Artist Selects: Adetola
Virginia-born and LA-based singer/songwriter, Adetola Adejokun, flew onto my radar during the summer when I was probing the Internet for black artists to support. I was diving into all sorts of playlists, collaborative spreadsheet lists, as well as the TRASH MAG Instagram DM’s where artists often reach out for press coverage. I can’t remember exactly which avenue I discovered her through, but her track, “We Need Love” with vbnd from back in 2016 told me that Adetola had a soulful, sultry voice worth listening to.
At the age of 14, Adetola began to seriously heat up on platforms like Soundcloud and YouTube, reaching over a half a million views on some of her popular hits. As a new fan, it was such a special treat to get to know Adetola more for TRASH MAG’s Artist Selects and get a look at the personality behind the amazing music.
Listen below to “Adetola Selects” while you read the Q&A:
First of all, how are you!? How have these past 7 months treated you and what kind of measures have you taken to care for yourself?
Haha, whew. Too much to fit into a couple of sentences. I’ve been doing a lot of self searching/thinking. I take myself for walks to get some sun and I was really into sneaking into Eaton Canyon and sitting in the creek at the beginning of COVID (don’t tell). Nowadays, I’m working on music and making sure I’m staying rested.
Have you picked up any new interests or hobbies amidst the pandemic?
I’ve been selling stuff out of my closet, honestly. Just rearranging my life and I realized I had too much stuff.
If you could come up with a unique genre name for your music what would it be?
Okay, I thought about this for a minute.
Fantasy Space Pop
Or Spanasy!
How did this project form? What has your musical and creative journey consisted of?
Super random—like two years ago, I came home from work and I don’t even know why I started working on it, but I did. It was like it was time to make. It was a very transitional period at the time. So, I kind of had to write about it.
My musical journey has consisted of me finding my own vulnerability—there was a time when I didn’t even think I was emotional—and being comfortable in it, and finding myself stretched and strengthened even down to this EP. This was my second time producing a project for myself alongside with some subtle help from my friend, chimes, and my brother. I’m proud of my growth as a person, growth in my sound, and expression of self. It’s also super cool to look back over the years and hear how young I sound and get nostalgic, but I’m excited to add on to that.
I’m really interested in your clothing line “DI4Y.” Could you tell me more about that endeavor? What inspires your handmade designs?
Truthfully, I’m not completely settled on the name. However, what it stands for will always hold true. DI4Y stands for “do it for yourself.” In saying that I mean don’t do what you do for other people’s approval or out of comfort. Truly do it because that’s what you feel in your spirit. Be confident in your choices and who you are no matter who’s looking or who approves.
My mom actually inspired me to take it to the next level by using my designs as the fabric and it was just perfect because I had already been setting up my store. So, definitely more to come with that! That’s a process of its own, but I want to give a range of prices so people can support if they’d like while also providing a unique one of a kind item.
You have a great visual presence online that seems to draw from elements of post-internet aesthetics such as your glitchy, distorted, and saturated posts. What draws you to use this imagery to represent your music and artistry?
First thank yew! Social media is hard.
Post internet. I’ve never heard that before I had to Google it, haha. The inspiration for that is me not wanting to be real. I feel that for a lot of people, we will only ever exist online to each other and I like to play with that thought. Shouts out technology. And, the second side of the same coin—a little more melancholy; it’d be easier to be digital. Honestly, I think it’d be cool. I love looking ethereal or otherworldly and those pictures give me the space to redesign my world into that.
I’m most excited to talk to you about your latest EP, “New Blue Moon.” Hearing your single “Beacon” after it came out at the end of September got me so excited for the rest of the release. How has your musicianship evolved since your earlier projects like “24”?
Ahh! Thank you again. This project has been a long time coming. I would say for sure I evolved production-wise! It has even excelled since then by incorporating some of my talented musician friends to add their flavor. And I’ve definitely evolved vocally. Being a bit older, I can hear a clearer, more confident sound. I was 18 when “24” was recorded and on this one I was 20.
What are you most proud of about this new EP? What were some challenges that came with working on “New Blue Moon”?
I am the most proud about just finishing it. It is a process to produce/write and then wait for it to come out. I'm also proud because I feel like I made songs that I’d be happy to replay later down the line. I hope the positive message relays. I feel like the most challenging thing was all the negotiations behind the music. Now, that stressed me out. Capitalism always changes the dynamics of things.
What sort of lyrical and musical themes revolve around your songwriting and how does it reflect your personal experiences?
A lot of dreams/love/darkness revolve around my music.
I would say dreams because I’ve always had a deep connection with my dreams in a spiritual sense. I would also use sleeping as a coping mechanism to deal with depression. So, dreams kind of represent escapism.
With love, I talk about it so much because I’m constantly discovering what that means! Like OMG. I’ve had a tattered relationship with love. I definitely used to believe it was very rare or not real. Nowadays, I’m learning more about signs of real care and love and how to receive it. It’s so much easier to give...
Darknesss mwuahhhh. I’m glad no one can read my mind because I’m secretly fucking weird, but I look calm. I would say that comes from me dealing with my mental illness and processing life. I like the idea of darkness looming around the light. I am not darkness, but it hangs around me. We’re well acquainted and I would be a liar if I only said everything was sweet. So, I don’t mind getting into the bitterness that is the other side of life. It’s good for you. Builds strong bones.
What is your process like for writing and recording? Who do you work with and how has COVID affected the way that you collaborate?
My process is home recording! For writing, I’ve been mostly doing freestyles but recently, I’ve been back writing in my comp book. Right now, I work with my friends, Antonio or Folle Alo, chimes, and my engineer, E.S.S. Honestly, COVID hasn’t affected me much as far as collaborating since I started on SoundCloud. I’m used to collaborating with people remotely and just sending stems back and forth.
Who are some dream collaborators you'd like to work with, whether it be other artists, producers, labels, collectives, etc.?
Dream Koala, Tierra Whack, Frank Ocean, Chassol, Blood Orange, Solange, Playboi Carti, Wondagurl, Justice Der.
What’s next for you? What are some short-term and long term goals whether it be music related or not?
Short term: more music, for sure. I’m almost done with my next project, so expect a good flow of tunes. Long term: Turning 22 in December. So, I’m excited for the end of the year. Things are changing rapidly and I love it. Who really knows what’s up ahead, but I’m ready.
Lastly, could you explain some of the picks that you've chosen for this playlist?
dance floor — Odunsi (The Engine)
My friend Shea put me on to this song and some days I just listen on repeat and dance. Great pick-me-up song!
Reich & Darwin — Chassol
Love Chassol. I stretch to his albums. This piece in particular is so beautiful to me because I love the journey the sounds take you on.
Last Time Mentioning (Good Riddance) — LUCKI
I love LUCKIII! I vibe out to this while I drive around listening to chill rap. I love the part where he says, “Why do you fake like you care,” because, true.
Ascension (feat. Vince Staples) — Gorillaz
This album is gold. It’s Gorillaz so what else should you expect! Vince kills his verses through and through on the beat. THEY'RE BULLETPROOF.
Stream Adetola’s latest EP, “New Blue Moon” and keep up with her on Instagram!
