Sola Akingbola Talks New Album, Favourite Stage Instruments And More

When did you begin songwriting?

I began writing songs back in the early 90’s.

What is your earliest musical memory?

My earliest musical memory was around the age of 7. I and my family were on our way the local park on a Sunday afternoon. I was straggling behind everyone, when I was struck by the most amazing sound coming out of small church. I stood in the arched door way listening and feeling what seemed to be washing over me, almost like a sonic epiphany. My Mother’s voice jolted me out of my hypnotism and I immediately ran to keep up with her. That sound has never left me.

Your new album ‘How Should I’ is out now. How did you want to approach the making of the album?

I was certain that I wanted to work with musicians in the studio and not rely on the machines. I was looking for a different rhythmic structure, that then inspired an interesting melodic interpretation within each song.

Where did you record the album and who produced it?

The album was recorded in several studios : Metropolis Studios in Chiswick, Thirteen, Damon Albarn’s studio in West London, Fish Factory in North West London, 123 Studios in Peckham, Church Studios in North London. The album was produced by O B Sidian and Rob Wilkes of Squareheadz Productions.

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the album recording sessions?

There was a day when we were thinking about recording strings for a track and we needed an arranger. Whilst looking at Instagram, I see a message from a young musician from Argentina, who says he is a great string arranger, so I ask him if he’s in Argentina or the UK at moment, he responds, the UK. I ask him if he could get to a studio in North London – he lives in East London – today, he says absolutely. He arrives after a few hours, he makes himself comfortable with some tea, we play him the song and I give him some rough sketches of what I can hear and he’s away, he starts scoring. Within an hour and bit we have a gorgeous string arrangement, thanks to the power of technology. Moment when we need the machine.

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

Rob Wilkes , the engineer and mixer for the project was very keen on an old school sonic approach using some incredible classic mics and an incredible Neve desk at Fish Factory, a studio run by the amazing Antonio Feola. I wanted to represent the sound of the Yoruba drummers that I grew up listening to, so most of the percussion I used was flown over from Nigeria. I was thinking I will bring that Jamiroquai sound to the percussion on this album, seeing as it’s an album by a percussionist!

One of the tracks is the single ‘Touch My Soul’. What was the story/inspiration behind the track? How did the collaboration arise? 

Touch My Soul is a co-write between myself and Gillian Evans, a Senior Lecturer at Manchester University, where she teaches Social Anthropology. The piece is about mental health and what we can do to change our inner state, when we are feeling quite helpless.

Was it a difficult album to write? 

What was difficult, was trying to find the right sounds and musicians to convey the feelings behind the music. This took time and enabled me to appreciate why the top producers use the same people on their projects.

Which of your new album tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

Olukumi makes me very happy. My Brother’s Keeper makes me reflective, Everyday, brings up some anger in me.

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage? 

To be fully used up, as the great George Bernard Shaw wrote and to leave something for others to critique.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

I love my Bata drum, my Shekere ( A traditional Yoruba instrument , that reminds me of my Grandmother. I love my Neumann 419’s for working at home.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

My home county is in the Chilterns. Undulating expanse of woods and greenery.

How do you look after your voice? 

I keep a routine of warm up exercises, every other day, focusing on the breath and staying relaxed.

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. This book hit me with such an emotional force, that the challenge to conjure the sonic world and it’s emotional effect would be exciting.

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

Miles Davis, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Weather Report, Bach, Haruna Isola, David Bowie, Earth Wind & Fire, Irakere, Salif Keita. I would recommend listening to early recordings of Oumou Sangare an incredible woman and singer from Mali.

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2024/2025?

We are currently working on putting some shows together.

What makes Sola Akingbola happy and what makes you unhappy?

Walking in the countryside makes me feel content. Not being able to play the piano when I feel the need to, makes unhappy.