We talk London, Lauryn Hill and future collabs with London based songstress Andreya Triana.

Londoner Andreya Triana is the queen of collaborations. The soulful singer has worked with the masters of electronica including Bonobo, Breach and Flying Lotus but she’s now gearing up to release her second solo album. Signed to Ninja Tune, she’s in good company, sharing a label with the likes of Kelis and Toddla T.

Wonderland has had an exclusive listen to a sample of the new record and it’s full of emotional moments to sing along to into your hairbrush as well as tracks you can’t help but dance along to. Having been listed on the Evening Standard’s Power 1000 List of Most Influential Londoners last year, it’s time to take note of Andreya. Her latest release is the single, ‘Everything You Never Had Pt. II’. We talk London, Lauryn Hill and future collaborations…

How do you think growing up in London has influenced your songwriting?

I think London has had a huge influence, it’s so multicultural and is a mixing pot of people, places and music.

What made you want to become a singer?

It’s always been something that I’ve loved and enjoyed. I remember being really little having the most amazing feeling every time I sung and as I got older I just wanted to share this as much as possible and make it my career.

Why do you use a sampler in your live shows?

The sampler enables me to create a choir by myself by layering up sounds, effects and harmonies. I don’t have backing singers so it’s the next best thing and it’s fun to be able to add those different elements and textures.

How do you think your second album compares to your first?

I think it’s a definitely a natural progression but it also feels a world away from my first album. Sonically it’s bigger in terms of harmonies and production. Songwriting wise I also delved into new depths I had’t explored before.

What’s your latest single about?

Everything You Never Had Pt II is a song I wrote about my mum. She had me at 18 and was a single parent for a long time. She struggle a lot financially but I always remember feeling like I had everything I ever needed and wanted. We had the best time and she was like superwoman.

Why did you decide to recreate ‘Everything You Never Had’?

It initially started out as a piano ballad which Breach remixed. It’s a song that’s really close to my heart so I had to put my own version on my album.

You say you like to record everything live and organically, do you prefer the creative process in the studio or to be performing on stage?

I really enjoy both – I feel like being the studio is capturing the moments of creative magic and it can be a very introverted process. Performing live to me is all about the audience and trying to create a certain energy in the room.

How would you describe your music?

Honest, soulful contemporary songs… with lots of harmonies on top!

Who has been the most significant influence on your music?

Lauryn Hill, her album The Miseducation was the only thing I listened to solidly for years! I got to meet her recently and it was one of the best moments of my life being able to shake her hand and thank her for that album.

Is there anyone you’d like to collaborate with in the future?

Too many to name! The top of my list would be James Blake, Lykki Li, Sia, and Stevie Wonder!

Words: Lily Walker.