Taking inspiration from her Senegalese heritage, 23-year-old singer songwriter, Aby Coulibaly blesses us with brand new track, “Patience”. This silky new single is a perfectly timed follow up to her greatly-received debut single ‘Taurus’, which racked up a highly impressive 2.9m listens.
With core inspiration from 90’s R&B beats, Aby is truly talented at sewing together her own day-to-day life experiences with with sharp observational lyricism, making her sound effortlessly her own, whilst continuously adding to her tapestry of sound.
“Patience” sees Aby musing on life as an onlooker, in her own words, “Patience is a song about escapism & being in your own world. Feeling different, like an alien or that you don’t fully belong somewhere. Sat in a coffee shop window, watching a world go by that you don’t feel part of.”
With strong influences from the likes of Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill and James Blake, Aby’s eclectic palette feeds into the resolutely dynamic range within her sound. Baring wisdom in her rich vocals, she writes songs that comfort and hearten, enveloping the listener and inviting them to take a step into her blissful universe. Aby melds worlds together with sparkling confidence and a distinct sense of identity beyond her years.
We sat down with the artist to discuss the Irish soul scene, early inspirations and future plans…
How did you first find your love for creating and writing?
I’ve sang since before I could speak properly so the love for music has always been there but it was in 2019 where I really gained the confidence to begin writing my own music through making new friends who constantly encouraged me which helped me so much!
Who and what inspired you to pursue a career in music?
I’ve never wanted to be anything other than a musician to be honest. I didn’t go to college because I didn’t have a passion for anything else. I’d say growing up the music both of my parents listened to and introduced me to had a huge impact on my love for music that was naturally there. Being friends with other supportive musicians pushed me to take it seriously and actually go for it.
How did you find your musical pocket?
I’d say i’m still finding my sound because I make a lot of different kind of songs but I guess I naturally leaned towards alt-R&B.
The UK and Irish soul scene has soared in popularity over the last few years, with so many highly talented artists doing through. How do you think you stand out from the masses?
I naturally stand out as a mixed Irish person but also because I just do me and have fun with it. I don’t want to release music for anyone else but myself and I don’t take myself too seriously.
How would you define the essence of your sound?
Most of my released music is in the R&B bracket but I have demos that are completely different genres. I love experimenting with sounds because there’s so many genres that I love. I definitely plan to be more experimental with my music in the future.
As someone from Ireland who has successfully impacted the UK market, how have you approached breaking into the scene?
To be honest I don’t have a crazy calculated plan on it. I just release music and hope it reaches the right audience/people no matter where they are and thankfully it’s starting to do that.
We are big fans of the Irish scene – who should we be listening to?
Monjola , Moio , GAFF, Kean Kavanagh , EFÉ, Shiv, Lucy Mc WIlliams , F3miii, Curtisy, Bricknasty, CHAMELEON , Negro Impacto , Zack Oke, kojaque, biig piig
We love the new single “Patience”! Talk us through the creative process?
I wrote patience with another artist/ songwriter named Rationale, he’s super talented along with the producer maths time joy also! We had a long conversation before we began writing the song so we could get to know each other and just chat for a bit which is always really nice when you first meet rather than just jumping straight into making a song. After chatting for a good while we decided on what we wanted to write about and that’s when ‘Patience’ was born.
What are you trying to convey with the song?
The song is about escapism, watching the world go by but you don’t really feel part of it
Can we expect more of the same from your upcoming album?
I don’t know if i’d say the ‘same’ necessarily because every song is quite different in its own way, but there are songs that are a similar vibe for sure.
You’re heading out for festival season, where can fans see you perform?
You can catch me at Forbidden Fruit in Dublin, Body & Soul in Meath , Otherside Festival in Slane and All Points East in London.
Is there any show you are particular excited to be playing?
I’m buzzing to play everything! It’s been a rough year for me so far so i’m excited to be able to enjoy the sun and do what makes me the happiest which is performing.
What else is to come from you this year?
After my project a couple headline shows and some other bits!
Where do you want to take your artistry?
As far as I can, I don’t have any limits but I also don’t plan too far ahead. All I know is what I’m trying to do right now and when I execute that i’ll worry about further down the line.
