Yola, a multifaceted artist celebrated as a singer, songwriter, and actress, offers a deep dive into her musical evolution and the story behind her captivating song, “Symphony,” in a recent episode of the acclaimed podcast Song Exploder. This episode provides listeners with a unique opportunity to understand the creative process behind The Song and Yola’s artistic journey.
Yola discusses her song 'Symphony' on Song Exploder podcast, episode 286. Singer-songwriter Yola, known for Americana and acting roles, delves into her musical journey and the creation of her song in this episode.
Having released her debut solo album in 2019 to widespread acclaim, including four Grammy nominations and recognition as one of Rolling Stone’s best country albums, Yola’s musical roots are more diverse than initially perceived. Originating from Bristol, UK, her career began in the early 2000s as a vocalist for DJs and electronic music producers. This eclectic background sets the stage for her 2025 EP, My Way, which, as she explains in the Song Exploder episode, is driven by a desire to define her artistic identity beyond genre constraints. “Symphony” emerges as a key expression of this artistic exploration.
Beyond her musical endeavors, Yola has also made notable appearances in acting, portraying Sister Rosetta Tharpe in the film Elvis (2022) and starring in Broadway’s Hadestown. In this episode of Song Exploder, Yola, along with co-writer and co-producer Sean Douglas, meticulously dissects the layers of “Symphony.” They trace the song’s development, revealing how it mirrors Yola’s personal and artistic transformation. Listeners gain insight into the intricate details of songwriting and production as they explore the journey of “Symphony”.
For those intrigued by the anatomy of a song and the artist’s evolution, the Song Exploder episode featuring Yola discussing “Symphony” is an essential listen. You can delve deeper into the song’s creation and Yola’s story by listening to the full episode on various platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music, among others. Discover “the song” “Symphony” and Yola’s inspiring path.
You can also experience “Symphony” directly through streaming or purchase here.
