Originally posted on

October 25, 2012

Link

Solange caused quite a stir when she released her new ‘Losing You’ video and she is primed to keep the momentum going with her new EP, True. Set to be released via iTunes in late November 27, the Dance-styled record was co-written and produced by Devonte ‘Dev’ Hynes.

True will be available to Solange’s fans on November 27th. Although many of us would prefer to get a full length album from the quirky singer-songwriter, the EP is already being heralded a solid collection of tunes that represent her artistry.

Read details of some of the songs from the collection below:

1. ''Losing You''

Her first single is pleasantly upbeat for a song about love gone complicated. Solange asks, “Boy, am I losing you for good?” on this track, where the beat borrows sentiment from Madonna’s “Like a Prayer”—honest, tender, yet undeniably dance-worthy.

2. ''Some Things Never Seem to F*cking Work''

The title says it all. In a song about ultimatums and questions, Solange ponders the illusion of a relationship. The vocals compete with the beat on this one, but the focus lays toward the reverberating rhythms.

3. ''Locked in Closets''

If we were to ever hear a Beyoncé influence, it might be on this track, where Solange boasts her infamous Knowles vocal chops. The beat is reminiscent of Michael Jackson in his “Smooth Criminal” prime, and works flawlessly with her continuing theme of messy and addictive love.

4. ''Lovers in the Parking Lot''
The tempo slows a bit on this song, as Solange continues with a strong vocal range. She regretfully admits, “I played around with your heart,” a telling piano riff adding dimension to the project.

5. Don’t Let Me Down

This one is more playful, with an aggressive beat that could set the foundation for a hip-hop track if need be. Not as lyrically substantial as the rest of the cuts, a feature in fact may have been beneficial.

6. ''Look Good With Trouble''

Synth-heavy and full of echo, this track is versatile on its own—providing a respite from the poignant similar to the preceding one.

7. ''Bad Girls'' (Verdine Version)

Solange works the hell out of a falsetto on this unapologetic tune about her personality quirks. Embodying the strength of a woman who knows the intricacies of relationships, this one bookended her set well.

Written by Solange and Dev Hynes and produced by Blood Orange, the single is available now on iTunes.

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Song snippets

Physical copies of the True EP can be pre-ordered now directly here.

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[Edited 11/24/12 15:10pm]

(Pic: Solange Knowles with producer Dev Hynes at Los Angeles' Sonos Studio.)

Solange Knowles on New Music, Cold Ones and Family Support

by Matt Donnelly, Los Angeles Times

November 29, 2012

Photo: J. Harris

Solange Knowles is so pretty that you don't know what to do.

There's the mess of dark curls that shows just enough of her almond eyes, candy-colored lips and some chic print jumper distracting you from the fact that "True," her first solo musical effort in four years, is what you should be talking about.

But you soldier on. Solange and her producer Dev Hynes discussed the EP, which has already yielded a buzz-worthy single and artful video for the track "Losing You," together Tuesday at Sonos Studio — a stark and sexy venue in L.A.

Before the panel, which brought guests including Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer, Jorma Taccone and Kelly Rowland, the Ministry tucked in with Solange to talk her process, poison and famous family.

Matt Donnelly: So we haven't heard you for a few years. Once you decided to work with Dev, how does the conversation begin about what kind of record you want to make?

Solange Knowles: I actually made a play list, a really long play list of different songs and sounds that I wanted to draw from. A lot of them were actually Jimmy Jam- and Terry Lewis-produced songs, some Chaka Khan, and we went from there.

MD: Four years is a long time.

SK: Not only is four years a tremendous amount of evolution and growth as a young woman in her 20s, but as an artist even six months can embody growth and change. For me, it was about about making really great pop songs that sound great and make you feel great.

MD: It's funny how "pop" isn't a four-letter word anymore.

SK: There's such a misconception about pop because it's what's popular. When I think of pop I think of D'Angelo and Lauryn Hill. Those are people who sold millions and millions of records, but now the term has transitioned, just like "indie." That used to mean [music] was released independently, but now it's a genre.

MD: The video for "Losing You" has been so well-received, especially because of the amazing styling in it, but I noticed something — you're totally a beer drinker. There aren't a lot of glamorous ladies rocking a beer.

SK: I am a beer girl! OK, I mean I don't really get too experimental with my beers. I'm from Texas, there's a huge Mexican population there, so Corona is in the fabric. I love Red Stripe. If I'm feeling experimental I'll do Fat Tire. I live in Brooklyn where they have all of these local beers from here, there and everywhere. I'm like, someone just give me a Corona and keep it chill.

MD: Dev mentioned you met when he was producing a track for Theophilus London, which you provided vocals for, and said you brought your son Juelz to the studio. You obviously have a talented family; does the record have their stamp of approval?

SK: It's been such a supportive system there. Just, you know, people who know the process. It's really nice to have someone understand what it means to be an artist and live this crazy ride.

Identity said:

(Pic: Solange Knowles with producer Dev Hynes at Los Angeles' Sonos Studio.)

Solange Knowles on New Music, Cold Ones and Family Support

by Matt Donnelly, Los Angeles Times

November 29, 2012

Photo: J. Harris

Solange Knowles is so pretty that you don't know what to do.

There's the mess of dark curls that shows just enough of her almond eyes, candy-colored lips and some chic print jumper distracting you from the fact that "True," her first solo musical effort in four years, is what you should be talking about.

But you soldier on. Solange and her producer Dev Hynes discussed the EP, which has already yielded a buzz-worthy single and artful video for the track "Losing You," together Tuesday at Sonos Studio — a stark and sexy venue in L.A.

Before the panel, which brought guests including Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer, Jorma Taccone and Kelly Rowland, the Ministry tucked in with Solange to talk her process, poison and famous family.

Matt Donnelly: So we haven't heard you for a few years. Once you decided to work with Dev, how does the conversation begin about what kind of record you want to make?

Solange Knowles: I actually made a play list, a really long play list of different songs and sounds that I wanted to draw from. A lot of them were actually Jimmy Jam- and Terry Lewis-produced songs, some Chaka Khan, and we went from there.

MD: Four years is a long time.

SK: Not only is four years a tremendous amount of evolution and growth as a young woman in her 20s, but as an artist even six months can embody growth and change. For me, it was about about making really great pop songs that sound great and make you feel great.

MD: It's funny how "pop" isn't a four-letter word anymore.

SK: There's such a misconception about pop because it's what's popular. When I think of pop I think of D'Angelo and Lauryn Hill. Those are people who sold millions and millions of records, but now the term has transitioned, just like "indie." That used to mean [music] was released independently, but now it's a genre.

MD: The video for "Losing You" has been so well-received, especially because of the amazing styling in it, but I noticed something — you're totally a beer drinker. There aren't a lot of glamorous ladies rocking a beer.

SK: I am a beer girl! OK, I mean I don't really get too experimental with my beers. I'm from Texas, there's a huge Mexican population there, so Corona is in the fabric. I love Red Stripe. If I'm feeling experimental I'll do Fat Tire. I live in Brooklyn where they have all of these local beers from here, there and everywhere. I'm like, someone just give me a Corona and keep it chill.

MD: Dev mentioned you met when he was producing a track for Theophilus London, which you provided vocals for, and said you brought your son Juelz to the studio. You obviously have a talented family; does the record have their stamp of approval?

SK: It's been such a supportive system there. Just, you know, people who know the process. It's really nice to have someone understand what it means to be an artist and live this crazy ride.

I like Solange, she is definitly more intelligent than her sister but I do not agree with this statement.

I think the only reason why she said this is because she doesnt want to bad mouth her sister or her sisters peers as labeling them as just pop acts. She know damn well they make POP music and artists like D Angelo dont So why use him as an example?

BE REAL

This isnt rocket science she knows exactly what mainstream artists are and the difference between that and specific genre artists so its silly that she would used D Angelo and Lauryn hill as examples and kinda amusing that she would.

D Angelo and Lauryn are not obscure but they do not make pop which is music that caters to a mass of people. They are R&B Soul artists period. Being mainstream, making pop music, being a R&B artist that is mainstream are three different things.

She said when she thinks of POP she thinks of D Angelo....pleaseee

GTFOutta here with that bullshit

I'm satisfied with knowing she gave him a shout out. Solange, at her current pace, has released more material than D'Angelo has over the course of his 17- year career.

Identity said:

I'm satisfied with knowing she gave him a shout out. Solange, at her current pace, has released more material than D'Angelo has over the course of his 17- year career.

That has nothing to do with anything and besides D Angelo > Solange 1000000000000x no competition there She can release 10 albums it still would never hold a candle to D Angelos only 2 albums also his new material, musicianship and overall talent.

It still doesnt change the fact that her statement was pure fluff bullshit. There is no way D Angelo is POP and she KNOWS that!

[Edited 11/29/12 19:02pm]

Identity said:

I'm satisfied with knowing she gave him a shout out. Solange, at her current pace, has released more material than D'Angelo has over the course of his 17- year career.

How fantastic 80's does "Some things" sound? Gonna buy this EP.

Hmm going to have to purchase this EP!

The EP is already garnering great reviews.

Here are a few of them.

True Reviews:

Pitchfork

Stereogum

Consequence of Sound

Paste

NME

Hmmm...I'm gonna check this out. Always found Solange far more interesting than her sister.

mjscarousal said:

Identity said:

(Pic: Solange Knowles with producer Dev Hynes at Los Angeles' Sonos Studio.)

Solange Knowles on New Music, Cold Ones and Family Support

by Matt Donnelly, Los Angeles Times

November 29, 2012

Photo: J. Harris

Solange Knowles is so pretty that you don't know what to do.

There's the mess of dark curls that shows just enough of her almond eyes, candy-colored lips and some chic print jumper distracting you from the fact that "True," her first solo musical effort in four years, is what you should be talking about.

But you soldier on. Solange and her producer Dev Hynes discussed the EP, which has already yielded a buzz-worthy single and artful video for the track "Losing You," together Tuesday at Sonos Studio — a stark and sexy venue in L.A.

Before the panel, which brought guests including Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer, Jorma Taccone and Kelly Rowland, the Ministry tucked in with Solange to talk her process, poison and famous family.

Matt Donnelly: So we haven't heard you for a few years. Once you decided to work with Dev, how does the conversation begin about what kind of record you want to make?

Solange Knowles: I actually made a play list, a really long play list of different songs and sounds that I wanted to draw from. A lot of them were actually Jimmy Jam- and Terry Lewis-produced songs, some Chaka Khan, and we went from there.

MD: Four years is a long time.

SK: Not only is four years a tremendous amount of evolution and growth as a young woman in her 20s, but as an artist even six months can embody growth and change. For me, it was about about making really great pop songs that sound great and make you feel great.

MD: It's funny how "pop" isn't a four-letter word anymore.

SK: There's such a misconception about pop because it's what's popular. When I think of pop I think of D'Angelo and Lauryn Hill. Those are people who sold millions and millions of records, but now the term has transitioned, just like "indie." That used to mean [music] was released independently, but now it's a genre.

MD: The video for "Losing You" has been so well-received, especially because of the amazing styling in it, but I noticed something — you're totally a beer drinker. There aren't a lot of glamorous ladies rocking a beer.

SK: I am a beer girl! OK, I mean I don't really get too experimental with my beers. I'm from Texas, there's a huge Mexican population there, so Corona is in the fabric. I love Red Stripe. If I'm feeling experimental I'll do Fat Tire. I live in Brooklyn where they have all of these local beers from here, there and everywhere. I'm like, someone just give me a Corona and keep it chill.

MD: Dev mentioned you met when he was producing a track for Theophilus London, which you provided vocals for, and said you brought your son Juelz to the studio. You obviously have a talented family; does the record have their stamp of approval?

SK: It's been such a supportive system there. Just, you know, people who know the process. It's really nice to have someone understand what it means to be an artist and live this crazy ride.

I like Solange, she is definitly more intelligent than her sister but I do not agree with this statement.

I think the only reason why she said this is because she doesnt want to bad mouth her sister or her sisters peers as labeling them as just pop acts. She know damn well they make POP music and artists like D Angelo dont So why use him as an example?

BE REAL

This isnt rocket science she knows exactly what mainstream artists are and the difference between that and specific genre artists so its silly that she would used D Angelo and Lauryn hill as examples and kinda amusing that she would.

D Angelo and Lauryn are not obscure but they do not make pop which is music that caters to a mass of people. They are R&B Soul artists period. Being mainstream, making pop music, being a R&B artist that is mainstream are three different things.

She said when she thinks of POP she thinks of D Angelo....pleaseee

GTFOutta here with that bullshit

Let's not start that pop debate again.

babybugz said:

mjscarousal said:

I like Solange, she is definitly more intelligent than her sister but I do not agree with this statement.

I think the only reason why she said this is because she doesnt want to bad mouth her sister or her sisters peers as labeling them as just pop acts. She know damn well they make POP music and artists like D Angelo dont So why use him as an example?

BE REAL

This isnt rocket science she knows exactly what mainstream artists are and the difference between that and specific genre artists so its silly that she would used D Angelo and Lauryn hill as examples and kinda amusing that she would.

D Angelo and Lauryn are not obscure but they do not make pop which is music that caters to a mass of people. They are R&B Soul artists period. Being mainstream, making pop music, being a R&B artist that is mainstream are three different things.

She said when she thinks of POP she thinks of D Angelo....pleaseee

GTFOutta here with that bullshit

Let's not start that pop debate again.

Yea lets not Because you always think Im trashing pop specifically. POP is good but TODAYs pop is not what it use to be.

To promote her new EP Solange will be appearing at the following venues:

11 December Bowery Ballroom in New York

12 December Union Transfer in Philadelphia

16 January XOYO in London, UK

17 January XOYO in London, UK

paisleypark4 said:

I NEED this album..NOW

yes you do, you'll enjoy it. I love every track of it. Good beats, good vocals, pretty minimalistic which works very well.

This album is amazing. It feels very much like an anti-21 (Adele). Equally heartbreaking, but the music is lush, organic, smart, effortless, enthralling.

"Losing You" is off the hook (and the video is perfect). "Bad Girls" is instantly memorable and when the groove gets deep in it, it transforms to some kind of electro-blues-funk. Really dig "Lovers in the Park" as well. But really, every track is fucking cool.

Rap-up.com: Solange Q & A

December 7, 2012

In the four years since her last album Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams was released, Solange has parted ways with Interscope Records, found love with music video director Alan Ferguson, become an aunt to Blue Ivy, and recorded a brilliant new EP True.

The 7-track collection, a collaboration with British composer Devonté “Dev” Hynes (Blood Orange), has been receiving rave reviews since its release last month.

We caught up with Solange and Dev at a listening session for their EP in Los Angeles. In our exclusive interview, the 26-year-old singer chats about her return to music, new label, next album, and what her big sis Beyoncé thinks of her new sound.

How long did the recording process take?

Solange: We actually started roughly two years ago. But I really do think that the first six months was just about establishing the sound and making it a cohesive project because we probably worked on about 30 songs.

Dev: I don’t know if any of them are on True… “Locked in Closets” is. “Don’t Let Me Down” I think was the first time, just us together with no one else really around, like actually just working on a song.

How did you connect with Dev?

Solange: Dev produced “Flying Overseas” for Theophilus London. Theophilus called me and I was actually coming from the beach with my son, and he told me that he was working on this really amazing record and that he wanted me to be a part of it. I came over fresh from the beach with my son. I didn’t have a babysitter or anything. I explained to Theo like, “I don’t have a sitter. I don’t know if I could do it,” and he was like, “No, you have to.

The record is that good.” So I came over and it was just one of those things where I met Dev, I heard the music, and I think in any friendship, relationship, working relationship, there’s just a chemistry that’s there or it isn’t and it was definitely there.

Did you always intend for True to be an EP?

Solange: We were in Santa Barbara, which is the first place that we started to work. We were just kinda experimenting with different sounds and different sonics and different collaborators. There were other producers who were working with us as well and it just became really clear to me that the music me and Dev were creating together was very special, and from then I just transitioned into wanting Dev to produce the record.

You were in the studio with Pharrell at one point.

Solange: I worked with a few different producers on a much different sound and a different project, which will still see the light of day.

Dev: There are songs that she recorded with different people that are my favorite songs. There’s a lot that could come out.

Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis’ influence can be heard on True. Was that your intention?

Solange: That was definitely the musical space that we were in. I know at the time I was listening to a lot of SOS Band and Chaka Khan, the records that were produced by Jimmy Jam. I think the part of that that really inspired both of us is that these were really, really great solid pop songs that made you feel great, but they were still very interesting and they had very intricate nuances that made them really special. I think that was a huge source of inspiration for us.

Do you have a favorite track?

Solange: I think “Don’t Let Me Down” is my favorite because it really encompasses a few different elements for me that are really personal. When I was writing the song, I was just thinking about a certain space in my relationship. And what’s really interesting about the record is that, previous to Dev coming and being a part of it, I was having a pretty difficult time writing because it was my first time writing in a space of content and being in a settled and stable relationship.

Pretty much all of my other writing experiences were coming from a place of sadness or anger or confusion, and so that song is really special because it was in my own little way being able to express that but it still has a hint of confusion to it as well.

Dev: I think either “Losing You,” “Some Things Never Seem to Fucking Work,” and “Don’t Let Me Down.”

Are you going to tour?

Solange: We are. Not very aggressive touring because my son’s in school now and I really try to create an infrastructure of stability and being there. But we are going to do some spot dates. We’re gonna do shows in New York, London, Paris, and Berlin in a couple of weeks.

You mentioned that you are working on another project…
Solange: There’s just so much material that I started to work on and started to write and started to develop that was never completed and sonically it is a very different sound from [True], but it’s something that I definitely want to explore a little bit more. However it comes out, it will come out.

You’re now on Terrible Records. Is the next album going to be released through Terrible as well?

Solange: More than likely yes.

What made you sign with an indie coming from a major label like Interscope?

Solange: I think I just wanted the easiest approach and I wanted to just get the music out there as easiest and as most pleasant as it could be. I know that just based off this week alone and four years ago when I put out a record, the release week has just been night and day, and I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that we’re all friends.

[TerribleRecords co-founder] Ethan [Silverman] is a really good friend of mine; he has been for four years now and it just felt natural and easy and fun. It’s really such a fun experience for us all to be here together and all kinda embark on this journey together. Everybody who is pretty much involved with this project from the video director to the photographer, we’re all just friends and it just makes it a much more pleasant experience.

What does your son Julez think of the music?

Solange: Julez texted me earlier. It made me feel like no matter what happens with this record I have won. He basically said he was very proud of me and he loves the album and that he’s so happy that I’m his mom—more valuable than anything else I could experience in this process.

Have you played the record for Beyoncé?

Solange: I have. She actually came to the listening partythat we had in New York and she’s been an incredible support for me embarking on this for two years. There’s been a lot of ups and a lot of downs and it’s just great to have that support and sisterhood, especially with someone who understands what it feels like to be an artist and all of the things that go along with that. It’s been wonderful.

Do you still listen to what’s on the radio?

Solange: Oh yeah, for sure.

Any hip-hop stuff?

Solange: I love [Kendrick Lamar's] “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe.”
Dev: I love “m.A.A.d city.”

Solange: Pretty much hip-hop is all we listen to. Dev is an awesome DJ and he pretty much traps us all out for very long periods of time [laughs].

Link

I really hope she gets more attention with this, sounds really good so far, when I get some money im picking this up

This sounds more like Blood Orange than Solange to me. It's pretty much lkke Jill Jones and Vanity did when doing the female version of Prince. Instead of a new androgynous Blood Orange project, we get Solange singing it.

Okay so I got the album:

Its pretty good. I would give it a 7.5 out of 10.

The drum machine production is very simple however mildly complex in the programming of keys, bass and live drumming (in a song or two). Most of the songs are moody and at best sung in my opinion "in longing", quite vulnerable of a record it is.

All of the tunes never really hit a chorus or keep a certain melody but what holds it together is how well she keeps her vocals all over the tracks and doesnt leave alot of empty space for the production to take over the album. She reamins the star of the show...even with the quirky production flowing throughout. I believe Losing You is the most uptempo track on the album and is indeed the most pop and commercial sounding track but it sets the mood and tone for the rest of the album because even with its 80s pop appeal its haunting and thoughtful at the same time.

LOCKED IN CLOSETS in a JAM. The arrangement is diverse and playful.

This is a nice EP.

Solange performed "Losing You" on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon last night (10 December).

Solange performing "Sandcastle Disco" live @ Bowery Room in NY, Dec 11th.

She's comming to Amsterdam gonne buy a ticket tomorrow

robertlove said:

She's coming to Amsterdam gonne buy a ticket tomorrow.

Send us lots of pics of the gig.

...

[Edited 12/16/12 7:57am]