Azu Yeché is a singer-songwriter based in London, UK. His new single 'Plastic Life' is his first release of the year and draws upon the artist's soul and folk influences. Produced by Boe Weaver and released via Farmhouse Records, 'Plastic Life' is an honest depiction of someone confronting their fears. In this conversation, I caught up with Yeché to discuss 'Plastic Life' and his plans for upcoming gigs in the summer.
Hi Azu, thank you for taking the time to do this interview. Could you introduce yourself to our readers?
Hey! I’m Azu Yeché - a singer, songwriter and performer based in London
Could you tell us a bit about your musical journey, and how you became a musician?
I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember. I picked up the guitar at 17 and started writing songs.
Your songs draw influence from soul and African music, what artists tend to inspire your sound when it comes to writing new music?
Recently I’ve been listening to Black Pumas, Michael Kiwanuka, Gabriels and Fela Kuti. I guess that has somewhat influenced my approach to production which is an organic, live sound.
How would you personally describe your music?
My songs are stories of stuff I’ve experienced. I’m vocally very influenced by soul singers and I like the uplift of gospel, the wistful retrospection of folk and the rhythms of African music. I think my music combines all that to make a kind of contemporary soul music.
‘Plastic Life’ is your first release this year, and it showcases some gorgeous vocal harmonies and soul/gospel influences. Could you tell us a bit about how you wrote this track and the meaning behind the lyrics?
Thank you! I generally try not to over explain my songs – just to give people a chance to see it their own way. I wrote 'Plastic Life' by myself on my guitar about the importance of honesty. I was in a position where I either had to be honest or out of the situation as I had reached a breaking point.
I particularly like the bridge and the lyric “Here we are, strangers in the dark, I’m dying to be one”, did you intend to create that contrast between the light hearted tone of the backing instrumental with the heaviness of the lyrics?
Yes indeed. My music generally has that contrast. It sometimes takes people a while to clock that. I’m glad you noticed that.
Are there any plans to release a music video for ‘Plastic Life’?
Let’s see how it is received. I’m also torn between doing a live video or an actual music video for it. The answer is ‘we will see’
You are also set to perform a couple of shows in the summer at The Green Note Camden, and Chesham Village Hall. What can we expect to hear at those upcoming gigs?
Certainly Plastic Life, songs from my last EP ‘Ikwerre Road’ and from my forthcoming EP (out later in the year) and maybe a cover or two
Do you have any advice for musicians who may be struggling and are finding themselves in a writer’s block?
I never pressurise myself with a song. I hate labouring over a song. So I tend to write songs whenever they come. For writers block, I normally look at subjects I haven’t written about before or perspectives I haven’t considered or listen to brand new music or really old music that I love.
What is the best advice you have received?
Work to be the best version of yourself not somebody else.
And finally, do you have a message for your listeners?
Thanks for all your support and new music is coming really soon :)
Click the link below to hear 'Plastic Life' and listen to Azu Yeché on my Spotify Featured Artists Playlist (link in bio).
https://open.spotify.com/album/6avd0OkquZ0FoX9WcHURf0?si=C89NjMRMRcS6dwssh1PodQ
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