Since releasing her debut EP in 2018, London-based artist Appolonie has grown from strength to strength, and now looks to continue that positive form on her latest work 'Stranger'.
Channelling a rich and dynamic RnB aesthetic throughout, 'Stranger' sees her follow in the footsteps of Lianne La Havas with its laid-back appeal. Filled with textured atmosphere, sweeping production, and her own sublime vocals at the helm, this one will melt the stress right off your bones from the very start.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with her to find out more about her background and what has inspired her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Bass!
What kind of music did you love as a teenager?
So many different things but I do remember having a serious obsession with Justin Timberlakes’ first solo album ‘Justified’ for a solid 3 years as a young girl.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I don’t remember the first album I personally owned because I would listen to albums from my parents huge record collection. I think one of the first albums I picked up and put in the cd player myself was the ‘Best of Roberta Flack’ (1981).
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
‘At your best’ – Aaliyah (originally written by the Isley Brothers).
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
No rituals in particular I think the creative process is a ritual in itself. I’m usually my most creative when I’m going through something challenging in my life, the state I get into when songwriting is a form of therapy to me. Or it could be when I have a good conversation with my friends or when I hear a new artist or song that inspires me.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Right now I’ve been listening to a lot of my friends’ music who are all amazing, diverse artists and have released music recently or are going to soon: Johanna Burnheart, Billie Black, Elsas, The Naked eye, Creestal, NoQuantize, Henry Canyons, Yessai Karapetian, Marie Dahlstrom...
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Right now probably Devin Morrison, I have listened to his album at least 50 times this year.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The creative process, the feeling of pure joy and pride when you finish a piece of work. It’s an amazing and beautiful experience to make something out of nothing.
And what is the most frustrating part?
I am a perfectionist so sometimes it takes longer than I'd like to finish a piece of work.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Always sing as if it were the first time someone was hearing your voice.
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Appolonie's new single 'Stranger' is available to steam and download now. Watch the new video for it in the player below.