Nigerian singer and songwriter Yarden is embracing a broader expression of his artistry with his debut album, ANGEL, a 13-track project that explores different dimensions of love while showcasing his range across contemporary Afropop and alternative R&B.
In an exclusive interview with Streamdorm, the singer discusses the musical influences behind his sound, the experience of witnessing his breakthrough record, “Wetin”, gain traction, and the creative thinking behind his latest body of work.
Describing his musical identity as “New Nostalgia”, Yarden explains how he draws from different generations, genres and musical influences, combining familiar sounds with contemporary elements to create music that reflects his experiences and evolving perspective.
He also discusses the importance of personal connection in collaborations, the experiences that informed ANGEL, and his ambitions to build a community around the project.
Streamdorm: Your music has a distinctive blend of Afropop, Afrosoul and alternative R&B, with a certain nostalgic quality to it. How would you describe your sound today, and how much of it has been shaped by the music you grew up listening to?
Yarden: I’d describe my sound as New Nostalgia. It’s a fusion of old and new, drawing from different generations, genres and musical influences to create something that feels both familiar and contemporary.
I’m subconsciously inspired by melodies, sounds and textures I’ve grown up listening to, reinterpreting them through my own experiences and current state of mind.
Ultimately, I just enjoy making music that feels real to me. My experiences, emotions and everything happening around me. It’s a reflection of where I’ve been, what I listen to and who I am today.
Streamdorm: Your breakthrough record, “Wetin”, introduced many listeners to your sound. Looking back at that period, how did its success change your perspective on your career, and did it influence the direction you wanted to take as an artist?
Yarden: It was a completely new feeling for me, especially because it was my first Afrobeats record, and seeing it take off was an incredible experience.
At the time, I was just eager to make more music, find my footing and discover my balance as an artist. It was a really exciting period for me.
Ultimately, I’m here to make good music, explore creatively and never settle for anything less.
Streamdorm: You’ve just released your debut album, ANGEL. What does the title represent to you, and what was the central idea or feeling you wanted listeners to take away from the project?
Yarden: With my debut project, ANGEL, I wanted people to experience the different sides of love: the rawness, purity, innocence and vulnerability, but also the willingness to get dirty, nasty and almost feral for that same love.
The project has a deliberate contrast, both sonically and lyrically. There’s day, there’s night, and somewhere in between, there’s sunset. As the project progresses, the production evolves and the lyrics become more explicit, reflecting those different dimensions of love.
Ultimately, I just want people to feel good. It’s a project with different sounds, moods and audiences, where everyone can find something that resonates with them. I love the idea that people’s favourite songs might even reveal a little something about their personalities. That’s part of what makes ANGEL special to me.
Streamdorm: Across the 13 tracks on ANGEL, you explore different moods and musical expressions, with records such as “Mi Amor”, “Rain”, “Sunset in Paris” and “Luv”. How did you approach creating the album, and was there a particular emotion or experience that influenced its overall direction?
Yarden: A lot of the records are inspired by my personal relationships and experiences with women, as well as observing and drawing from other people’s experiences. Travelling, meeting people and experiencing different environments also influenced the project.
Creatively, I wanted to give people some range. I didn’t want to be confined to one particular sound or production style. I wanted every record to have its own identity, feeling and sonic direction.
Streamdorm: You’ve worked with different artists and producers throughout your journey, and ANGEL features Dxtiny, Kemuel and Fimi. How do you approach collaborations, and what do you look for in another artist or producer before deciding to work together?
Yarden: When it comes to collaborations, personal connection is really important to me. I like to connect with an artist beyond the music. Are our interests aligned? Can we relate to each other? Can we have conversations outside the studio?
Of course, you have to be an amazing artist, passionate about what you do and hardworking. What’s beautiful about the collaborations on ANGEL is that most, if not all, are my first musical collaborations with these artists. It feels organic and genuine.
Ultimately, I value connection, chemistry and shared commitment. When we put out a record together, I want to know that you’re going to own it, push it and treat it like yours, because it is.
Streamdorm: With ANGEL now out, what do you hope this album changes or establishes about Yarden as an artist, and what should listeners expect from the next chapter of your career?
Yarden: I really want ANGEL to show the world that Yarden isn’t a one-dimensional artist. There’s so much range, both sonically and emotionally. I want people to experience different sides of me, from the vulnerable and romantic to the more erotic, sultry and contrasting sides of my artistry.
Beyond the music, I want to build a community around the project. I’m looking at physical vinyl editions, stickers, merchandise and other ways for people to own a piece of the ANGEL universe.
Ultimately, I want ANGEL to feel like a household project. Even if it’s coming from an artist who isn’t A-list yet, I want it to carry that level of quality, identity and presence. Something that makes people feel like they’re experiencing an A-list release, and ultimately pushes me closer to becoming one.
Listen to ANGEL by Yarden.
