precipice of another lush chapter while “on a path to stardom” (BBC) to become darlings of world of modern folk music, Tiny Habits is evolving into a genre-bending force to be reckoned with by showcasing “transcendent, soul-baring harmonies” (Guardian), along the way endearing the trio to a growing legion of fervent fans around the world.

Built on a friendship forged through a passion for singer-songwriters and a common knack for emotive lyricism, Cinya Khan, Maya Rae and Judah Mayowa quickly took their old-soul acumen from the stairwells of Boston’s hallowed Berklee School of Music onto the national stage, breaking out beyond New England immediately after unveiling themselves on social media. With the release of their first EP tiny things and 2024 debut album All For Something (produced by Phoebe Bridgers collaborator Tony Berg), the acclaim came fast and furious: praise from Elton John (who aptly called them “delicious”), co-signs from Kacey Musgraves and Marcus Mumford, and a shot of recognition from the late great David Crosby who was frank in his unvarnished assessment: “Holy crap, they’re good.” James Taylor, Gracie Abrams and Noah Kahan, all promptly invited them on nationwide tours. 

 

Much of the reason for the hype is the result of a steadfast commitment to confessional lyricism, hand-crafted instrumentation and vocals that sumptuously blend together to become one in the same. It’s a thread that began when the trio perfected their sound through a series of viral covers, which gave way to evocative original compositions like “Wishes,” which depicts the group’s typical honesty. “I wish I was smarter and I wish I could communicate a thought without being misunderstood,” states its raw, fearless lyrics, which then hedges bets: “It’s better keeping quiet, yeah, it’s easy staying put.” The equally poignant, “For Sale Sign,” featuring Lizzy McAlpine, uses vivid imagery to paint a complex portrait of both expectations and endings. “I used to wonder what the rest of your house looked like,” Khan sings, before we hear from Rae and McAlpine herself: “If you ever let anyone else inside.”

 

The future of Tiny Habits serves as an expansion, seeing the trio fearlessly exiting the boundaries of genre. According to them, sophomore effort Keepers (out August 28th, 2026 from Mom + Pop) “is an album that was fought for: break-ups, make-ups, lessons, celebrations, arguments and resolutions.” It’s also a mediation on who each member is: “as individuals, bandmates, and honestly, family.” As a result, the intimate project deserved producers close with the band. Enter Vancouver-based producer Benjamin Millman who along with New York based producer Philip Weinrobe (Big Thief / Adrianne Lenker), as well as LA based Ryan Linvill (Role Model), and Jeremy Schmetterer (Medium Build) helped foster the handcrafted sound while moving them into new sonic frontiers. Mixing responsibilities went to studio vets Jon Castelli (Billie Eilish, Raye) and Ryan Nasci (Harry Styles).

 

With the engine of their creative team humming, lead single “Right in Front of Me” mimics the shot that begins a marathon: right off the bat we hear their signature harmonies acapella before transitioning into a buoyant beat. Consider it a liberation, as depicted in its self-directed music video where the trio lets loose on the dancefloor. The follow-up track “Anything He Was,” with a vocal assist from The 1975’s Matty Healy, portrays Mayowa at his most vulnerable in a meditation on how we gauge our values while still struggling to keep love alive. “Practice run,” Mayowa proclaims. “You’re saving up speed for the real thing.” By the time the album wraps up with the gorgeously layered “Lonely Is a Silent Song,” one realizes the title is tongue-in-cheek, with the opus reaching a powerful crescendo and release.

 

“We are the Keepers,” the trio proclaims, of not just the album but their triumphant ethos. “Of each other. Of songs and secrets. Of hopes and dreams and fears and doubts. At the end of the day, it’s us”