Yola has captivated audiences with her powerful voice and genre-bending music. Featured on the acclaimed podcast Song Exploder, she delves into the intricate layers of her song “Symphony,” offering listeners a unique glimpse into its creation. This isn’t just another track in her discography; “Symphony” represents a pivotal point in Yola’s artistic journey, showcasing her evolution and determination to define her own musical identity.
Yola, the artist behind 'Symphony', featured on Song Exploder podcast discussing her music
Yola’s path to “Symphony” is far from conventional. Hailing from Bristol, UK, her musical roots lie not in the Americana genre where she initially gained recognition, but in the vibrant world of early 2000s electronic music. She honed her vocal skills collaborating with DJs and producers, a stark contrast to the country and soul-infused sounds that would later define her solo work. Her debut album in 2019 garnered critical acclaim, earning Grammy nominations and praise from Rolling Stone. However, with her 2025 EP “My Way,” Yola consciously pushes beyond genre boundaries, reclaiming her narrative and musical direction. This desire to assert her multifaceted artistry is deeply embedded in the music from “Symphony.”
In a revealing Song Exploder episode, Yola, alongside co-writer and co-producer Sean Douglas, meticulously dissects “Symphony.” They trace the song’s origins, from initial concepts to final production, providing insights into their collaborative process and the song’s thematic depth. Yola’s explanation of the music from “Symphony” becomes intertwined with her personal journey of self-discovery. The song is not just a collection of notes and lyrics; it’s a sonic representation of her artistic evolution and her deliberate move to transcend genre expectations.
Beyond her musical endeavors, Yola is also a celebrated actress, embodying Sister Rosetta Tharpe in the “Elvis” film and starring in Broadway’s “Hadestown.” This diverse artistic portfolio underscores her dynamic creativity and her refusal to be confined to a single label. “Symphony,” therefore, stands as a testament to Yola’s expansive talent and her ongoing quest to create music that authentically reflects her identity. Listeners can explore the rich tapestry of music from “Symphony” and delve deeper into Yola’s story through platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, and other podcast apps, experiencing firsthand the symphony of her artistic journey.
