Meet Solu

Today we’d like to introduce you to Solu.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Solu. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Well… my interest in music and artistry first started around age seven or thereabout. Though I was painfully shy in public, in private, I used to drive my family crazy as I would sit in our family common area while belting alongside the vocals of recording artists we were allowed to listen to. All I remember is that I had this unshakeable desire to want to know how to sing, and would practice (loudly), day in and day out.

Right around my pre-teen years, new leadership at the church I grew up attending decided to have its first-ever choir and I, alongside some of my siblings and friends, joined. These were formative years for me as a singer because I learned to overcome the fear of singing in front of people and learned to direct and engage with an audience. I lead worship for 12+ years and in my first years in college had some of my first shows outside of religious settings. My older brother acted as my manager at the time and was the one that got me my first studio sessions/gigs. Once I graduated college I really fell away from pursuing my music and instead found myself consumed with the corporate work world. I initially never imagined I would stay in that world for so long but after years of work & diplomas, I found myself weary of living someone else’s dream and ignoring my own.

Last year, I finally left my corporate job and now only work part-time so I can better focus on making music and performing. I recently scored my very first film for an amazing filmmaker, now turned friend (shoutout to MalakaiOfficial). I performed said music at the film premiere at the Phoenix Art Museum marking it as my first time back on stage as a solo artist in nearly seven years. I also recently performed during African Fashion Weekend here in the valley (shoutout LagosPHX). I am a proud Nigerian-American and was very grateful to be given the opportunity to perform amongst other creatives. Other opportunities continue to pop up and I am so grateful to be taking steps forward in my music career. I put out my very first single, Desert Breeze, this year which was played on the radio just a few weeks back (shoutout to NatashaCastles). Things are happening, slowly, but I am just thankful to be taking steps & to the people that are in my corner.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, lol. If we’re talking psychologically, I’ve had to learn to overcome the timidity & anxiety I used to operate from. I was very shy and was bullied throughout elementary and middle school. My home life also wasn’t the most nurturing place to express my thoughts. Subsequently, I built the habit of not expressing myself from my childhood years through my adult years. Even now, I actually still prefer 1:1 conversation (and even then, I still shy away depending on the person I’m talking to), have a hard time in large crowds, and am working through my relationship with my mind and body as I have spent years hiding and stifling who I am as a way to self-preserve. I almost always feel awkward when interacting with people, but I am learning to block out the noise of what I think others want me to be and listen to what I have to say for myself. As an independent artist, it is vital to be able to share my vision and thoughts in the spaces I enter and I have had to learn to voice things even when everything in me may be dreading it.

Other things like chronic self-doubt have been obstacles I’ve had to overcome and continue to push through. And of course, I’ve had some interpersonal bumps along the way. I’ve had people stand me up, make false promises, ghost on me, talk about me, doubt my abilities, etc in the music world. It’s almost never easy to deal with, but I am learning to use gratitude as a medicinal tool of sorts. Rather than focussing on the letdowns or failures of myself and others, when I actively think of all the good that exists in my life, it helps to counter the tough moments. I’m still a work in progress though.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a singer, songwriter, producer & composer so in a nutshell, I am an artist, promoter, & businesswoman, etc… It’s hard to pinpoint a “specialty” so I will include an excerpt from my Spotify bio: “Her music blends earthy vocals with rhythmic moody synths and percussive grooves, at times giving lyrical nods to her Nigerian heritage. Eccentric by nature, her music manages to meld afro-American, cinematic, and indie pop elements into a uniquely curated sonic experience.”

I am most proud of the fact that I write my music and have taught myself how to produce. I am no where near where I want to be with my production skills, but I remember starting out and thinking that the production process seemed so daunting. I would think “there’s no way I’m going to learn this all”… but little by little I’ve picked up more and more knowledge and am proud to be where I am and getting better.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I first have to give a shoutout to my family. It was first my older brother Lad that saw my gift and pushed me to do music early on. We would write together and record at home and he took me to my first studio sessions, set up some of my first shoots, put together some of my first shows. Later on, it has become my husband, he is my absolute number one supporter, hands down. He supports me in every way imaginable, mentally, emotionally, financially, physically, etc, and is always there for me in the good and bad. Additionally, my sister’s & closest friends always have my back too and are always pushing me to do more especially since they know I can get in my head so easily. Its people like them that call me out, but do it with love, when I’m getting too caught up with my doubts.

There are also a host of creatives that I know that have supported me both recently and through the years. I don’t want to start writing names because I don’t want to leave anyone out, but I feel like they will know who they are. But those people have not only loved on me, but have encouraged me to keep going, and have let me know my music is worth putting out into the universe. It has been crucial for me because sometimes I would look at other creatives and (though this is a horrible practice) compare myself and would say, “Man… I’m nowhere near as dope as them”… come to find out they are a fan and it would act as reassurance. Again though, the comparison is a typically a joy/confidence-killer so this is really in regards to specific situations where dope people have reached out to me. Otherwise, I feel the need to go PSA and say don’t compare yourself to anyone, no matter who they are, lol. But yeah, from the people that have been in my life for years, to the person that leaves a comment on socials, its all love, and I truly have been encouraged and motivated to keep going.

Lastly, I have to show love to my body. My body has brought me through a lot of things and has grown with me, and remains resilient and continues to point me towards my true desires and purpose, even when we feel discouraged. In an effort to better navigate this world authentically I am learning how to listen to and tap into this vessel more as I have come to believe its wisdom supersedes my conscious awareness and present existence.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.solumuse.com
• Email: info@solumuse.com

Image Credit:
Matt Le, Jessica Juniper, Kriss Lee

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