In Conversation With #247 - Joshua Idehen
Joshua Idehen has just released his first solo mixtape ‘Learn To Swim’.
Despite the mixtape being Idehen’s first solo project, the wordsmith already has a wealth of tracks to prop up the release of “Learn To Swim”. Having previously released collaborative projects with LV on “Routes”, “Islands” and “Dub Ends” and Daedelus on “Holy Water over Sons” (as featured in the Guardian), Idehen was also a founding member in bands Benin City, Hugh and Calabashed, his musical manifestations are endless.
“Learn To Swim” takes shape around 10 individually characterised tracks, from the whirring beat and gospel undertones of “Don’t You Give Up On Me”, to the playful, percussion-layered offering of “Best Kind Of Lost”, the project displays the innate musicality and natural versatility of Joshua Idehen. Remaining consistent throughout, is Idehen’s distinct spoken-word delivery, affirmative, yet reassuring, his vocality invoking sincerity and trust in his narrative.
He took a moment to talk to us about how it all came together.
Hey there Joshua - how are you? So your mixtape is out now - how does it feel to have it out there in the world?
Elated, nervous, anti-climatic. It's a mix, so much of a build up and then - poof! - it's in the wild. Somewhere in there I'm happy, I guess.
It is called ‘Learn To Swim’ - what is the meaning behind that?
I was wrtinng this project while I was learning to swim. For years I'd convinced myself my bones were too heavy to float in water, but a very determined swedish teacher told me, "well then, you're a shark. You keep moving or you die." Became a mantra, that one.
Where was it recorded? Any behind the scenes stories from the creative process you are happy to share with us?
In stockholm, at Ludvig's home. It's an hour long ride from me, and it turns out an hour on the train is a perfect place to make last minute changes/verses/write the whole thing in a panic.
What are the key themes and influences on the mixtape?
Redemption, rediscovery, friendship, forgiveness.
If the mixtape could be the soundtrack to any film - which one would it be and why?
I don't think they've made the magical realism masterpiece that this mixtape is a soundtrack for: It'll involves a choir, a Nigerian and Londo's colorn. Actually, scratch that, Restless City's is the one.
Do you have a favorite lyric on the mixtape - if so, which one and why?
Tears on the dancefloor. I think it speaks to the two pillars of the album, spoken word and dance. Heartfelt words and 4/4
Now the mixtape is out there - what next?
We have a tour. and then some more shows. and of course, writers never stop writing.
