West-London based singer-songwriter, Azu Yeché, has dropped his brand-new love song, Black Market, just in time for summer.
Produced by Peter Lyons, the track utilises Azu’s vocal abilities and combines pop, soul and folk genres.
The hotly-tipped musician showcases his enthralling and authentic storytelling with underlying guitar strums – which develops into an upbeat melody.
The new release follows his previous singles, Farmhouse and Sunrise – which are all included in his upcoming EP later this year.
The British-Nigerian artist, has garnered support from the likes of BBC 6 Music, Fubar Radio, Earmilk, BBC Introducing and many more.
Not only is Azu bracing himself to release his upcoming EP on his own record label, Farmhouse Records, he will also be jetting off across Europe this month for several gigs – which comes after his successful and sold-out mini tour across the UK.
We got the chance to chat to Azu ahead of the release of his new single, Black Market!
Hey Azu. How would you describe your music?
Hello there! I would describe my music as pop/soul with some African influences.
Tell us about your new single Black Market.
It is a song about forbidden love and the fight to keep it alive. It is upbeat, and a bit summery. Always fun to sing it.
What was it like garnering support from the likes of BBC on your singles, Farmhouse and Sunrise?
These are songs I wrote by myself in my bedroom, so to have them played on BBC Radio will always be a great thing. When people like Tom Robinson from 6Music say that your song is the ‘perfect two and a half minute pop single’, that is encouraging and wonderful.
Can you tell us anything about your upcoming EP?
I can tell you that it will be an honest record with a real insight into my experiences. It will be an uplifting record even at its most despondent.
You have your own record label. What are some struggles you face?
Yes, I do. Finance is an obvious one. Making videos, recording songs, photo shoots, PR and touring all cost money so it can be limiting sometimes. You have to find a way to make it work.
What was it like selling out your mini tour around the UK?
Shocking. My show in Chesham sold out quite quickly and I couldn’t believe it. Performing live is my favourite thing and I was very happy that people decided to spend their evening with me – listening to me sing my little stories.
What can we expect on your Europe gigs?
Fun. I’ll be performing exclusive new material from the EP with my friends (who also happen to be great musicians).
Who or what do you go to for inspiration?
My life, family, relationships, stories of people around me.
Is there anybody you would love to work with in the future?
I’d love to work with Corinne Bailey Rae. I love her second record ‘The Sea’ and I’ve met her twice. She produces a lot of her records and she approaches things in a live and organic way with her band. I think it would be interesting to see what we come up with. I’d also like to work with Nick Mulvey. I really love his guitar patterns and how melodic and unhurried his songs are. Would also like him to produce some of my songs – his subtle African rhythms are spot on.
If you could skip 5 years, where do you see yourself?
Making records and touring them!