Having already established himself with a wealth of warm and inviting delights these last few years, progressive artist Yinoluu now returns to deliver his sprawling new album 'Nostalgic'.
Featuring the previously unveiled singles 'Wanderer', 'Jazz Radio' and 'Sunday Best', this new eighteen-track collection makes for a beautifully immersive listen. With its rich and sweeping textures, humbled atmosphere, and tantalising tones layered throughout, 'Nostalgic' cements him as one of the more alluring names on the rise right now.
So with the new album available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has inspired him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Definitely the piano. It feels so limitless and forms the basis for so much else. My grandad was an organist and I remember having this toy xylophone that I learned the basic scale on so I think all the signs were pointing me to the piano and once I stumbled on the grand piano in my primary school's music room, it was love at first touch.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I've generally been drawn to all forms of music right from when I was young. Both of my parents have very broad music tastes and then, of course, Afrobeats and Afropop dominated the airwaves in Nigeria. So, I grew up enjoying it all.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I don't remember which came first but the first two CDs I owned for my walkman were Confessions by Usher and R.U.L.E by Ja Rule.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Oh wow. Hmm I think this would have to be the main title theme for Star Wars haha. Composing counts as writing right? John Williams is a legend and I would give anything to have the skill to write something that profound, memorable, and lasting.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
The first thing I do when I'm ready to create is I stop listening to other music. I think that way, I have a blank internal canvas to create from. I also get in the habit of being more present in my surroundings; getting outside more, interacting more, taking notice more, and writing things down more. These kinda help me bottle experiences, emotions, and thoughts in a way that I can then distill into whatever I'm going to be creating.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Currently I would say my favourites are Amaarae, Tom Doolie, Sjava, and myself haha.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Oh this is a tough one. I would love to open for someone who does really great production work as well so I'd say Jon Bellion, Masego, or maybe even like Tyler, The Creator.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The self-expression is a big one. Especially as a producer, knowing that everything that people hear is coming from you and your heart, you're speaking to them directly from within yourself. So you're getting your feelings and thoughts out of you and into the world, refining them in the process. Another one is the connectedness between self and others. Knowing that people enjoy or relate to what you've made and what you were trying to pass across is such a great feeling.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Definitely the business aspects. Having to deal with all the monetary and contractual stuff, or hitting targets, marketing, pitching, all of that can get very discouraging and can detract from the time intended for creation. But it's a necessary evil haha.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Haha it might sound cliche but it's all the variations of "stay true to yourself." I agree with the sentiment wholeheartedly because I think the minute you lose your authenticity, you lose the heart of what music is about. You might be more financially or commercially successful as a result, but for me, that would feel empty if I wasn't staying true to who and what I truly am.
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Yinoluu's new album 'Nostalgic' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.