Hi! Can you share the inspiration behind your song “Goin Thru Things”? What personal experiences or stories influenced its creation?
A: This song was inspired by my first real heartbreak. After that relationship ended, writing music was my outlet and it was the main thing that helped me to process my feelings. Goin thru things was specifically inspired by the experience of having to navigate my emotions, make sense of them and ultimately just get through them whilst accepting the fact that I may never truly get full closure. The collaboration with IAMRTB came about quite naturally, as we live in the same area. Around the time that I started working on the EP we met up and he shared this track with me, that I immediately connected with and wrote to. I felt like it was the perfect final track for my EP and I’m so happy that this is my debut single!
The lyrics of “Goin Thru Things” resonate with many people. Could you elaborate on the message you hope listeners take away from this song?
A: I hope that from this song, people take away the fact that it’s okay to feel your emotions. Sometimes you won’t understand what’s gone on, and that’s okay too. Take the time that you need to take, to heal. Heartbreak is really hard, and it’s different for everybody so don’t feel as though your process of going through it has to look like anyone else’s. I would definitely say though, when you’re in that place, if you’re struggling to process what you’re feeling, writing about it really does help. That’s what I did!
How has your cultural background influenced your music, particularly in songs like “Goin Thru Things”?
A: Being raised in London, I grew up around various musical influences. As my father was a DJ, and my mother was also a big fan of music, from a young age I listened to a wide range of music. This ranged from 80s Afro-Funk and 90s Soul, to modern afrobeats and Neo-Soul. My music is an eclectic blend of my heritage, the music I was raised on and the music I enjoys listening to. Although I am Nigerian, I do not make afrobeats music at the moment, but after my EP comes out I’m really looking to explore and experiment with some genres outside of R&B and Neo-Soul and blend my sound a bit.
What was the creative process like for “Goin Thru Things”? Did you face any challenges while producing this song?
A: The creative process whilst making this song was great . Usually, when I hear a track it tends to connect to a memory for me and that’s what I’ll usually draw inspiration to write from. With goin thru things, that was exactly what happened when IAMRTB sent me the track. It connected to a very specific feeling that I was still navigating at the time, so writing about it was made easier. With my lyrics, I try to translate my feelings in a simple yet raw way, I use a lot of repetition in my songs for emphasis, to allow the listener to understand and relate to what I’m singing about. Although the writing process wasn’t too long, because the emotions were fresh, it was hard because I was still processing as I was writing. The writing process kind of forced me to confront my feelings head-on, but I think that allowed me to be really honest in my lyrics. With this song as well, it was also interesting because I felt like it was more like a letter or a rant, than a song. Here I was really just getting all my emotions out and trying to make sense of it all.
How do you feel “Goin Thru Things” represents your evolution as an artist compared to your earlier works?
A: As this is my debut single, this song represents my emergence as an artist. It is a song where I truly wore my heart on my sleeve, and I think that represents me as an artist. I love to express myself fully through my music, and I try to convey my emotions in their purest form through my music. This song represents me, my honesty and my sensitive nature and I’ll definitely be carrying all of these things into my future releases.
Are there any artists or genres that have particularly influenced your style in “Goin Thru Things”?
A: I have been privileged to be surrounded by a lot of different influences as I’ve grown up, which have all filtered into my music in different ways. In the R&B and Neo Soul space, I would say that I’ve taken inspiration from Cleo Sol, Solange and Erykah Badu primarily. I love their honesty and the truth in their artistic expression.
Looking back on your journey so far, what have been some of the most significant moments or turning points in your music career?
A: Aside from my debut single release, I would say that another one of my significant moments has been receiving a co-sign from Timbaland. This was really encouraging to me and helped me find that final push to get the song and my EP finished!
Can you give us a hint about any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re excited about?
A: I’m very excited about my next single which will be coming out at the end of January! It has a different, more up-beat R&B vibe which I can’t wait for my listeners to hear.
How do you see your music, particularly songs like “Goin Thru Things,” impacting your listeners and the broader music community?
A: I see my song impacting my listeners, and giving them the hope that life goes on after heartbreak! In terms of the broader music community, I really want to have a wide-reaching impact on neo-soul and contribute to it being a lot more visible in the UK.
Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring artists who look up to you and are inspired by your work, especially your recent song “Goin Thru Things”?
A: I would say keep going, let yourself be vulnerable in your music and push through the nerves! One thing that held me back when I was wanting to start recording music was anxiety, and the fear of people knowing exactly what I went through. But I think that one of the most beautiful things about music is the honesty in it, so don’t let the fear of being open hold you back!