The UB Interview: Goapele Talks ‘Colours’ + ‘Closer’ 20 Years Later

Singer, songwriter, producer, entrepreneur, humanitarian, Goapele has solidified herself amongst the most prolific R&B and soulful visionaries and creators of our time.

On November 3rd, she returns with her seventh and most introspective album yet, “Colours” via Skyblaze Recordings.

The eight-track sensual gem, is a vibe through and through. UB picks are “Enough,” “Need You” and “Color My Heart.”

The Oakland, CA native is the daughter of a South African father, who escaped Apartheid and lived in exile, and a New-York born German Jewish mother. Goapele’s roots and musical background at Berkeley School of Music fueled her to create commanding songs that examine life’s complexities with openness and precision relatable to the ordinary person. This soulful art has been Goapele’s gift, demonstrated through her 2001 iconic breakthrough hit “Closer.”

While the industry was saturated with “neo-soul” and “progressive soul” artists at that time, Goapele creatively liquefied a dynamic artistry of soul, R&B, jazz, pop, & bass lines, blending her ethereal voice, suspended moody melodies with raw and evocative lyrics.

For the very private, and slightly enigmatic artist, songwriting and creating music is therapeutic, making her entire catalog an authentic collection told through a lens of truthful experiences.

Several songs on “Colours” reflect that, with some of her favorite musicians, producers, and fellow songwriters, including producer Bedrock, a collaborator since her second album, Chris Dave, Keyon Harold, Mike Aaberg, Marcus Phillips, Chris Johnson, Nate Mercereau, and Errol Cooney who she’s worked with since the beginning.

With each track on “Colours,” Goapele seduces the listener in to a deeply personal journey, whether it’s through the hypnotic melodies or her sweet, captivating voice. One of the themes on this album is the concept of time, referenced in “Ojai,” with the notion of time standing still in moments of ecstasy.

“Color My Heart” is a dreamy love song of painting outside the lines when falling in love. “Need You,” a mesmerizing track with addictive bass and intensifying vocals guaranteed to get played on repeat, and “Enough” is an honest and deep song about feelings of inadequacy. And then there’s “Purple” (co-written by Lauren Evans and features Nate Mercereau on guitar), a sexy and raw track highlighted with electric guitar, providing an immersion into raw vulnerability of love – helping to set the tone for the entire album.

Goapele will offer an enhanced experience to the songs on “Colours,” by merging her music with color tones, scents, and aesthetic apparel to create an immersive experience. As an artist with synesthesia (the ability to experience one of your senses through another), she has curated scented candles and apparel through her lifestyle brand Dreamseekers. Recently released, Tone Series 01 “Color my heart,” correlates a signature color, scent and merchandise with two love songs from her upcoming release.

Goapele’s timeless music has been featured in a wide variety of films, television series, and soundtracks, including the upcoming Netflix comedy special “Chappelle’s Home Team – Luenell: Town Business.”

She’s also made appearances in the film “Sparkle” and Ava DuVernay’s fashion short film, “The Door, for Miu Miu,” and served as an executive producer and appeared in the art-noir, experimental short film #WhereIsBeauty.

Tishelle from UB, spoke to the amazingly talented Goapele, about her new album “Colours” and why she decided it was time now for new music.

Goapele breaks down some of her favorites from “Colours” and talks about linking up with good friend Omari Hardwick for the “Purple” visual.

Plus Goapele gets candid about the support she received from the late great Prince and shows love to hometown talent Luenell, for her upcoming Netflix special.

If that’s not enough, the artist that hardly ever collaborates, shares news of upcoming possible collaborations and more!

Check Out Our New Interview with Goapele!