Joshua Idehen talks about music, mental health and Sweden’s charm
Joshua Idehen is many things – poet, workshop leader, newspaper editor, musician – but most importantly, he is a father. Idehen draws from a wealth of artistic inspiration, as evidenced by his many tendrils of creative expression. Each creative endeavor seems to enrich another, in turn creating his unparalleled genre-bending, jazz-infused sound.
Fusing lo-fi, soul and his resonant words – “Hold Up Your Chin” is a feat of sheer musical strength. Cementing his place as a mainstay in the music industry, critics and fans alike have revered the artist’s lyrical compassion and colorful instrumentation. “Hold Up Your Chin” is spread across six tracks and features collaborations from some of music’s most valuable players. Contributors, such as Ade Omotayo, toured with Amy Winehouse as one of her backing singers; enough said.
“Hold Up Your Chin” oscillates between genres. Idehen’s soulful hit “Don’t You Give Up On Me” has been given new life, with two remixes offering very different soundscapes – including an Afro-Brazilian carnival style. Idehen’s rich repertoire of references is most on display with the song “What We’re Doing Tonight”. Arpegged synths play off a commanding garage rhythm, all the while held together by Idehen’s captivating storytelling.
We had the absolute pleasure of picking Idehen’s brains, finding out everything we can about such a unique figure. From bouts of depression, to what keeps his chin up – Idehen tells it all.
Head below to read our eye-opening interview with Joshua Idehen…
Hi Joshua! What was the first thing you did when you woke up today?
My daughter has learned the word “nose” so she pokes me every morning – on the nose. The first thing I did was give her dagger eyes, but she just laughed at me.
Congratulations on “Hold Your Chin Up”! Where would you say we are now on the Joshua Idehen journey?
Hopefully at the beginning! It has taken me a long time and many projects to become the person who could do this project. I am grateful that I can be here and I look forward to the next step.
What were your main goals during the early sessions of creating the project?
First, I wanted to make music I could dance to—music that made me happy. And then I wanted to spin all my sadness to bops.
You mix lo-fi house, soul and poetry beautifully on the EP. Can you share what the content of your own playlists has been like lately?
Lots of Amapiano, jazz, sheet music, yacht rock, 80’s lawyers, left field pop and dance music. Highlights include that smooth and steep song: you know the one. “Waves” by Lazy Habits, all Floating Points and Busman’s Holiday.
What’s one thing that might surprise fans about the process of making “Hold Your Chin Up”?
I don’t know if it’s surprising or obvious but it’s the first time I’ve had anything to do with a choir.
You really raise the optimism about the project, what made you write something so uplifting?
I went through a depressive state from 2017 to… Well, I’m coping better now. It was also a very creative period for me, so I had room to make a lot of sad, angsty music. By 2021 I had gotten most of it out of my system. Moving forward I wanted to try rhyming towards the light for a change.
You are based in Sweden, but are a British-born Nigerian – how do you think these different environments have influenced your artistry?
It’s honestly easier to be positive when the country isn’t falling apart around you TBF. I like walking and cycling when I think about lyrics. Moving through pleasant architecture and nature makes one see the good things out there. Mind you, this was before the hard right’s win in the last election, so the album might be bleak anyway.
You’ve already worked with some amazing artists, including Jordan Stephens and Lazy Habits – if you could link up with anyone else in the future, who would it be?
Birch. 4Hero. Nicholas Britell. Khruangbin.
Finally, what’s next for Joshua Idehen?
Well, me and my producer, Ludvig Parment, have just finished the next project – and we are working hard on the next thing.
To listen to Joshua Idehen’s new EP “Keep Up Your Chin” read below…