When it comes to this week’s hottest new releases, the only tracks worthy of a listen come courtesy of Falana and her new EP, “Rising”. Calling on a diverse range of genres to feature on her latest projects, the Canadian-Nigerian talent looked to inspire and spotlight the lived experiences of women through a set of introspective narratives and infectious cuts – all of which boast Falana’s syrupy tone, of course. With tracks such as “Energy” and “Joy” confirming the project’s status as a career-defining release, the EP is one that you are sure to have stuck on repeat.
When speaking on her new project, the artist claimed, “My first EP was self-produced and written. For this new EP, I was searching for a sound and voice that was my own, so collaboration was a big part of this project. I was trying to fuse together all the different influences and environments I have been moving through. So, there are notes of dancehall, afrobeat, soul, RnB, and pop throughout the project in a really seamless way.”
Upon the release of her sophomore EP, the artist got candid with Wonderland on her beginnings in music and the feelings she is looking to invoke in her listeners. Head below to enjoy our interview with Falana…
Hey Falana, how are you? How has this past year been?
I am great! Alive and excited for what is to come. The year was just so unpredictable and we really can’t control anything, now more than ever. So in all of the uncertainty, I have been just taking things one day at a time!
With everything that happened last year, how has your creativity been affected?
Well, I think my creativity was positively affected. I got to focus on different parts of my creativity, like playing my instruments a lot more and practising being present and mindful. I also was writing sensory journal entries a lot where I use my senses to describe a story. It’s a really helpful exercise when you want your songwriting to be vivid. I also watched a lot of music documentaries which was an amazing way to stay inspired.
Did you pick up any unusual skills during lockdown?
My friend’s mom taught me how to crochet! She is in the Champions League of crocheting, though, but it was great fun and actually very calming and therapeutic in a special way. The first thing I made was this very skimpy bikini top that I probably won’t be able to wear anywhere!
How did you first get into music? What sparked your interest?
Music was something I was always naturally interested in. I used to dream about being a singer as a little girl. So, I went from singing in my house to whoever would listen, to playing in a bucket drumming troupe, to winning singing competitions and performing in school, to buying my first guitar. And, the rest is history.
And now you’re dropping your sophomore EP “Rising”, what was your mindset going into this project?
I wanted to create a project that ticked a lot of boxes, from an artistic point of view, without losing my voice and sound. So, I was intentionally very open-minded when I was working with different producers and learned to really push myself. I knew for sure that my goal was to land in a place between vibes and message.
Did you approach it differently to your first EP?
Definitely! My first EP was self-produced and written. For this new EP, I was searching for a sound and voice that was my own, so collaboration was a big part of this project. I was trying to fuse together all the different influences and environments I have been moving through. So, there are notes of dancehall, afrobeat, soul, RnB, and pop throughout the project in a really seamless way.