Genre-bending artist Yola has released her anthemic new single “Symphony,” exploring the magic of both emotional and sexual connection, from her forthcoming EP My Way, set for release January 17 via S-Curve Records. Drawing influence from progressive R&B, classic funk and soulful pop, it marks a new era for the six-time GRAMMY-nominated artist.
The track, with its infectious drum beat, muscular bass line, and slinky funk guitar recalls the classic funk and broken beat scene that heavily influenced Yola in her formative years. A mantra-like chorus and vocal hook combines into a blend that pays homage to Childish Gambino, En Vogue, Janet Jackson and Funkadelic, and other key influences on this remarkable artist. Yola continues to move through musical spaces and claim them with agency and aplomb.
About the track, Yola says, “I’m exploring the element of surprise in this song, talking about when you’ve suddenly found someone that is not a fuckboy, someone that is not a waste of skin, and actually really dope. And you instantly feel ready to have both a deeper conversation and sexual connection. After experiencing dating app nightmares in these streets, there is a sense of surprise and profound shock when you meet someone that is a functioning human being, let alone the love of your life, especially in the context of this barrage of nightmares.”
Adding, “I was listening to a lot of classic funk at the time of making the record, and later I realized that Childish Gambino and I were listening to a lot of the same stuff, particularly the classic funk, syncopated group vocals that Parliament-Funkadelic pioneered. Everyone has a mic, the chorus and the verse are sung in chorus. I was excavating that vibe from my time in Bugz In The Attic, and I’m returning to it again now on this song.”
The upcoming new EP, intentionally titled My Way as a nod to her unique genre-fluid ethos, draws from a range of Yola’s influences that include progressive R&B, 70-80’s soulful pop, 90’s R&B and neo soul, as well as the cornerstone influence of the UK broken beats scene, from which Yola emerged, performing with Bugz In The Attic in the mid 2000’s.
Are you vibing with “Symphony” from Yola?
