Hello Sinead, how are you?
I’m great- I’ve just done a headline show in Leeds & it was such a beautiful night of connectedness. I feel like the new EP is really resonating with audiences!
Congratulations on the release of Stand. How does it feel?
Thanks. It feels right- like a necessary step. Stand is a song that’s come from somewhere deep and honest, and now it’s out there.
What’s the story behind the song?
It came from a point in my life where I knew I couldn’t keep dimming myself down. I needed to step into who I really was- fully, unapologetically. The song speaks to that moment of realisation, but also pays respect to the people who came before me, the strength in my bloodline. It’s about standing in truth, not just for yourself but as part of something bigger.
What was the easiest and most difficult part of writing and recording it?
The core message came through really clearly- that part felt natural. The challenge was letting myself say it all, without softening or filtering anything to make it more “comfortable.” The hardest part for me is always the mixing process- knowing when a product is finished & to stop ‘tweaking’.
It’s from your EP Sankofa. How are preparations going for its release?
Busy but focused. I’ve independently put a tour together & my diary has been action packed- but the responses so far have made it so rewarding. There’s a lot that goes into it- but I’m surrounded by people who understand what I’m building, so we’re taking it step by step. It’s coming together with intention.
What’s your favourite track from it?
Sankofa holds a lot for me because it set the tone. It’s creative, energetic & has an old school Motown vibe- Member of the Music House Gospel Choir came & sung in the chorus too. later into the song it segues into an African groove with Chants & bold statements- I pushed the boundaries more with this track & i’m so happy with how it turned out. It Celebrates the Message of Sankofa, Honouring your past & finding your true self.
The EP touches on themes of ancestry, identity, and cultural pride. What was the catalyst for going down this path?
I started to realise how disconnected I felt from parts of myself- especially my African Caribbean roots. That led me to start learning, listening, asking questions, and reconnecting with my community and history. When I came across the word Sankofa, it summed it up perfectly. Go back and get what was lost- and move forward from there. That’s what this body of work represents.
You’re an artist from Bradford. How did it all start for you?
I didn’t come through a traditional music education route or have loads of industry infrastructure around me – far from it. I came up through community projects and youth organisations, and I’m really grateful to some brilliant directors and mentors who saw something in me and gave me a space to grow.
I was raised in a working-class family, so I had to build a lot of this from the ground up. There weren’t big music institutions behind me– it was about people believing in me, and me learning how to back myself. I had to be resourceful, take every opportunity I could, and put the work in to develop my craft. That journey has shaped the kind of artist I am today– grounded, passionate, and determined to open more doors for the next generation too.
What did you listen to growing up?
A real varied mix. Reggae, soul, traditional Irish Music, 90s R&B, pop, a bit of garage. Artists like Aretha, Lauryn Hill, Sade, Otis Redding and Shirley Bassey- the list goes on- I have a family that loves music– I love voices with presence and emotional weight. That definitely shaped how I approach music.
Tell us about Next Up North.
It’s a platform that supports artists of marginalised artist- and it’s been brilliant. Being a soul artist in Yorkshire can feel isolating at times- there’s not a huge infrastructure for this kind of music. So having this support, especially with Sankofa coming out, has been really timely & meaningful- It’s great to feel like people have your back!
Being from Bradford, what are your three favourite things about your city?
The community, people look out for each other & are real- what you see is what you get- no pretence.
The diversity, so many rich cultures in one place. And the landscape, we’re surrounded by hills and moorland. I love nature
What are you listening to at the moment?
Sault, Olivia Dean, Thee Sacred Souls, Jalen Ngonda. Also some Yoruba chants and old-school soul. My playlists are a bit all over the place but always full of feeling.
What’s next for you?
More music, more shows, and I’m launching my new company Rise Up Music- I have a project called Bradford Roots that has workshops & a piece that will be created to celebrate Black British Music through a Northern lens- it’ll be part of The City Of Culture year- I received an artist led grant from them to support my ambitions. I love how all my work is aligning perfectly- allowing me to explore storytelling & heritage in a meaningful way with community through music. I am already in writing sessions creating new music & I feel more enthusiastic & on purpose than ever.
