Jhené Aiko has been getting major buzz over the last few years. She’s quickly developed a strong fan base who supports her outside of social media (i.e. buying her music). After releasing a successful EP (“Sail Out”), Aiko eyes the release of her debut album “Souled Out,” which will be delivered via Def Jam Records.
Although the album was slated to release in May, we presume there will be a delay. Nonetheless, her new single “The Worst” continues to get spins on radio and she is still running her promotional campaign for her new album. As we wait for Aiko’s debut album to drop, she sits down with The Fader to share details on her project.
Check out some excerpts below.
Public speaking seems like an apt reference because you freestyle. Was that your approach on the album as well? Yeah. I’ll have a beat or sit with producers and we’ll feed off of each other and I’ll just keep singing a melody until I have words. There’s not a lot of writing down—I’ll only write it down to make sure it makes sense after I come up with it. For the most part, I like to not have second thoughts.
What are some of the stories that you’re sharing on this album? Boy stories. Life lessons. Philosophies. Truths. I feel like every song has some secret about me. I try to keep it very open and honest.
Which song would you say is the most revealing? Probably “Beautiful Ruin.” It’s a song about a very specific situation and whoever’s involved will know it’s to them. I talk a little about my upbringing, just a few little lines, and I get very specific with his relationship. It’s almost along the lines of “Comfort Inn Ending” which is on my Sail Out EP. A lot of the songs are that revealing.
What song was the easiest for you to write? “Spotless Mind.” It’s almost been two years since I wrote that song. I was on the Lauryn Hill and Nas tour, and I probably did it in 45 minutes in GarageBand. It’s also very specific, a feel-good song. It’s basically about the way I deal with relationships and how I go with the flow of things.Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is one of my favorite movies, so on my album I have this song called “Eternal Sunshine” and then “Spotless Mind.”
Is there a narrative that runs throughout the album? It’s like a path. You’re going to see an evolution by the end of the album, a girl going through heartbreak and being confused, in a dark place, and then [emerging] enlightened and grown up through these experiences. It’s real life. A growing girl.
So how would you describe the sound you’ve put together? A lot of people compare it to a younger Sade with urban stories. I always say, “Keep it pretty but I want you to be able to ride around to it in your car” and have respect for 808s and something that makes a beat. As far as the lyrics go, they’re super honest and on this album you’ll see me doing different things with my voice. It’s not so rap-influenced. It’s just me being a singer and doing the different things I can do.
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