© Greentea Peng
Greentea Peng is one of the most intriguing and soulful voices to emerge from the UK music scene in recent years. With her hypnotic blend of neo-soul, reggae, and psychedelic R&B, she has honed in on a sound that feels both timeless and refreshingly modern.
Aria Wells, known professionally as Greentea Peng, born in 1994, is a neo-soul and self-described 'psychedelic R'n'B' singer and songwriter from south east London, UK, and is not exactly a newcomer, what with 20 singles, 2 EPs, a mix tape and now two long-players to her name. Here in the GD, though, name dropping Greentea Peng isn't going to result in a dash to A&E due to toes being bruised.
That being said, we've been spinning her tunes since we started out on these radio paths and we're often asked 'who, was that?' when we drop a GP track!
Peng's voice is one of those comforting croons that feels like it's drifted in on a nighttime wing, borrowed from yesteryear but sounding like nothing else around. Fittingly her musical influences include Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, Miss Dynamite and Lily Allen. Her stage name is taken from her love of green tea, and the London slang word 'peng', which means attractive or tasty.
Peng's uniquely husky and ethereal vocal delivery, often layered over lush, bass-heavy instrumentals, sets her apart in an industry craving authenticity. Effortlessly weaving introspective lyrics with socially conscious themes, Greentea Peng's music is an immersive experience that invites listeners into her dreamy yet grounded world.
You could throw in some Cocteau Twins comparisons, have a go at saying Bristol's trip-hop scene has influenced a fair amount of the Greentea flavour. You'd be right, but also missing the point.
© Greentea Peng - Instagram (Stone's Throw BTS)
Wells' breakthrough came with the 2019 EP Rising, which featured standout tracks like "Downers" and "Mr. Sun (Miss Da Sun)," showcasing her mix of mellow rhythms and deeply reflective storytelling.
This was followed by her critically acclaimed 2021 debut album MAN MADE, an ambitious project recorded in the Solfeggio frequencies, believed to have healing properties. The album, featuring tracks like "Nah It Ain't The Same" and "Free My People," marked her out as an innovator, blending spirituality with sharp social commentary.
Beyond her releases, Greentea Peng’s career has been marked by electrifying live performances and collaborations with major names like The Streets and Tony Allen. Her unmistakable aesthetic - draped in flowing fabrics, adorned with intricate tattoos, and exuding effortless cool only adds to the enigmatic presence she brings to every stage.
Whether performing at Glastonbury or delivering a mesmerizing COLORS session, she hooks in the audience with her raw energy and effortless mysterious charisma.
For those seeking music that soothes the soul while provoking thought, Greentea Peng is more than essential listening.
With every release, she reaffirms her commitment to pushing boundaries and creating music that resonates on a profound level. If you haven’t yet immersed yourself in her sonic universe, now is the perfect time to do so.
Check out more about Greentea Peng here.
