Seye Adelekan is best known as the bass guitar player with the animated U.K. band Gorillaz. Adelekan, a man of many hats, is also a multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, lyricist, and solo artist. His new single, “A River,” is the first release from his upcoming EP with the same title. Seye’s articulate songwriting, hypnotic vocals, and melancholy lyrics set his music apart from anything he has previously worked on. “A River,” out today, touches the listener immediately with its alluring introduction, emotionally charged vocal performance, and melodic chorus. This incredible song holds an unparalleled spot on our blog, where we chat with Seye Adelekan as he embarks on a remarkable new journey.
Artist Q&A: Seye Adelekan
PDLR: How has performing live with Gorillaz shaped you as a solo artist?
Seye Adelekan: “The best thing I’ve picked up is the importance of collaboration. No great artist is an island or has all the best ideas or abilities. If you surround yourself with great people who help you do what you do best or add something you cannot, then it all just adds up to a better result.”
PDLR: What is one of your most memorable moments from touring with Gorillaz?
Seye Adelekan: “There have been many, but I would say anytime we go to South Africa, it’s always one for the ages.”
“A River”
PDLR: In “A River,” you describe the need to help someone while also going through your own struggles. Can you provide more details about the backstory of this track?
Seye Adelekan: “The song originated almost as a stream of consciousness. My friend Charlie had the chords, and we just turned on a microphone, and those words and melody came out! It felt like I was speaking to my slightly younger self, reaching out into the past when I was lost.”
PDLR: Did you work with other artists, producers, and collaborators for the making of “A River?”
Seye Adelekan: “My dear friend Charlie Morton is a long-time co-writer and production partner. Our friend Yves Fernández was also there during the writing process in Iceland, where we did the initial sessions for the upcoming EP. Both top lads and help me to be a better me!”
“Slow down, rest your head. They may be gone, but it’s not the end.”
-A River
Upcoming EP & Overall Sound
PDLR: What is the overall inspiration/theme for your upcoming EP?
Seye Adelekan: “The themes are hope, sobriety, love, and a bit of loss. Loss of an old self. I was also inspired by the Icelandic landscape. It gives a cooler temperature to the songs, I feel.”
PDLR: What do you want your fans/music fans to know about your musical style as a solo artist?
Seye Adelekan: “My music sounds nothing like the people you would have seen me perform with in the past. I think that’s a good thing, and I hope my fans have an open mind to getting something sometimes melancholy, sometimes sweet, not super upbeat, but always melodic. The tracks bounce instead of bop, haha; if you like Bahamas, John Mayer, Ryan Adams, or Bon Iver, there is probably something in there for you.”
“A River” is out now on all streaming platforms. Check out the music video below, and follow Seye on social media for more upcoming news.