Yola Readies New EP ‘My Way’ With Unexpected Neo-Soul Anthem ‘Future Enemies’

Combining soul, synth and danceable beats, British singer-songwriter Yola delivers a fresh sound on new single Future Enemies. The number sounds quite unlike the sound of Yola’s previous two albums, yet her unmistakable voice and lyrical sharpness are evident on the new anthem.

Yola describes the themes behind the track:“There is a moment when you realise you’re not going to get on with someone. They haven’t noticed yet, so you have a unique opportunity to disappear from their lives before they ever realise you were destined to be enemies. It’s a luxury to not have an endless supply of negative memories about someone cause you never made them.”

The UK star continues: “Why don’t we just not!” I choose to save my time for situations, spaces and people that have no ticking timer of inevitable doom, because they don’t see me or centre a reality that does not serve me or my wellbeing. Of course when you’re a woman, culturally black (as well as physically black), dark skinned (and feminine in energy), plus size (and wilfully main character in energy), from a whole different continent and living in the west- let’s say you’re going to have to be both vigilant and choosy in life, in love in work. Oh and if you also want to be real, girl!!”

The November 15th scheduled My Way EP is set to tap into Yola’s vast array of influences that include progressive RnB, 70-80s soulful pop, 90s R&B and neo soul. The star impressed with previous albums Walk Through Fire and Stand For Myself so expectations are high for this collaboration with S-Curve Records.

The star addressed her new sonic direction: “I’ve been purposefully hinting about this direction for years. From covering Soul II Soul for Apple Music, to my covers on tour and reworkings of my songs, the broad church of soul music through the ages has always been the narrative. I’ve covered Yarborough and Peoples’s “Don’t Stop The Music” as a throwback nod to my time in the west London “Broken Beat” scene with collective Bugz In The Attic (we used to cover that song).“

The Diamond Studded Shoes singer continues: “This time I’m exploring my love of soul music through influences like Chaka Khan, Janet Jackson, Sade, Prince, Minnie Riperton and various luminaries of rare groove and progressive RnB . Layering programming and synths with organic instrumentation is at the core of the sonic landscape, and as usual I have metabolised these elements into a concoction very much of my own.”