I Ya Toyah, the Chicago-based, Polish-born alternative artist, has released White Walls, the fourth and final single ahead of her Error Prospect: Human EP on 20 November. The EP was made with Grammy-nominated producer Johnny K, whose credits include Disturbed, Staind and 3 Doors Down.
White Walls follows a run of three singles – Feelings, Apology and a cover of Nine Inch Nails' Closer – and is her first major release since 2024's DRAMA, which Stabbing Westward's Walter Flakus co-produced and mixed. Where the earlier singles looked at ego and the chase for validation, this one turns inward – it's about the gap between looking fine and actually being fine, and the effort that gap takes to keep up. The video was directed, filmed and edited by Chicago filmmaker Alex Zarek.
The release was timed to mark World Mental Health Day, with the early proceeds going to Backline Care, which helps people in the music industry get mental health support. She's been open throughout this EP about why, and I like that she's put a specific organisation and a reason behind it rather than just another single campaign – four singles deep into the same theme is a lot to ask of a listener, but the commitment behind it is worth backing.
I Ya Toyah has spent the last couple of years touring the US, Canada and Europe, including a run as main support for Front Line Assembly earlier this year, and sharing stages with Orgy, Cold, Stabbing Westward and Wednesday 13. In December she brings her first UK tour, supporting burlesque act Little Miss Nasty:
- 9 Dec – Newcastle Upon Tyne, The Cluny
- 10 Dec – Glasgow, Ivory Blacks
- 11 Dec – Birmingham, Asylum
- 15 Dec – Brighton, Patterns
- 16 Dec – Bristol, The Fleece
- 17 Dec – Manchester, Rebellion
- 18 Dec – Swansea, The Bunkhouse Bar and Music Venue
- 19 Dec – London, Underworld
White Walls is out now on Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp, with Error Prospect: Human to follow via Femme Fatale Records on 20 November.