Stereoboard Talk To Tunde Baiyewu About New Solo Album 'Diamond In A Rock ' (Interview)
Monday, 25 February 2013
Written by Katie Territt
Back in the mid-90's, pop duo Lighthouse Family were riding high in the charts with songs such as 'Lifted' and 'Ocean Drive'. With their distinctive easy-listening sound and catchy tunes, their career saw them stay around in the public eye until they scaled back their appearances and releases in 2003. In 2004, lead singer Tunde Baiyewu embarked on a solo career, releasing his debut solo album, 'Tunde'.
Over eight years later, Tunde is back with his second solo album, and on the eve of its release, Stereoboard caught up with him to have a chat about what we can expect.
First and foremost, welcome back! It's been over 8 years since you released your debut solo album. Why such a huge gap?
I've been busy living life, getting married, having children, that kind of stuff.
Your second solo album, 'Diamond In A Rock', is due for release next month. What can fans expect from this album?
I think people can expect the most soulful record I've made to date.
It's been quite some time since you released 'Tunde'. Was the writing and recording process any different this time around?
Yes it was. Essentially, we kept the creative process going all the way through the making and recording of the album. All the songs were played and rehearsed with the full band, after which we would then do a take or numerous takes. It meant everything went to tape in a very organic way. I think the album sounds much better for it.
You've recently released a live EP, available for free through your website. Why did you decide to release that now, on the verge of the album release, rather than during the time you were away?
We did that in order to give people a taste of what to expect from the album. We wanted people to put their Lighthouse Family expectations aside.
'Move' is the first single from your new album. Was it your decision to make that the first single?
Yes. I wrote that song in Portland, Oregon with Andrew Stonestreet while making the album. It was pretty obvious after recording it that it stood out and was an obvious choice for the first single.
Is 'Move' a good indication of what fans can expect from the new album?
Yes it is!
You performed a few live shows back in 2007 - are you planning a full tour in support of this new album?
I plan to do some live shows once this first round of promo is done and the second single is released.
Obviously we all know you started your career as part of Lighthouse Family. How much has the industry changed in your opinion since the height of the band's fame?
Everything has gone digital!! Artists are more able to take control of their careers and hopefully maintain artistic integrity.
Do you miss being part of the band, or do you prefer working on solo material?
There are pros and cons to both. I miss the camaraderie of being in a band, but I love the freedom that comes with being a solo artist.
Do you think you'll always perform Lighthouse Family songs as part of live shows, or do you hope to get to a point where people know you as Tunde for your own solo material?
Both.
You achieved so much with the band, and are already on your second solo album. Is there still anything you want to do as an artist or anything you strive to achieve?
I want to make more albums like the one I've just made. I think there are a lot more pages to leaf through in this new chapter.
Finally, do you have any words for not only your fans who have supported you throughout your career, but also for any potential new fans?
I'd like to thank all our Lighthouse Family fans for their support through the years. It really means a lot to hear all those wonderful stories of how much our songs have made a difference to their lives. For the new fans, hope you enjoy the record. It's certainly the most soulful album I've made!
It sounds as if Tunde is really proud of his new material and is ready to get back out promoting the music he's worked so hard on. First single 'Move' is a great, soulful song which certainly encapsulates the sound Tunde has moved towards on the new album, and is a real reason to keep an ear open for the release of 'Diamond In A Rock'. His distinctive voice is still evident and as smoothly satisfying as always, and it looks like Tunde is finally starting to be known in his own right, rather than as part of his old band. A welcome return after a very extended break.
'Diamond In A Rock' is released on Monday 4th March 2013.
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Over eight years later, Tunde is back with his second solo album, and on the eve of its release, Stereoboard caught up with him to have a chat about what we can expect.
