The London based Azu Yeché talks to us about his experiences opening for Lemar, his new single ‘Leave Me Know’, and more
The British-Nigerian artist Azu Yeché has just recently dropped his new single ‘Leave Me Now’, a stunning soulful number that has Azu’s vocals soaring high. Lyrically the track delves into themes of love, heartbreak and more, telling the story of a relationships end and accepting that, something that is wholly relatable.
After getting our ears around this release we had to know more about the artist. Azu was kind enough to sit down with us and answer some of our questions, where we talk about his new music, writing and recording, and much more.
Kieran: Thanks so much for chatting with us! How are you?
Azu: I’m very well thank you.
Kieran: It looks like 2024 is a busy one for you with releasing music and a mini headline tour coming up in June! What’s been the highlights so far and are you excited for what’s to come?
Azu: Yes, it’s been busy so far. An obvious highlight for me was supporting Lemar on his Closer Tour round the country. I’m very excited about what’s to come – new music and my own headline shows.
Kieran: When did you start creating music and at what point did you know you wanted to share it with the wide world?
Azu: I started writing songs at the age of 11 and knew that I wanted to share it soon after that.
Kieran: What people or artists have inspired you and your sound?
Azu: Curtis Mayfield, Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Seal, Maxwell, Thee Sacred Souls, Black Pumas, Gabriels, Michael Kiwanuka, Leon Bridges, Corinne Bailey Rae.
Kieran: What’s a misconception people have of an artist based in London?
Azu: That it is the centre of everything so it’s easier to have access to resources. And it’s not always so.
Kieran: You recently dropped your latest single ‘Leave Me Now’, can you explain the meaning of this release and what it means to you?
Azu: ‘Leave Me Now’ details the process of summoning the courage to let go of someone who is not as invested in the relationship as you are.
Kieran: Could you walk us through the writing and recording process of this release?
Azu: I wrote ‘Leave Me Now’ by myself on my guitar and it was produced by Jim Lawton. The recording process was quite straightforward as we had discussions about what we wanted to achieve beforehand after Jim came to watch me live on tour. It was obvious that the song required a stripped back approach to give room for the vocal and story and Jim really delivered on this production wise. I’m very much about giving a performance of the whole song as opposed to singing and editing line by line. I must have have done two takes of this and we got it.
Kieran: As each single is released, I imagine you walk away with a new lesson. What was one you learned from this track you will take into the next release?
Azu: It’s always the right thing to recognise when you’re not getting what you want/deserve and it’s worth it to work up the courage to leave a situation that no longer serves you.
Kieran: Lastly, what else can we expect from you in 2024?
Azu: More singles, an EP and more shows.
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