Interview

YolanDa Brown

by Lizz 14 September 2017

So you’re 34. You’ve won multiple MOBOs, played with Dame Evelyn Glennie and on a plane, are writing a children’s book, and have already been number one on the jazz charts. You’ve toured with Billy Ocean, and not only are you considered to be the UK’s premiere saxophonist but you’re also a Prince’s Trust Ambassador. I mean. What an inspiration. Meet the talented and busy woman that is YolanDa Brown, who I spoke to ahead of her show at Norwich Arts Centre. Respect to the max.

Your second album Love Politics War has just come out. How did you come up with the title of this album, and how did you choose what order to put the words in?

While writing the album there was so much going on in the world around me that it only felt right to let it into the music. Love Politics War is a reflection of what we can see in the world today both in the world and in our personal lives. After finishing my Reggae Love Songs tour I knew I had found my style of music. While exploring the different ways that we experience love I thought it was also important to highlight the aspects around us that get in the way of love and peace between people and between nations. Keeping in mind the war on terror and threats between governments brought out a more militant and harsher sound and having love as a creative base brought me back to the sweeter sound of reggae. If there is love and ‘good’ politics, then there will be no war. This is the message.

One of the special guests on the album is Dame Evelyn Glennie. What was it like working with her?

It was so wonderful to work with her. We were invited to record at her studio and it was a dream to see her record to my music. She was so gracious in showing me some of her collection of percussion instruments (about 2000!) and telling the stories behind them. She is a real inspiration and a genuinely wonderful person.

Your previous album reached number one on both the iTunes and Amazon jazz charts. How different is this new album, and do you feel any personal pressure to do as well this time around?

No, I try to take pressure out of the creative process as much as possible. I was so pleased with the reception of my first album April Showers May Flowers, but I also knew the direction that I wanted the new album to take. You always want your work to be well received, but it’s always best to leave pressure at the door of the studio!

How do you prepare for a gig?

I don’t have any unusual preparations. Before the tour, the band and I have rehearsals to run through songs we will be playing. On tour we get into a bit of a routine with sound check, a break before stage time and then the show. I tend not to eat before the show as I don’t like to play on a full stomach. Some quiet time and herbal tea always works for me!

You went to business school, so how have you ended up as a saxophonist? When did you start playing, and why did you fall in love with it?

Yes, I studied a PhD in Management Science at the University of Kent but always loved playing the saxophone. I started playing the saxophone at 13 (after having played the piano, violin and drums from an early age) - I loved how soulful the instrument is. It really is a therapeutic experience to play. At that age it was a great way to process my emotions in song. The tenor saxophone felt very natural to play and I think it was the tone and warm of the instrument that first grabbed me!

Who do you look up to as fellow saxophonists?

I love Kenny Garrett and Kirk Whalum for their tone, sound and approach to making music. The saxophone has a very personal tone from player to player and I find that most intriguing when listening to other players.

You’ve toured with Billy Ocean – what were you able to learn from this great?

I have played two nationwide tours with him and I love how inclusive he is. He is a true legend and yet is so open to everyone. If he sees you walking past, he always stops to have a conversation and make sure all is well and you also feel you can do the same without feeling self-conscious. It definitely shows that you can stay grounded, respectful and fun even when you have had such ground-breaking success as he has.

Your music includes jazz, reggae, RnB and gospel sounds. Have you considered playing something completely different ever, like perhaps something avant-garde?

I love to mix genres and I find that having the base in jazz and improvisation opens a gateway to the avant-garde. I feel that in the live shows we have a lot more to space to explore this and actually make a point to do so at parts. I love the freedom it gives and the fact that it never gets played the same way twice. This approach is making its way onto my recording a bit more too, but I most enjoy exploring the mix of genres and sounds at a live show.

How do you go about writing a song, and then deciding what else it might need in terms of other voices or instruments?

The first thing I learnt about writing songs is not limiting yourself and knowing that anything is possible. I used to always think about how a song would translate live which can be restrictive. Now it’s about the sound and story that I’m trying to create and adding the components that support that. You get a feel for a sound or the style of artist you would like on a track and then the job is to find them and add them to the mix.

You’ve had headline shows at the Barbican and at the Hammersmith Apollo, with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. What other venues would you love to play?

I would love to play the Sydney Opera House and in a stadium at a football match. Both of those experiences are on my bucket list.

You are the child of Jamaican parents – what music did you hear around you when you were growing up and to what extent has that influenced your own music?

I come from a family that loves music. I was brought up with all genres of music playing in the house. My Dad has the best music collection including reggae, Latin, jazz, classical, folk and more. My family didn’t play musical instruments but I was always supported when I wanted to learn and create music. All these genres definitely influenced the music that I make and always pulls me to mix styles and want to work with artists across all musical genres.

You’ve been an ambassador for the Prince’s Trust and Children And The Arts amongst others, and you’ve also met the Queen. What do you feel you’ve been able to offer young people so far and why is it important?

Music is a wonderful way to be expressive and let go. Working with young musicians is very close to my heart because it’s a great way to give back. As much as music is being taught it is also important to show what you can do with it if you choose to. Both as a career and a hobby, I also feel that it is important to share my journey with children, students and adults and if there are aspects that help to inspire and motivate then it’s definitely worth it. I always think you don’t have to be a multi-millionaire to give back.

You played on a plane with Nicole Sherzinger! What was that experience like?

Playing on the British Airways inaugural flight from London to New Orleans was an experience I will never forget! It was like Mardi Gras at 30,000 feet. Everyone was out of their seats, singing and dancing to reggae in the sky and the added ingredient of New Orleans cocktails and Mardis Gras beads really got the party going. I made sure to play to everyone in the cabin and made my way from first class to economy playing my saxophone and enjoying every moment! Nicole was so lovely also - we had a good chat.

I understand you’re writing a series of children’s books. What are they about, and which kids books have stuck with you personally through the years?

My children’s books are tales from my travels while touring and the experiences we have had. There are some interesting characters to get to know and music theory to learn along the way. They give an exciting insight into the world of a touring musician and are most importantly lots of fun. I look forward to seeing my book turned into an animated series one day.

You’ve won two MOBO awards – what does this mean to you?

As a musician and a creative it is wonderful to know you are being heard and that the listeners appreciate what you have to offer. It gives you a boost, a time to celebrate and lets you know you are on the right track. As an independent artist it is also a powerful tool when promoting myself in the industry. For example I got a call from the office of the Russian President asking me to play for him and other dignitaries after winning my award.

You’ve achieved a huge amount in your 34 years – what gives you the strength to continue making your mark on the world?

Thank you! I really have enjoyed the journey so far. I think what keeps me going are the goals that I have set for myself and what I want to achieve. There are always going to be stumbling blocks along the way but I see them all as life lessons to make me stronger and all you can do is get up and go again. It is exciting to see the progress so far but I am also motivated by the fact that there is still a fantastic road up ahead! I am so grateful to all those that have been and continue to be a part of my journey so far.

YolanDa Brown plays at Norwich Arts Centre on 2nd October. Tickets available from norwichartscentre.co.uk