Singer-songwriter and actress Yola has captivated audiences across genres, and her journey is as compelling as her music. While many discovered her with her Grammy-nominated Americana debut in 2019, Yola’s musical roots run much deeper, stretching back to the UK electronic music scene. Now, with her recent EP My Way, she’s boldly redefining her artistic identity. For fans and new listeners alike who are wondering, What Is This Song Called that perfectly encapsulates this evolution? The answer lies in “Symphony,” the focus of her insightful episode on the acclaimed podcast Song Exploder.
Yola, featured in Song Exploder Episode 286, discussing her song Symphony
Yola’s career is a testament to her versatility and talent. Hailing from Bristol, UK, she began her musical journey in the early 2000s, lending her powerful vocals to tracks for DJs and electronic music producers. This foundational experience shaped her diverse musical palette, which she later showcased in her solo work. Her 2019 debut album not only garnered critical acclaim, including being named one of Rolling Stone’s best country albums, but also earned her four Grammy nominations, marking her as a significant force in the Americana scene. Despite this success in Americana, Yola’s artistry is not confined by genre. Her recent EP, My Way, signals a deliberate move to express her broader musical identity, pushing beyond established categories and expectations.
This desire for self-expression is deeply interwoven with “Symphony,” the song she dissects in her Song Exploder episode. In this episode, Yola, alongside co-writer and co-producer Sean Douglas, provides a detailed exploration of the song’s creation. Listeners gain a unique insight into the layers of “Symphony,” understanding not just the melody and lyrics, but the personal journey embedded within it. Beyond her musical endeavors, Yola has also made notable strides in acting, portraying the iconic Sister Rosetta Tharpe in the film Elvis and starring in Broadway’s Hadestown. These experiences further enrich her artistic perspective, all of which contribute to the depth and resonance of “Symphony.”
To truly understand what is this song called and what it represents in Yola’s artistic trajectory, tuning into her Song Exploder episode is essential. It’s more than just learning the name of a track; it’s an invitation to delve into the heart of Yola’s musical evolution and the symphony of influences that have shaped her sound. You can explore “Symphony” further and listen to the full Song Exploder episode on various platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music and discover the story behind “Symphony” for yourself.
