A “Natural” Conversation with G.Soul
Writing Natural was a way for G.Soul to showcase his growth in artistry, but it’s more than that. The artist began writing it during the pandemic, a time when he wasn’t sure when he would be able to complete it freely. The stress weighed so heavily on him, he even thought about giving up writing music for a while. Thankfully, he gained strength from his fans, which helped him complete this musical masterpiece. G.Soul had a moment to answer some questions from The Kraze about the meaning behind “Natural,” artists that topped his Spotify playlist, and how he keeps his vocal cords in tip-top shape.
Q: How did you come up with the concept for Natural and how long did it take to decide on the songs?
A: Natural came out at the most difficult time of my life, and that’s why it is so vulnerable. It is my gratitude and appreciation to my fans who've been waiting for my music. When I finally decided to put out an EP, it actually happened quite fast, and songs were put together in a couple weeks.
Q: “Natural”’s music video must be the most aesthetically pleasing video of 2021. Did you have any input on its direction? What made you decide to keep the focus on the scenery and not you?
A: I wanted to highlight the nature and ‘natural’ elements, rather than to be focused on me. I wanted the video to enhance the music rather than the visuals. I knew the director for many years, so I talked to him a lot about the creatives. I told him what I wanted to express through that [music video] and he understood it.
Q: What is your favorite song from Natural and why?
A: It’s such a difficult question! I would say “By My Side”… and “Free”… and “Natural”… and “Another Day!” I love all my songs for different reasons. “Natural” was picked for a title for a reason. “By My Side” just sounds like my song. “Free,” I love the vocals and lyrics, where I didn’t even think about the song structure or anything. “Another Day” is the first Cuban Jazz neo-soul kind of sound that I tried that I think the fans will like.
Q: Your collaborations are legendary. Who would you like to collaborate with that you haven’t yet?
A: I have always loved Taeyang. Baek Yerin sounds great as well. And the list goes on and on like.. Frank Ocean, H.E.R., Brandy, Pharrell… just so many.
Q: Now that concerts are happening again, will we see a G.Soul tour in the future? What song would you be most excited to perform while touring?
A: Absolutely. I pray that the shows and concerts open up, so I can perform in front of fans. I think a lot of my fans would like “By My Side,” and also “Hate Everything” is my most liked song from the fans. I want to perform some cover songs as well. I just want to get back to touring and back to concerts.
Q: Your voice is so soulful and soothing. How do you care for it? Hot tea and honey? Water? Magic?
A: I do a little bit of a lot of things. Honey, lemon, ginger. Sometimes a shot of whiskey before the show. It warms up my voice, but I can't do too much though. When it comes to back-to-back shows, I try not to speak much and be in my room.
Q: What type of music genre would you like to pursue that you haven’t yet?
A: Actually, I would love to try Korean traditional “Pan So Ri” one day. It feels like it’d require very special techniques, so it’d require for me to learn for years to sing in that style. But one day I want to spend some time in that genre and sing it.
Q: These past two years have been difficult. How did you keep your stress levels down?
A: I tried everything. Drinking, exercise, prayers, walking around… I literally did everything to keep my sanity.
Q: Where do you like to go when you have a day off?
A: Home :)
Q: What’s the nicest thing a fan has done for you?
A: Sending me heartfelt letters. And checking up on me. They are my friends, so it’s a very special kinda relationship I have with them, and I am very grateful.
Q: Many fans have you in their Top Songs of 2021 Spotify list. Which 3 artists would we find in yours?
A: Jazmine Sullivan. Her album, I really loved the fact that it brought back the soulfulness and became an R&B hit.
Silk Sonic. I’m a big fan of '70s and '80s music, and it’s amazing how they executed that sound and delivered that level of performance. So impressive.
Kanye West. It was very experimental, but it was dropped at the very right time. Some of them even sounded incomplete, but he is always so ahead of time.
Yebba, the vocalist. Her album was so well produced and well performed.
Q: What’s next for G.Soul?
A: To continue to make music and to perform and be better and get better, grow, and evolve!