Whether speaking or singing, Seinabo Sey has the most soothing of voices, like being immediately wrapped in a comfortable blanket. A voice that exudes a poetic quality, holding weight without even trying.
This energy and warmth is reflected throughout her music, from the breakthrough track, Younger, to her incredibly personal debut album last year, Pretend. Ms. Sey, also speaks with the maturity and awareness of a global citizen, having grown up between Gambia in West Africa and Sweden. Currently beginning work on her second album, we spoke before she began a limited summer tour schedule, which includes performances at Afropunk Fest in Brooklyn, and Way Out West in Gothenburg.
Is there anything you want to say?
I want to say a lot of things, but that's what my music is for. I just feel like the world, I don't know, it feels a bit like the world is about to cave in. It's important now more than ever for people to be more socially conscious and wake up. Especially in Sweden, we are safe and secure but this is the time to wake up and believe in something. Just believe.
How are you finding your sound for the next album?
I just came from a two week trip to sort of sit and contemplate and write notes down about what the next album will be. Something I will try to do more consciously is blend genres. I always think, I love dancehall drums, how could we incorporate these? I will be more a part of the production. And also really have a message with the music. I'm a bit tired of writing love songs and I want to write songs about the world.
It's been hectic for three years and for right now I need to hear my own thoughts and be in solitude, otherwise I'm just stressing about what other people are doing. I think I might be a bit too sensitive to focus on myself when I'm around other people. My schedule is a bit relaxed to focus on the album.
What's your favorite thing about Sweden?
My friends.
What is your studio time like now?
I'm working and work with two songwriters, Vincent Pontare and Salem Al Fakir.
I've learned from my mistakes, not to involve as many people into the process as early on. You want validation, and people either kill your baby or love your baby way too early. I love collaboration and check what people react to. The last time (Pretend), was really a collage of songs, some things I wrote when I was 13, some when I was 19, and it's really about my life. My life was all over the place at the time.
I also try to inspire people in the work process. That's when the music becomes great and everyone really understands what the goal is. (Before) everything was so new to me. Now I feel like I have to learn new techniques and ways of doing things. I want to have new experiences. Like I want to go to Mali.
Is there any place that really inspires you?
Before I travelled, I thought I wanted to move away from Sweden, but then I realized everyone has the sort of same goals and wants the same things. When you are on a stage, the audience is there to have an escape, so I strive to be inspired everywhere. NYC is dope, but I don't feel like I have to be there. And I always wanted to live in Senegal.
Any pre - show rituals?
I try to take a shower and smell nice (laughs). With traveling you get in late. I drink some coffee, that's it. I should be doing like a million warmups. I used to drink some throat coat (tea). But I kind of like the idea of just walking up on stage.
Any music that inspires you at the moment?
My music taste is all over the place. Jim Fauntleroy. I love Alexander Ebert, he has brilliant lyrics. I also listen to a lot of jazz. And I started listening to a lot of music from Mali. I love folk music and world music.
Are there any Nordic artists that should be on our radar?
Zhala.
Mabel.
Cherrie is a Swedish r&b singer. You could really get into the melodies.
Amanda Bergman. She used to be in a group named Amason, but now releasing her own stuff.
Do you have any advice for aspiring artists and producers?
I wouldn't feel comfortable succeeding on other people's terms. When the spotlight is turned off you have to have some foundation to hold on to. Remember who you are, and give your art purpose.
For more information on Seinabo Sey and her summer tour dates CLICK HERE
Photos by Patricia Reyes