The Songs Behind: Uwade
Discover the songs that shaped the spellbinding Uwade on the release day of her debut album 'Florilegium'
Photo Credit: Shervin Lainez
Captivating genre-blending artist Uwade has today released her highly anticipated debut album 'Florilegium', a spell-binding journey that puts art at the forefront of its sonic journey. Uwade calls upon her diverse background to create a truly unique listening experience, whether that be her Nigerian-American heritage, or her time studying classics at Oxford. Every track on the album feels so distinctively individual, yet through carefully planned presentation and a mesmerising musicality, the 9 tracks flow seamlessly from one another in the most enthralling way.
To celebrate the release of 'Florilegium', I am joined by Uwade to discover more about the record, before discovering the songs that shaped her through my 'Songs Behind' feature.
After putting in so much hard work over the last few years, growing and developing as an artist, how does it feel to finally have your debut album 'Florilegium' out in the world?
"It feels right. And exciting. And scary. And freeing. The past few years feel like they’ve flown by, and it’s so easy to forget all the moments and phases that have made up this process. From coming up with the title, to writing the songs, to imagining what shape the release would take, to making creative decisions about artwork, it has truly been a labor of love. I can’t wait for people to hear it."
Your album really captures the concept of 'Florilegium', featuring an array of genre-spanning songs, ranging from alt-R&B to indie-folk. How important was it for you to ensure these songs showcased your full range as an artist, given you wanted to "share them with the world as a reminder to cherish opportunities for renewal"?
"Showcasing my full range as an artist was basically the motivation behind putting all these songs together as an album. I’ve felt pressure in the past (mainly from myself) to pick a lane, solidify my identity, decide on a sound, and to be self-conscious in a way that just doesn’t come naturally to me. So I decided with this first record to let myself “contain multitudes”. Maybe one day I’ll pick a particular filter, but this time I just let it flow."
Throughout your life you have experienced an array of different cultures and music, how do you feel that has shaped the overall soundscape of 'Florilegium'?
"I think nearly every culture or genre I have been shaped by has found its way onto the record. I have no choice but to honor the sounds that made me want to even create in the first place. They may not sound exactly like they did when I first heard them, but that’s the beautiful thing about the soup of inspiration, it becomes its own thing."
Favourite Song to Play Live:
'Harmattan', 'Do You See the Light Around Me?' and 'The Man Who Sees Tomorrow'
"All for different reasons. Harmattan because of the dynamic and emotional range, DYSTLAM because it’s so sweet and tender, and The Man because it makes me feel connected to my dad."
Song That Reminds You of Your Childhood:
'Lady - Fela Kuti'
"It was the first song that I remember my dad showing me when I was younger. I had literally never heard anything like it. The 6 minute introduction, insane arrangement, incredible storytelling. I was like…whoooo is this mannnn????"
First Album You Brought:
'The Cheetah Girls Soundtrack'
"The first album I bought with “my own” money was probably The Cheetah Girls soundtrack. They’re legends."
Song That Made You Want to Be a Musician:
'Memories - Hindy'
"A song a good friend of mine named Hidy wrote in college called “Memories”. It probably isn’t the very first song that made me want to do music–honestly I couldn’t even remember that–but watching her create it made me feel like I both wanted to and could be a musician."
Song That Gets You Through Hard Times:
'Television - You Won't'
"The chorus is so deeply comforting. And true."
A Song You Would Have Loved to Write:
'Short and Sweet - Brittany Howard'
"Such a specific, bittersweet experience that she just portrays perfectly. Incredible incredible incredible."
Song You'd Put On at a Party:
'Ankwanoma - Daddy Lumba'
"A best friend’s family put me onto this song. The beat is too good. Shoutout to my Ghanaian brothers and sisters. Black stars. One love. "
Favourite Song of all Time:
'See Her Out (That's Just Life) - Francis and the Lights'
"This is an insane question. Absolutely bonkers. Even thinking about attempting to answer it is bringing tears to my eyes. Genuinely. But I will try to give an answer to an impossible question. See Her Out (Thats Just Life) by Francis and the Lights"
Song You are Most Proud Of:
'Harmattan - Uwade'
"Harmattan. This song helped me voice something I’d been wanting to for a long time."
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