In the early days of rock and roll, it was not uncommon for an artist or band to put out a new album two and three times a year. Now it is not uncommon for musicians to take years recording and mixing an album.
Seinabo Sey has spent the last five years working on her new album “The One After Me”.
Speaking on the album Sey said, “I have been working on this album for almost five years, and I am very pleased with the result. Musically, it has been one of the biggest challenges of my life to put it together, while at the same time, I have learned so much. I have worked with people who have changed my life even more than before. I have love and therapy to thank for feeling freer to experience and explore things, both as a human being and as an artist. I have gone through a lot and rediscovered what music means to me.”
Noting that the biggest change with the new album is the music itself Sey says, “I have always liked Swedish folk music, and it has been present in almost every song I have made for this album. Simon On The Moon had this beat he was working on, and when he played it for me, I thought it was exciting to let folk music meet a hip-hop beat in an overt way. Simon is one of the few producers who would dare to do this. I also invited Namasenda to the song because I love her digital vocal production, which is a great complement to the song.”
For many musicians the pandemic became a blessing in disguise; giving them time to create without any pressure. Sey noted, “I have learned a lot about myself in recent years. I am stronger, care less about what others think, and just want to experience life. I think it shows in the music. The melodies are a bit freer; I dare to play with them and with the words. I believe it’s a result of me being kinder to myself now. That feeling is also reflected in the lyrics.”
No flash in the pan, Seinabo Sey has earned four Swedish Grammy Awards, topped music charts, brought down the house at a number of music festivals including Glastonbury, and has amassed over one billion music streams.
feature photo credit: courtesy of Erin Cooney