In Conversation With #263 - SOUKOU
Berlin based artist SOUKOU has just celebrated the release of her exciting new EP ‘bloodline’. Fans of the likes of Robyn and Jessie Ware will feel at home here.
The EP oozes with a soul-tinged splendour throughout, combining elements of electro-pop, R&B and neo-soul in order to create something truly majestic as a result. SOUKOU’s powerfully emotive vocals are at the forefront, whilst synth-infused soundscapes are able to soar effortlessly.
Talking about the EP, SOUKOU says, “bloodline is about the different aspects of family. It’s about the stories we share and love that sometimes fade. Family is more than just a bloodline and everything that comes with it, it’s about choosing who you want to be and breaking free of generational habits.”. bloodline is the most personal piece of work that SOUKOU has ever written.
She took a moment to talk to us about how the EP came together.
Hey there SOUKOU - how are you? So your EP is out now - how does it feel to have it out there in the world?
I'm doing pretty good, thank you. It’s been a couple of busy weeks, but I am so proud that the EP is finally out. Ive been working on it for so long and to finally see the result of your work is like the best feeling.
It is called ‘bloodline’ - what is the meaning behind that?
The EP is called 'bloodline‘ after one of the tracks on it. This song means so much to me, because it kind of felt like a major personal release. We all come from a specific bloodline and that not only comes with a certain set of DNA, but generational habits and traumas. And to let go and give yourself permission to heal from what's keeping you to grow is what this song is about. I honour my ancestors and everything they’ve been through, but it’s time to write my own story - to turn their pain into gold.
Where was it recorded? Any behind the scenes stories from the creative process you are happy to share with us?
I wrote all the songs on the piano in my living room and the recorded everything in the studio with my producer Unik. While having the idea to create songs, that only evolve around the topic of family it was important to me to only work with one producer. I wanted everything to have the same musical language. So yeah, working with him was the best decision. He really transformed my piano demos into songs that still move me to tears sometimes. Talking about tears - I cried a lot of happy tears while writing the songs. And I dedicated the last song ’nest’ to my nephew. I wrote that song as a present for his baptism and afterword decided that its the perfect track to close the family circle with a lullaby for the next generation.
What are the key themes and influences on the EP?
This EP is all about family and the different aspects and stories of it. Family and everything that comes with it was the main topic during nearly every therapy session. And at one point I felt like to really give myself permission to let go I have to write about it. So I wrote and that’s what you can hear now. Starting with generational trauma, including my grandparents and even the people I never met. My direct family and the friends that I call family. It’s about someone you used to be close with, but you’re not anymore. ‚bloodline‘ is an EP about a neon romantic, more universal kind of love.
If the EP could be the soundtrack to any film - which one would it be and why?
I never thought about it, but the movie Little Women came to mind right away. Cause it’s kind of about everything I wrote sings about, but as a movie.
Do you have a favorite lyric on the EP - if so, which one and why?
Probably: Memories pass on without words, but they still hurt. Sooner or later. This is a line from the song ‚bloodline‘ and it pretty much sums up one of the biggest realizations I had. You can try to run as fast and far away as you can, but your demons will always hunt you don’t if you don’t conquer them with all your light.
Now the EP is out there - what next?
Well I already started writing the new songs and I hope that I’ll be able to play a lot of live shows in the future. So fingers crossed - cause being on stage, making music and to feel the people's energy in room is one of my favorite things to do.
